People often also overlook the fact that dirt that is left on their rv/trailer (or any vehicle) will oxidize and etch because it can change the ph so much.
I beg to differ, I own a 2005 Trail Bay 27DS, owned it since new. Each spring I throughly clean the trailer and wax it with a marine wax, specifically, Collinite 885 Fleet wax, it’s kept my trailer protected and looking almost as good as new after 18 years of living in Indiana. Wax helps seal up the porous surface, allowing for a much easier time removing dirt, bugs and road grime.
I use a Automotive ceramic spray, I use it on every part of the RV ,it is good for plastic, rubber vinyl, paint you name it Even glass It helps with the bugs on the front of the RV And even the rims of the RV prevents the break dust from sticking to it. And those black streaks from the end of the gutters wipes right off Easily , I re apply at least 3 times a year it also shines .
Sounds good I'd like try this on my motorhome ! This stuff is very confusing I've never cleaned her before just bought it 3 months ago . Everyone seems to make this out like it's rocket science ! Ant advice would be greatly appreciated. It's a class C with fiberglass body . A 2020 coachmen freelander 21 QB
I've used Armorall wash and wax on my Fiberglass sided RV and haven't had any issue. It keeps it looking shiny and bug guts come off the front cap pretty easy.
JD, there are methods that some pressure washing companies have that will clean a RV and not harm it in any way. I've been pressure washing RV's for years and I've never had any problems. There are oxidation removal chemicals that will remove the oxidation simply by spraying it on the RV then allow it to marinate for approximately 10 to 15 minutes then simply rinse it off. In most cases the oxidation will run off with the rinse. There could be some area's that will need to be scrubbed. Just make sure you don't scrub to hard and remove any paint. However, prior to using an oxidation chemical you must clean off all the organics, dirt and debris. I've always used bleach and water with my pressure washing machine. We have special tips for our machines that will reduce the high pressure down to a level equivalent to a regular water hose. Once the organics are removed then do the oxidation removal process. When both those methods are completed, you can use a liquid wax (if wanted) to spray down the RV giving the surface some protection for a while. Just be sure that the pressure washing company has experience washing and cleaning the exterior surfaces of an RV. Most of them don't.
They make microfiber 'brushes' on poles.. that works great and won't scratch like others. There are cleaners made specifically for fiberglass, most of those will be listed as 'marine cleaners/wax'. I do wax my RV 2x per year, however the first wax job was the first week I owned it. I personally believe that the coat of wax helps avoid the oxidation of the gel coat. One more.. have not gotten it yet, but they make squeegees for drying the sides of the RV, it won't get all the water, but should help to avoid some of the water spots.
Rockwood recommends wax. I never have waxed our RV. I DO use a power washer but i use the wash nozzle. You can buy nozzle kits with 5 different nozzles. I use the middle or wash nozzle and it works well. I do avoid the bottom of the windows.
I use soft water to clean my 5th wheel. Had a spigot installed when we replaced our home soft water system. Help eliminate hard water spots especially in AZ that has some of the hardest water.
Just bought a brand new class A and the first thing I did before taking it out is have its paint protected with a good quality ceramic coating ( professionally done). Had the same thing done to my fifth wheel when it was new and it looked that way (new) till the day we traded it in. Use neutral ph soap to wash and you will be happy with your shine.
