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Old 09-30-2014, 10:24 AM   #1
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Advice on yearly maint to keep my International in great condition

Hello everyone! I am looking for some advice, or links to other threads, on what I should absolutely be doing to the exterior and interior of my 2012 International as preventative maint. Just want to make sure I am doing what I should be doing to avoid problems down the road. Any advice on what to buy and what to do would be very much appreciated. Thanks!
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Old 09-30-2014, 11:00 AM   #2
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First on the list would likely be to keep it clean and waxed, and to check (and if necessary replace) sealants at regular intervals. Check for leaks around the perimeter of the plywood floor with a moisture meter (Sonin meters are cheap and effective). Park the trailer indoors (if possible, and within budget) during storage.
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Old 09-30-2014, 11:27 AM   #3
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Check all seams

Look under underbelly and all parts for popped rivets - damage - corrosion etc

Wax the exterior

Moisture meter all perimeter

I will be likely to have the SealTech "leak" test done annually (hoping I can find a rally yearly to attend where a tech will attend and conduct for reasonable price - local dealer does it but have not gotten quite yet)

Lubricate the moving parts of the antenna and the awning

Clean all screens and filters (AC)

Check tire treads and date

Apply corrosion x to all cut panel edges and rivets

Apply boeshield T9 to underbelly and other metal parts including hitch

Inspect all of exterior closely for signs of corrosion and treat as needed

I have not done this yet but may still apply that 303 stuff to all the rubber seals and such (around windows for example)

I do not plan on putting any product on ultraleather at this point - only keeping clean

That's all I can think of - I need to put this all in a list form - this is a good start I guess




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Old 09-30-2014, 11:32 AM   #4
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I was looking for this same advice for maintaining our NTU 2011 Flying Cloud. Thanks!


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Old 09-30-2014, 11:35 AM   #5
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Sanitize fresh water system


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Old 09-30-2014, 01:18 PM   #6
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Check stabilizer jacks for tightness including the pads. I lost a pad somewhere. I was lucky it didn't cause any damage when it fell off.
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Old 09-30-2014, 03:00 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PharmGeek View Post
Check all seams

Look under underbelly and all parts for popped rivets - damage - corrosion etc

Wax the exterior

Moisture meter all perimeter

I will be likely to have the SealTech "leak" test done annually (hoping I can find a rally yearly to attend where a tech will attend and conduct for reasonable price - local dealer does it but have not gotten quite yet)

Lubricate the moving parts of the antenna and the awning

Clean all screens and filters (AC)

Check tire treads and date

Apply corrosion x to all cut panel edges and rivets

Apply boeshield T9 to underbelly and other metal parts including hitch

Inspect all of exterior closely for signs of corrosion and treat as needed

I have not done this yet but may still apply that 303 stuff to all the rubber seals and such (around windows for example)

I do not plan on putting any product on ultraleather at this point - only keeping clean

That's all I can think of - I need to put this all in a list form - this is a good start I guess
Good list Pharm'. I do these quarterly except I wax annual and Seal Tech biannual, in addition to Airstream recommended maintenance.

I also look over the trailer for any nicks, scratches, or corrosion. Clean them up, treat them with CorrosionX, wipe it off and seal with clear acrylic touch up pen.

Another simple check is plumbing leaks. With no external water hookup, turn on the water pump until it pressurizes the system and stops. Turn it off for a day, then go back and turn the pump on. If it comes on you have lost some pressure and may have a plumbing leak.
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Old 09-30-2014, 03:20 PM   #8
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Great list, thanks! Maintaining and winterizing are (regrettably) starting to creep into my thoughts.
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Old 09-30-2014, 05:30 PM   #9
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Thanks Doug.

I did purchase a clear coat pen from advanced auto and back a few months ago made my way around using on a number of minor scratches - need to do that walk around again


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Old 09-30-2014, 05:54 PM   #10
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All great information and advice, but can someone kindly explain what "seal tech" actually is.......is it a new sealant as I've never heard that term!!!
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Old 09-30-2014, 05:56 PM   #11
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Their website links to dealers that do it

There are others that appear to do it free lance


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Old 09-30-2014, 05:57 PM   #12
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http://www.sealtechusa.com


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Old 09-30-2014, 05:58 PM   #13
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Also search airforums using google feature - a lot of good info in those threads




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Old 09-30-2014, 08:23 PM   #14
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Pharm,

Thank you for the links and as you know, valuable information on Seal Leak. I had no idea a test such as this was available and could be accomplished. I will certainly have this accomplished as soon as practical. Once you get past all the opinions, the greatest asset of this forum is the wealth of knowledge and experience.

Thanks Again
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Old 10-01-2014, 09:16 AM   #15
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So helpful! Thx everyone, going to start building my list of yearly maint to do's! If you have a sec, can someone list out what I need to buy in the way of wax, lubricants, sealers etc? Thanks again - this forum is amazing!


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Old 10-01-2014, 09:21 AM   #16
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Also - which sonin tester? Do I need the one with pins?


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Old 10-01-2014, 09:35 AM   #17
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others on here bought the Sonin - model I think 50211

Be aware...these are not "high quality" - it is quite often people get one that is faulty or the wire in particular is faulty...but they quickly refnded on amazon and set a new one no big deal and mine is working...I test mine on something moist or wet before I use it to make sure it all looks good...
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Old 10-01-2014, 10:02 AM   #18
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We use

Sonin 50211 Moisture Test Meter. Sensitive, has probe to reach tight spots.

Glare polish. Works good on plastic rock guards, shower. Any quality polish will do on shell.

CorrosionX corrosion treatment. Apply to panel edges, rivets, fittings, wheels quarterly.

Boeshield T9. Underbody steel at least annually, leaves a paraffin wax residue.

Clear acrylic touchup pen. Small scratches and nicks. All exterior panel edges, several coats.

Touch up paint for tongue, hitch, truck.

Adseal sealant, presently. Many good ones to choose from. For wide sealant cracks.

Acryl-R and applicator. For narrow sealant cracks. Got it, haven't used it.

Aerospace 303. UV protectant, keeps window gaskets from sticking.

Grease gun. For ProPride hitch, hitch ball.

Lube for cabinet latches, slides, hinges.

Car wash soap to wash exterior, Seventh Generation dish soap for interior.

Microfiber and cotton towels/rags, Q-Tips (to apply CorrosionX on rivets).
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Old 10-07-2014, 11:59 AM   #19
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Thanks everyone!

Really appreciate the tips. Should I be using any kind of sealer on the roof of my international? Around the AC unit, sky windows, antenna, etc? How often should I do that?

Does anyone have a favorite exterior wax? Just use cotton towels to apply?

Thanks!
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Old 10-07-2014, 12:02 PM   #20
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Wheels

Do I apply the corrosion x to the rim of the wheels or just behind it? Won't mess up the chrome right? Thanks!
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