Airstream Travel Trailer Bambi 2023 Cleaning User Manual
Cleaning
Exterior Skin
We recommend the trailer be washed about every four weeks and waxed with Walbernize Super Seal, or high-quality clearcoat-safe wax, in the spring and fall. In coastal and industrial areas, cleaning and waxing should be done more frequently. When traveling through winter weather, all road treatment chemicals should be removed immediately.
NOTE
Abrasive polishes or cleaning solvents such as automatic dishwashers or acid etch cleaners are too strong and should never be used. Rinse all grit from the surface prior to washing. Use soft rags or wash mitts, always moving lengthwise with the grain of the trailer (washing or polishing). Never rub hard on the coating. Even the softest rag will damage the coating if excessive pressure is applied.
NOTE
Always clean your trailer in the shade or on a cloudy day when the aluminum skin is cool.
Oil, grease, dust, and dirt may be removed by washing with any mild non-abrasive soap or detergent. Cleaning should be followed by a thoroughly clean water rinse. Drying the unit with a chamois or a soft cloth may prevent spots and streaks.
After cleaning and drying, a good grade of non-abrasive automotive paste or liquid wax will increase the life of the finish, especially in coastal areas where the finish is exposed to salt air or in polluted industrial areas. It will also protect the shell from minor scratches and make subsequent cleaning easier.
It is important to remove substances such as sap, gum, resin, and asphalt as soon as possible by washing and waxing. Sunlight and time will bake-harden these materials, making them almost impossible to remove without heavy buffing. If asphalt remains on the trailer after washing, use a small amount of kerosene on a rag and wipe the spots individually, being careful not to scratch the finish. If a substance is found on the coating that cannot be removed by normal washing procedures, Airstream recommends using DX 330 Acryli-Clean, made by PPG Industries. Follow all directions and warnings on the product container.
Acryli-Clean should be used by trained personnel only, using the proper equipment under controlled conditions. Use the Acryli-Clean as sparingly as possible to remove glue, tar, and other similar substance. To keep your trailer looking new, paint the A-frame, LPG tanks, and rear frame periodically.
It is recommended that the caulking and sealant used in external seams and joints, such as end-shell segments and around window frames, light bezels, beltline and rub rail molding, etc., be checked once a year. If this material has dried out and become cracked or checked, or if a portion has fallen out, it should be replaced with fresh material to prevent possible rain leaks. Caulking and sealing products are available from your Airstream dealer.
Windows
Clean your trailer windows the same way you clean the windows in your home. Clean the seals with a damp cloth and mild detergent every three to six months. Do not use strong solvents, as they will damage the seals. A coat of natural silicone lubricant applied after the seal has dried, will keep it flexible. Spread the lubricant evenly with a brush or finger, working it into the surface. This is good practice for all rubber seals in your trailer.
WARNING
Failure to properly clean and lubricate the window seals could result in the window sticking to the jamb. Window seals that become stuck to the window jamb should be released by a qualified technician trained in the procedure. Do not force, pry, or apply great pressure to open the window. Failure to heed this warning may cause the window to shatter and/or cause personal injury. For replacement of a damaged window, contact an Airstream Service Center.
Aluminum Wheels
The aluminum wheels and axle end cover come treated with a clear coating. Keep them looking good by washing them with soap and water. Do not use abrasive cleaners or polishes on coated aluminum wheels.
General Information and Operation
Step
To operates the step, lift up on the front of the step and pull straight out until the step locks into place.
CAUTION
Once the steps are lowered, press down on them to make sure they are secure in their notches. Never travel with the step lowered or extended.
Main Door
The main door of the trailer is manufactured with a built-in, keyed deadbolt and door lock. The door lock is engaged from the inside by a lever and the deadbolt is engaged by turning the knob. A main door hold-back is mounted on the trailer’s exterior side skin. The hold-back secures the door to the side of the trailer. When opening the door, push it gently into the spring-operated slide. To release the door, slide the hold-back bolt back.
For lubrication and out-of-adjustment issues, see Main Door Care on pages 8-16.
CAUTION
When towing, the door lock and deadbolt must be secured. If it is not locked, the constant vibration of travel may cause the door to open resulting in possible damage.
Screen Door
The screen door is secured to the main door by a slide bolt-type latch. It can be operated independently by releasing the slide bolt and swinging the screen door away from the main door.
CAUTION
Always reattach the screen door to the main door prior to closing the main door; otherwise, damage may occur.
Emergency Escape Windows
The emergency escape window is released by two red release handles found at the bottom half of the window. Once the window is unlatched, push out for clearance and escape.
Front End Protection
Window Stone Guards
The tinted solar plexiglass window stone guards on the front of your Airstream provide added protection from road debris while traveling and reduce the effects of sun rays. Raise the center window guard to allow air to flow when the window is open. To raise, unhook the two rubber T-handles on the bottom of the guard, lift the guard to the desired height, and tighten the thumbscrews on each support arm. Be sure to lower and fasten the guard when high winds are approaching and before travel. The corner window guards are removable for cleaning. Airstream recommends removing the corner guards from the unit when cleaning to avoid damaging the guards. There are two screws on each corner guard near the center guard. A quarter-turn will loosen the screws, and the guards will swing outward on their hinges. Lift the guards off the hinges to remove them.
CAUTION
Close all window guards before high winds and storm conditions approach or when towing to avoid damage to the trailer and window guards that cannot be covered by warranty.
Shell Protection
The front-end exterior shell corners have a 3M protective film covering. Stainless steel rock guards are available for aftermarket purchase and installation for added protection. Contact your Airstream Dealer for more information.
Awning
Complete operating instructions have been provided with your awning. Make sure your traveling companion is familiar with the operation of the awning.
The awning’s primary function is sun protection, therefore, roll up your awning in case of heavy rain, wind, or snow. To prevent water buildup on the awning during a light rain, position one upper arm lower than the other to create enough of a slope for adequate water runoff.
Clear tape is placed between the exterior skin and the awning fabric to prevent the awning fabric from rubbing on the coating, thus wearing through it. Inspect the tape every year or after a long trip. Has it been replaced if it begins to wear thin?
NOTE
If wind or extended periods of rain are expected, roll up the awning and secure it in the traveling position.
CAUTION
The effects of wind and rain on any awning are unpredictable. Severe damage to the trailer and/or the awning may result and cannot be covered by warranty.
Gravity Water Fill
The gravity water fill is located on the side of the trailer, behind a locked compartment. It is used to fill the fresh water tank with potable water. A small vent is located next to the port to allow air to expel from the tank as it is filled. Fill the water tank by inserting a high-pressure RV/Marine FDA-approved drinking water hose of at least ½-in. diameter made from material that is tasteless, odorless, and non-toxic. It’s a good idea to let the water run through the hose for a short time to flush it out. Reverse sometimes fills their tanks with “home” water to avoid strange water that may be distasteful to them on short outings. Remember, the more water you carry in the freshwater tank, the less cargo-carrying capacity you have for other items. The amount of water in the tank may be checked on the Monitor Panel.
Reference Links
View Full User Guide: Airstream Travel Trailer Bambi 2023 User Manual
Download Manuals: https://www.airstream.com/owners/manuals/
Airstream 2023 Top Accessories
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