I would definitely use a protective product by my RV’s exterior. I store my wife’s 2019 Winnebago 2100BH inside a climate controlled shop where I can wash and wax anytime during the year, usually before camping season starts. Using a power washer correctly to wash the RV is OK, with a wide fan nozzle and minimizing blasting water at seams, windows, joints, etc. Light oxidation can be removed with an all-in-one cleaner/wax product. I wouldn’t use an automotive polish, as JD stated, the gel coat is relatively thin and the surface isn’t uniform. I’ve used Collinite paste wax, it’s a bit difficult to work with but it’s been used in the marine world for years. Collinite does offer a liquid wax, 845, which should be easier to work with. Collinite is an incredibly durable natural wax. For folks camping full time or leave their rig outside, applying and removing any protection product it’s recommended not to do it full sun. In these situations a sprayable sealant or ceramic coating would be easier to apply and remove quickly. Some of these products, such as Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Wet Wax, can be sprayed onto the still wet surface and wiped off with a drying towel. I don’t believe a pro-sumer level ceramic coating such as Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light will be effective on a gel-coat, CSL is designed to bond with a clear coat/hard plastic. Pro-sumer level ceramic coatings usually come in small volumes 30-50ml bottles from $55-$120 per bottle and would be cost prohibitive for most people, lots of surface area on an RV you’d probably use 2-4 bottles depending on size. CSL is definitely a product best applied indoors. Sprayable sealants and ceramic coatings can be purchased in larger volumes. I’ve had good luck with Technicians Choice TEC582 Ceramic Detail Spray, available in gallon size, lots of choices out there, I use this product between washes of my vehicles along with the Winnebago. For vinyl surfaces, 303 Automotive Protectant gets applied to awnings top and bottom after it’s washed, include the roof and accessories. Gallon size available. Stubborn bug remains on the front cap can be chemically removed with a PH balanced bug off product, I use Gtechniq W8 V2 Bug Remover. I own several Gtechniq ceramic coated vehicles, W8 will not harm the coatings but will probably remove sealant/wax, again several bug off options available from different manufacturers. I follow up with Technicians Choice afterward. For our usage, TEC582 would probably be adequate for a trailer that’s only outside 30-40 days a year. In a high sun environment, just like your daily driven vehicle, a once a year application might be not enough.
Bless you for this post!!!!!! We use Carpro CQuartz UK 3.0 on our vehicles but I've been scratching my head trying to figure out how to protect our new rig. Your comment helps TREMENDOUSLY!!!!! I would have loved to ceramic coat it and maintain with Tec582.
We were offered a protectant when we got our new Rockwood 2898BS from our dealer at a cost. It was something like ceramic coating. It really helped with cleaning.
So you use Windex to clean the body of the RV ? Is it fiberglass just wondering cause I've never heard of doing it this way before. I'm so confused to even know what to use on my motorhome that we bought just a couple months ago ! Everyone makes this stuff seem like it's rocket science!
thanks, I try not to get up close and personal with the cartcher. I stand back and for protection I use the spray on ceramic coating for chemical guys, awesome product keeps the coach slick and smooth
Couldn’t you take the fifth wheel to a blue beacon truck wash if you don’t have access to wash it at home with the method you mentioned? Or is that not the greatest idea?
I have a wildwood aluminum front cap in 2 years it looks like tan chalk what do I do . I have used 2in 1 cleaned wax and it still doesn’t hold a good shine. Ceramic coating?
Did you ever find out a answer to this ? I've wondered about using it myself but afraid to . Now I've seen people use regular dawn dish soap to wash their roof with but I don't know about the body? Was wondering what you tried and how it did !
It is very important to wash your trailer. Watch a car detailing video from pan the organizer on TH-cam to learn how to wash a vehicle. I agree not to use power washer on trailer for the reasons given. Use two bucket method with microfiber mitt or microfiber pad on pole. Look to harbor freight. Use two or three bucket methods to wash. Use a quality microfiber drying towel. Ceramic coat every 6 months if using a consumer spray product like turtle wax or meguairs. Ceramic lasts much longer than wax.
Hello Sir we just bought a 2020 motorhome about 3 months ago , a Class C , I'm so confused of what to use to wash and clean it with . It's fiberglass, everyone makes this stuff out like it's rocket science it's very confusing! Has me so concerned I don't know what to use on it !
Hello I just bought a motorhome 3 months ago , I'm trying to figure out what to use to clean it with, it's a class C , fiberglass body . Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I'm so confused as to what to use I'm afraid to use anything after watching these videos hours on end and have learned nothing really .
