What might be causing these ... ?

[mbubbaca]

So these white marks, stripes, runs of ??? appear after rain. They wipe right off. They feel like dust not too gritty. They seem to emanate from the hardware of the awing. Maybe the PO used some type of lubricant? This has happened after every rain. I just washed and polished so I'll see if they return again. Any guesses as to what I can do to stop them.

[TBRich]

Those "stripes" are caused by the oxidation of the white top on your Airstream. When it gets wet the run-off brings the powdery white oxidation down onto the sides.

When you wax the shell, you should also wax the white top to mitigate this.

[mbubbaca]

That makes sense. Funny that they are on one side only, but maybe the trailer isn't as level as it should be. I've been hesitant to get upon the roof...worry about where to put my weight but, this will make me work out a way to get some protection on the top. Use the same stuff I used on the body, right? Or should I use something heavy duty?

[TBRich]

You can use the same product that you use on the aluminum...it should be sufficient. The white top is just aluminum with a white plaited coat.

When you get on top of your AS, put your weight on the lines of rivets so you stay on the "ribs"... and all will be well.

[TBRich]

If you don't have a scaffolding option to get on top (few of us do at home), you can lean an extension ladder against the awning roller...being sure to pad the area where the the ladder touches to roller with a towel, heavy foam rubber, etc... This way you are putting no stress directly on the skin itself.

Good luck!

[ROBERT CROSS]

I've been on the roof do'n stuff, wash'n the lid will be part of it.
The roof is the only part of the AS I'll use a brush on.
A fairly stiff short bristle with my normal Griot's wash soap. Rinse, rinse and more rinse. 👍
Follow the rivet lines when moving around. I crawl a lot...spreads the weight better. 😏
I haven't found anything that will prevent the 'chalking'. I just rinse off a couple times a year.


Bob
🇺🇸

[Docv]

your quote on the wife still cracks me up , I have started to use it in different forms it even crack my wife up