Dumb Newbie Move

[mfrez]

On our first trip with the trailer it rained ALOT. Developed a leak along the dinette window, and the first thing I tried was running a strip of duct tape along the top of the window as a stopgap measure. Later through lots of trial and error found that it was actually coming from the clearance lights.

My question is regarding removing the duct tape. I left it on too long and the sun seems to have baked it on somewhat. The tape peeled off but there is still a residue and fiber strips. Won't do that again! What would you recommend as a remover that won't harm the aluminum?

Thanks for your help, these forums have been a wealth of knowledge.

[KJRitchie]

I've used mineral spirits on my 2008 and no harm to the aluminum.

Kelvin

[dennis3751]

Mineral spirits would be my 1st choice as well. Won't damage the clear coat and removes many adhesives.
Dennis

[Ted S.]

Turtle Wax Bug and Tar Remover seems to work well on tape residue.

[OTRA15]

Goof Off and Goo Be Gone maybe, but try first in hidden area. Does your aluminum have a clear coat on it?

[Wayne&Sam]

WD-40 works well for me. Wipe it down well to get the area covered with WD-40, then let it soak for several minutes. Let wipe off.

[SeaLevel]

Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam

WD-40 works well for me. Wipe it down well to get the area covered with WD-40, then let it soak for several minutes. Let wipe off.

Another vote for WD-40.

[centennialman]

Definitely WD-40. You are safe with that.

[mfrez]

Thanks everybody for the quick responses! cheap and easy, usually not associated with an Airstream

[GySgt Attack]

Originally Posted by centennialman

Definitely WD-40. You are safe with that.

WD-40 would be a prescription only item if it also worked well on people! The few Squeekers and Squealers that I used it on didn't fare well however. .. Bahahaha! =) Great advice though!!!

[brad1]

A little time with a heat gun will make it a lot easier for any of the above solutions to work.


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[TDHofstetter]

The single best adhesive remover (including that from duct tape) is good ol' Ronsonol (napthalene, aka Zippo lighter fluid, the stuff in the yellow plastic bottle). A tiny bit goes a very long way. It's absolutely harmless to aluminum and practically anything else that's not oil-based, yet it dissolves adhesives better than practically anything else (acetone being one possible exception, but that stuff requires excellent ventilation, which the Ronsonol doesn't).