@@BTBRVReviews That's what I thought. Thank you for being honest. My personal experience of 40 years with many RVs and boats says your video is not accurate or incomplete at best. I suggest people follow the recommendation of their RV manufacturer. From the Forest River owner's manual for your 5th wheel "Wax at least once a year with a standard liquid or paste wax" There is an entire section about the care of the exterior finish. And yes washing, as you indicated, is an important part of proper care.
@@BTBRVReviews In all due respect, I regularly follow you site for the last 4 yrs.Your rvs sit around under a port till last year, you flip them regularly, you really, don't really go far with them. If you travel up and down the coast ,or across country, you need some kind of protection against the elements, dirt, road grime, bugs etc.29 years rv experience .
@@josephsouza9951 Hello Sir was wondering if you could give me some info on what the best method is to clean my Motorhome and what to use . After hours and hours of watching videos on here I'm confused as can be. It's a class C motorhome with fiberglass body . We are a older couple just trying to figure this out ! Everyone makes this stuff out like it's rocket science!
The worst thing you can do to an RV is let it sit in the sun and do nothing about it. If you're not going to put protectant on your RV at least keep it out of the sun when not in use.
People often also overlook the fact that dirt that is left on their rv/trailer (or any vehicle) will oxidize and etch because it can change the ph so much.
I beg to differ, I own a 2005 Trail Bay 27DS, owned it since new. Each spring I throughly clean the trailer and wax it with a marine wax, specifically, Collinite 885 Fleet wax, it’s kept my trailer protected and looking almost as good as new after 18 years of living in Indiana. Wax helps seal up the porous surface, allowing for a much easier time removing dirt, bugs and road grime.
I use Collinite wax on my jeep. Good stuff.
Foam cannon with car wash soap works great too...
I use a Automotive ceramic spray, I use it on every part of the RV ,it is good for plastic, rubber vinyl, paint you name it Even glass It helps with the bugs on the front of the RV And even the rims of the RV prevents the break dust from sticking to it. And those black streaks from the end of the gutters wipes right off Easily , I re apply at least 3 times a year it also shines .
I use 303 rv wash/protectant. I foam it on and rinse it off and let air dry. It only takes me about 30 minutes to wash my 30ft 5th wheel.
Sounds good I'd like try this on my motorhome ! This stuff is very confusing I've never cleaned her before just bought it 3 months ago . Everyone seems to make this out like it's rocket science ! Ant advice would be greatly appreciated. It's a class C with fiberglass body . A 2020 coachmen freelander 21 QB
I've used Armorall wash and wax on my Fiberglass sided RV and haven't had any issue. It keeps it looking shiny and bug guts come off the front cap pretty easy.
JD, there are methods that some pressure washing companies have that will clean a RV and not harm it in any way. I've been pressure washing RV's for years and I've never had any problems. There are oxidation removal chemicals that will remove the oxidation simply by spraying it on the RV then allow it to marinate for approximately 10 to 15 minutes then simply rinse it off. In most cases the oxidation will run off with the rinse. There could be some area's that will need to be scrubbed. Just make sure you don't scrub to hard and remove any paint. However, prior to using an oxidation chemical you must clean off all the organics, dirt and debris. I've always used bleach and water with my pressure washing machine.
We have special tips for our machines that will reduce the high pressure down to a level equivalent to a regular water hose. Once the organics are removed then do the oxidation removal process. When both those methods are completed, you can use a liquid wax (if wanted) to spray down the RV giving the surface some protection for a while. Just be sure that the pressure washing company has experience washing and cleaning the exterior surfaces of an RV. Most of them don't.
I didn’t get told to not pressure wash till my second Rv by our tech it’s good video. I actually got water in my seals from pressure washing
They make microfiber 'brushes' on poles.. that works great and won't scratch like others. There are cleaners made specifically for fiberglass, most of those will be listed as 'marine cleaners/wax'. I do wax my RV 2x per year, however the first wax job was the first week I owned it. I personally believe that the coat of wax helps avoid the oxidation of the gel coat. One more.. have not gotten it yet, but they make squeegees for drying the sides of the RV, it won't get all the water, but should help to avoid some of the water spots.
