Tech Tips for May ’07:
“Talking Dirty”
by, Douglas Berney - Parts Manager, Courtenay Location
and Shelby Cox, a new addition to our Courtenay Parts Dept.
Tim: Hello again to all our readers, and welcome back to all our Snowbirds.
So Al, what are we going to discuss with our readers today?
Al: We actually Tim, I thought you had a dirty-topic that you wanted to share with
our readers…
Tim: What? C’mon Al, that’s not the kind of subjects we discuss with our readers.
Al: Well actually Tim, I was referring to your recent frustration with black-streaking
down the sides of your Motorhome.
Tim: Oh right Al. So explain to everyone what we have discovered with
black-streaking and those unsightly marks that show up on your R.V.
Al: Well Tim, after doing a little bit of homework and research, it turns out that
the majority of the black-streaking that we see on most R.V’s is actually coming
from the rubber roof membrane that most manufactures use today, and of course
products of our environment, like dirt and debris from trees and birds…
Tim: Ok Al….a little more detail please.
Al: Well if you would let me finish TIM! ..As I was saying, the rubber roofs
used on today’s R.V.’s is an incredibly tough EPDM rubber membrane, that
as it ages and is subjected to U.V. rays and other products of our environment,
slowly starts to break down and release a Talc type of product from the
membrane that then washes down the side of our R.V’s with the rain.
Tim: So Al, does that mean my rubber roof is deteriorating?
Al: Well Tim, Yes and no. This is a natural aging process of the rubber membrane,
and with some simple routine maintenance we can almost eliminate this problem
and increase the life expectancy of the rubber membrane.
Tim: Oh really Al! Well what do we have to do?
Al: That’s easy Tim. A couple of times a year, we just need to pay some attention to
rubber roof, simply by using rubber roof cleaner and followed up with rubber
roof protectants, we will avoid a lot of that streaking and increase the life span of
the membrane, as well as have a great looking roof that looks and performs like
new.
Tim: That’s great advice Al, and of course those great folks at Arbutus R.V. carry all
products we’ll need to take on these tasks, along with advise and tips.
Al: That’s right Tim. And I have another little tip for our readers.
Tim: What’s that Al?
Al: Well Tim, there is a really neat little gutter extensions available now
that helps shed the rain water out and away from the sides of our coaches,
this will also help greatly reduce the black-streaking at the areas where
the gutters drain on most coaches.
Tim: Sounds good Al, but is it something anyone can install?
Al: Glad you asked Tim. They are a fairly simple install, in fact some of them just
clip onto existing downspouts. Or if you prefer, have the Tech’s at Arbutus R.V.
install a set while you are in for your next annual inspection or servicing.
Tim: Wow Al that is some really useful information. But now that we’ve covered
the roof and those nasty black-streaks, what about the rest of the R.V., like getting
those black streaks off the siding, and the Bug-pieces on the front?
Al: Nothing to it Tim. There are many good Black-Streak removers and Bug-Tar
cleaners available at Arbutus R.V., and they are all very easy to use.
Tim: What about my awning Al, how do I get it clean and looking new.
Al: That’s another easy one, there are a few products that will do the job quite
nicely, including a couple of all-purpose concentrated cleaners. (and rumor
has it, they are on sale this month at all Arbutus R.V. locations)
Tim: And what about mold & mildew on the awning fabric?
Al: Well Tim, we should probably remind people to not put their awnings
away when they are wet, or at the very least open them on the next dry day possible and wash and dry them to prevent mold & mildew from growing, and if mold is present, use a mold/mildew remover product available.
Tim: All excellent advice Al. Let’s wrap up by reminding our fellow R.V’ers to
get out there and enjoy the great outdoors, and don’t hesitate to visit any of the
five locations of Arbutus R.V. for all their parts and service needs, or just stop in
for a coffee and a chat, and join the growing Arbutus R.V. family tree.
Drop in, call or email us if you have any questions –
The coffee is always on. Have fun RVing!
CALL ANY OF THE FINE SERVICE REPS AT ARBUTUS RV
Marianne in Sidney at 655-1119 or toll-free 1-888-272-8888
Rolf in Mill Bay at 743-3800 or toll-free 1-800-665-5581
Dwayne or Rick in Nanaimo at 245-0282 or toll-free 1-877-245-0282
Paul or Doug in Courtenay at 337-2174 or toll-free 1-866-330-2174
