RV Cleaning
Making a Big Job Manageable
RV cleaning is basically auto cleaning on a grander scale. But there are some differences. RV's commonly have a fiberglass exterior surface. Fiberglass is one of the most difficult surfaces to keep looking good without regular routine cleaning and protection.
KEEPING AN RV LOOKING GOOD REQUIRES REGULAR CARE
RV siding is generally thin fiberglass sheets pressure glued or vacuum bonded to plywood and insulation. The caps on the front and rear are typically made in a mold. First gelcoat is poured into the mold. The gelcoat contains the exterior color. It is then backed up with fiberglass to the thickness specified for the design. The exterior finish is subjected to abrasive forces, particularly on the front cap. As you go down the highway it is bombarded by tiny particles in the air. The rain hitting the cap also has an abrasive effect. The rear cap picks up everything kicked up by the tires on the road. And if you have a diesel pusher, the rear cap is attacked by the exhaust and engine particulates. The caps on the RV should be cleaned more frequently than the sides for these reasons. A good polymer based gelcoat polish is necessary to keep these surfaces looking their best.
Some RV siding is made of aluminum. The siding starts out as a piece of painted sheet metal. The metal is then bent into a lapped siding appearance. Because the metal is painted before bending, the paint on the edges at the bends is thinner than the rest. It is important not to use a product that is too abrasive on this surface because it will cause the paint to wear. This is especially true of the edges. Since the paint is fairly thin on the metal, it needs to be protected from the sun and weather because oxidation can easily occur. Again, a polymer-based product should be used for RV cleaning and to protect these surfaces.
The sun is also an enemy of fiberglass, as well as vinyl graphics. Oxidation occurs at a much greater rate on vinyl graphics. The depth of color is not nearly as deep in a vinyl graphic as it is in paint. Therefore it will fade and be much more difficult or impossible to bring back once oxidation begins. For this reason it is important to use a polymer based product such as
Dri Wash 'n Guard® Classic
or
Ultra-Ion™
to clean and protect your RV, containing a UV protectant. If the RV is already oxidized, use
Dri Wash 'n Guard® OxyGone®
to remove the oxidation and restore the shine first.
Rubber Components Require Regular Attention Too!
Another common problem of RV cleaning is the rubber roof cleaning. Environmental polution settles on the roof and can attack the rubber. It is also the primary source for "black streaks" that run down the side of your RV. The rubber on most roofs is only a thin membrane glued to the plywood roof. Avoid harsh detergents and bleach because they can penetrate the rubber and loosen the glue. This results in bubbles in the rubber. Also avoid products containing silicone. Silicone is a petroleum based product, as is rubber. When two petroleum based products come together they will act againts each other and begin to break down the rubber. Dish washing detergent can make a good rubber roof cleaner. It is mild and has a degreaser in it. This will remove most of the dirt. It is also important to use a UV protectant on the roof to help slow down the damaging effects of the sun.
The picture to the right shows an RV roof after being cleaned with
Dri Wash 'n Guard® Tire and Trim Treatment.
It is designed to clean, revitalize and protect rubber and ABS plastic surfaces and has a UV protectant as well. While cleaning your RV roof, also take the time to check the condition of the caulking at joints and around vents, etc. Use a good quality RV roof sealant where necessary to avoid costly leaks.
RV tires also require attention when cleaning. Again, avoid products that contain silicone or petroleum distillates for cleaning tires. Many folks like the "wet look" on their tires. Products that give this look most often contain petroleum distillates. As with the rubber roof, this can cause breakdown of the rubber and early tire failure.
The UV rays of the sun also have an adverse impact on tires. You commonly see RV's in campgrounds with vinyl tire covers. While the covers will exclude exposure to the UV rays, they also trap heat against the tire. Heat is also a contributor to early rubber break down. Instead, use a product for cleaning your tires that contains a UV protectant.
Dri Wash 'n Guard® All Weather Tire and Trim Treatment
is such a product.
RV cleaning of rigs with full body paint is by far the easiest. They use automotive paints and should be cared for the same way as you would your car. The newer RV's utilize base coat/clearcoat applications, just like those used on cars. Traditional
wash and wax
methods should be avoided to preclude scratches and paint damage when RV cleaning.
My RV detailing work using Dri Wash 'n Guard® products has been featured numerous times in the
Gypsy Journal
RV Travel newspaper. This is a great publication for anyone who travels in an RV. It is loaded with excellent information and great places not to miss in your RV travels. You should definitely check it out.
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