Rockwood recommends wax. I never have waxed our RV. I DO use a power washer but i use the wash nozzle. You can buy nozzle kits with 5 different nozzles. I use the middle or wash nozzle and it works well. I do avoid the bottom of the windows.
I use soft water to clean my 5th wheel. Had a spigot installed when we replaced our home soft water system. Help eliminate hard water spots especially in AZ that has some of the hardest water.
Just bought a brand new class A and the first thing I did before taking it out is have its paint protected with a good quality ceramic coating ( professionally done). Had the same thing done to my fifth wheel when it was new and it looked that way (new) till the day we traded it in. Use neutral ph soap to wash and you will be happy with your shine.
How much does that cost?
ceramic is the way to go
@@theer2259 for a 32 foot Class A it was $120 a foot and guaranteed for 5 years.
What about putting a ceramic coating?
I would definitely use a protective product by my RV’s exterior. I store my wife’s 2019 Winnebago 2100BH inside a climate controlled shop where I can wash and wax anytime during the year, usually before camping season starts. Using a power washer correctly to wash the RV is OK, with a wide fan nozzle and minimizing blasting water at seams, windows, joints, etc. Light oxidation can be removed with an all-in-one cleaner/wax product. I wouldn’t use an automotive polish, as JD stated, the gel coat is relatively thin and the surface isn’t uniform.
I’ve used Collinite paste wax, it’s a bit difficult to work with but it’s been used in the marine world for years. Collinite does offer a liquid wax, 845, which should be easier to work with. Collinite is an incredibly durable natural wax. For folks camping full time or leave their rig outside, applying and removing any protection product it’s recommended not to do it full sun. In these situations a sprayable sealant or ceramic coating would be easier to apply and remove quickly. Some of these products, such as Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Wet Wax, can be sprayed onto the still wet surface and wiped off with a drying towel.
I don’t believe a pro-sumer level ceramic coating such as Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light will be effective on a gel-coat, CSL is designed to bond with a clear coat/hard plastic. Pro-sumer level ceramic coatings usually come in small volumes 30-50ml bottles from $55-$120 per bottle and would be cost prohibitive for most people, lots of surface area on an RV you’d probably use 2-4 bottles depending on size. CSL is definitely a product best applied indoors.
Sprayable sealants and ceramic coatings can be purchased in larger volumes. I’ve had good luck with Technicians Choice TEC582 Ceramic Detail Spray, available in gallon size, lots of choices out there, I use this product between washes of my vehicles along with the Winnebago.
For vinyl surfaces, 303 Automotive Protectant gets applied to awnings top and bottom after it’s washed, include the roof and accessories. Gallon size available.
Stubborn bug remains on the front cap can be chemically removed with a PH balanced bug off product, I use Gtechniq W8 V2 Bug Remover. I own several Gtechniq ceramic coated vehicles, W8 will not harm the coatings but will probably remove sealant/wax, again several bug off options available from different manufacturers. I follow up with Technicians Choice afterward.
For our usage, TEC582 would probably be adequate for a trailer that’s only outside 30-40 days a year. In a high sun environment, just like your daily driven vehicle, a once a year application might be not enough.
Bless you for this post!!!!!! We use Carpro CQuartz UK 3.0 on our vehicles but I've been scratching my head trying to figure out how to protect our new rig. Your comment helps TREMENDOUSLY!!!!! I would have loved to ceramic coat it and maintain with Tec582.
Good timing. I'm washing mine next week.
I was gonna ask what you thought of the wash and wax soap products, but see that is what you use. Been thinking of trying something like that.
We were offered a protectant when we got our new Rockwood 2898BS from our dealer at a cost. It was something like ceramic coating. It really helped with cleaning.
Thank you for the info..👍 was wondering how to bathe the trailer..
We use a Windex pad/pole with a hose. It cleans it well.
