Exterior care
Wash and protect the aluminum skin
That polished or clear-coated aluminum is the whole reason to own an Airstream, and it oxidizes if you ignore it. A little routine care keeps the skin bright and stops road film, bugs, and tree sap from etching in.
Wash often, gently
- Rinse the road off Bug splatter, sap, and bird droppings are acidic and bite into the finish if they bake on. A regular wash with a pH-neutral RV soap and a soft mitt keeps them from etching. Work top down and out of direct sun so it does not spot.
Protect from salt and sun
- Wax or seal the skin A coat of wax or aluminum-safe sealant gives water and grime something to bead off of instead of bare metal. It also makes the next wash go faster.
- Guard the undercarriage If you travel humid or coastal regions, a corrosion inhibitor on the frame and underbody fights the salt before it can start the rust that hides under the belly pan.
Helps to have on board
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