So you use Windex to clean the body of the RV ? Is it fiberglass just wondering cause I've never heard of doing it this way before. I'm so confused to even know what to use on my motorhome that we bought just a couple months ago ! Everyone makes this stuff seem like it's rocket science!
thanks, I try not to get up close and personal with the cartcher. I stand back and for protection I use the spray on ceramic coating for chemical guys, awesome product keeps the coach slick and smooth
Use Defender from P&S it'll give protection and help keep it hydrophobic
A good way to remove decals is to use a pressure washer. If you do use one use the widest fan pattern.
I just asked about ceramic. My unit is just 1 year old now.
What is your opinion of RV conversions (Cargo Trailer to RV?)
Recommendations on washing the roof of anRV. Do or don’t?
Would you do video on cleaning roof ?
Couldn’t you take the fifth wheel to a blue beacon truck wash if you don’t have access to wash it at home with the method you mentioned? Or is that not the greatest idea?
Austin P -- Not a good idea for all the reason JD mentioned in the video.
How to remove oxidization? Mines a 2016.
How do you get rid of those nasty bugs on your front cap ???
What about 17 year old rv, my husband waxes ours and it really makes a difference. Any other advice ?
We have an aluminum sided camper. What are your suggestions for cleaning it?
What about using P&S BeadMaker on gelcoat?
I have a wildwood aluminum front cap in 2 years it looks like tan chalk what do I do . I have used 2in 1 cleaned wax and it still doesn’t hold a good shine. Ceramic coating?
so what do you do about oxidation? One side of my rv is faded the outher side is shiney
Is it safe to use dish soap to wash trailer/vehicle or is that a bad idea?
Did you ever find out a answer to this ? I've wondered about using it myself but afraid to . Now I've seen people use regular dawn dish soap to wash their roof with but I don't know about the body? Was wondering what you tried and how it did !
Haven't washed it yet 😭
It is very important to wash your trailer. Watch a car detailing video from pan the organizer on TH-cam to learn how to wash a vehicle. I agree not to use power washer on trailer for the reasons given.
Use two bucket method with microfiber mitt or microfiber pad on pole. Look to harbor freight. Use two or three bucket methods to wash. Use a quality microfiber drying towel. Ceramic coat every 6 months if using a consumer spray product like turtle wax or meguairs. Ceramic lasts much longer than wax.
Hello Sir we just bought a 2020 motorhome about 3 months ago , a Class C , I'm so confused of what to use to wash and clean it with . It's fiberglass, everyone makes this stuff out like it's rocket science it's very confusing! Has me so concerned I don't know what to use on it !
Waxing these giant whales sure is a chore. I am starting to get oxidation so now I have to get that off and try again. Fiberglass is tough
Hello I just bought a motorhome 3 months ago , I'm trying to figure out what to use to clean it with, it's a class C , fiberglass body . Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I'm so confused as to what to use I'm afraid to use anything after watching these videos hours on end and have learned nothing really .
What test data do you have to back your claim?
None. Personal experience with 5 RVs.
@@BTBRVReviews That's what I thought. Thank you for being honest. My personal experience of 40 years with many RVs and boats says your video is not accurate or incomplete at best. I suggest people follow the recommendation of their RV manufacturer. From the Forest River owner's manual for your 5th wheel "Wax at least once a year with a standard liquid or paste wax" There is an entire section about the care of the exterior finish. And yes washing, as you indicated, is an important part of proper care.
@@BTBRVReviews In all due respect, I regularly follow you site for the last 4 yrs.Your rvs sit around under a port till last year, you flip them regularly, you really, don't really go far with them. If you travel up and down the coast ,or across country, you need some kind of protection against the elements, dirt, road grime, bugs etc.29 years rv experience .
@@josephsouza9951 Hello Sir was wondering if you could give me some info on what the best method is to clean my Motorhome and what to use . After hours and hours of watching videos on here I'm confused as can be. It's a class C motorhome with fiberglass body . We are a older couple just trying to figure this out ! Everyone makes this stuff out like it's rocket science!
The worst thing you can do to an RV is let it sit in the sun and do nothing about it. If you're not going to put protectant on your RV at least keep it out of the sun when not in use.
"Should you wax your RV?" NO! pay someone else to do it.