What do you guys use to wash and wax?

[Firefighter1406]

Just bought a 2011 Keystone Outback. In very very nice shape inside and out. It has been stored outside unfortunately but not too far gone. It’s the fiberglass sides or whatever they call it. This spring I want to give it a good wash and wax. Do I have to use a specific wax? Or just an automotive wax?

Is there any reason I can’t use this product? Works well to get the black streaks and stuff off.

https://www.amazon.com/ARMOR-Rapid-C...8477012&sr=8-3

Thank you for your assistance.

[jasin1]

Originally Posted by Firefighter1406

Just bought a 2011 Keystone Outback. In very very nice shape inside and out. It has been stored outside unfortunately but not too far gone. It’s the fiberglass sides or whatever they call it. This spring I want to give it a good wash and wax. Do I have to use a specific wax? Or just an automotive wax?

Is there any reason I can’t use this product? Works well to get the black streaks and stuff off.

https://www.amazon.com/ARMOR-Rapid-C...8477012&sr=8-3

Thank you for your assistance.

that cleaner will probably strip wax off of the rv if you use it after you put a coat of wax on it…i use a good car wash/ boat was and meguires flagship wax a couple times a year ..washing it at least once a month while using the rv and covering it in the winter.

i purchased a nice telescoping soft brush from Harbor Freight

[sourdough]

What all are you trying to get rid of/fix? The product on that link won't do much but get rid of mold; is that a problem? A pic might help as there are a lot of products that do different things for an RV, some better than others. It's a lot of work washing, waxing and trying to restore the exterior of a trailer - a lot, so getting the best product for the job can be very helpful.

[flybouy]

That cleaner likely contains bleach. It may not play well with decals. As said by others, there's a lot of good products out there for removing black streaks. Whatever you use, make sure to use LOTS of rinse water.

[SargeW]

I haven't had decals on a RV for a while. What is the popular/current wax or polish to use on the rig with decals that won't stain, fade, or discolor them?

[Firefighter1406]

I will have to get some pictures so show. What service do you guys use for posting pics?

[jasin1]

Originally Posted by Firefighter1406

I will have to get some pictures so show. What service do you guys use for posting pics?

when your responding or posting something just click on the paper clip attachment symbol on the header of the posting box…click on choose file and select the picture from your photo album…then click on upload after you have selected all of your pictures …wait till they upload and your good to go..choose close this window at the bottom and then submit reply

[notanlines]

Firefighter, save your money. This is 4% pure bleach. Mix your own if you feel this is appropriate. I would go with a wash with Dawn and a wax with your favorite car wax.

[Lee]

I wash with Dawn, then I use Areospace 303 over the entire RV. Roof, sides, awnings, tires, all rubber seals. After it dries I lightly hit the sides with an orbital buffer.

[ChuckS]

Washing and waxing:

Roof TPO and slide out TPO membrane.. mix of dawn dish soap and warm water. wet down and then apply with soft bristle brush on light weight telescoping handle and rinse rinse rinse

Front, rear and sides.. I use an automotive car wash/wax such as Meguiars and wet a section down, apply the mix from a bucket with the soft rv brush and rinse

Awning underside .. mix of dawn dish soap and 1/2 cup bleach.. wet awing down and apply ( to underside with RV soft brush ) .. roll up for about 15 minutes, unroll and rinse..rinse..rinse

Wax.. I use just about any auto spray on wax and work a section at a time ( not in direct sunlight)

** After washing and rinsing I use a squeegee to remove the water and a towel on the windows to prevent streaks

** I also get back on the roof and inspect both the roof and slide out TPO coverings, all sealant areas, etc and reseal as needed.

My Alpine is now on its 10th year and still looks almost like new

[Firefighter1406]

Stuff like this is what I am talking about.

[dutchmensport]

I'm a Dawn user also. Fortunately, my camper was treated with Resist All when we purchased it brand new. I've never put wax on it, going on 5 years now. Never had to. I do use WD-40 on a soft cloth to remove road tar and use Rubber Roof cleaners and then Rubber Roof Conditioner on the roof at least once a year.

My streaks (when they begin to form), clean right off. I just go over them with a long bristled soft RV brush using a 14 foot telescoping painters wand to hold the brush.

For water stains on the windows and acid rain build up from the air conditioner dripping, I'll use a solution mix of automatic dish washing liquid, which strips away any water spots, just like in your automatic dishwasher. This also wells fairly well on black streaks too. Don't rub, just let the automatic dishwash liquid do the work. Every couple years I spot paint with Professions Rust-o-lium all the black metal exposed framing under the trailer, and any black plastic parts. When trim on the sides begins to fade or shows signs of the color pitting or turning black (like in the photo above), it also gets a shot of a close color match Rust-o-lium (original), not the specialty formulas. They don't hold up.

So, to remove the streaks, just Dawn, rinse real well. Then follow up with your choice of wax. And just an FYI.... if you use something as simple as Pledge Spray Wax for furniture, your camper will sparkle... But it doesn't last long. But for a very, very quick touch up on a spot or two, this is a great trick.

We had a 1500 Chevy Suburban that was over 10 years old and we drove it to death. It had no dents, bangs, or pings in it, but the paint on the body was showing it's age. Before negotiating for a trade at the dealer, I washed it really well (with Dawn), used WD-40 to remove all the road tar spots, and then used Pledge Spray furniture polish on it. The Suburban sparkled like it was brand new! Really! I negotiated a pretty good trade on that vehicle with a DEALER because the body looked so good. Now, after it rained the first time, I wonder what they were thinking then?

The nice thing about Pledge is ... it's just like spraying down a piece of furniture. Spray on, wipe, till it's dry, done! Move to another small section and repeat. Goes fast, easy, and looks really nice (for a short while).

[ACJCF2]

HI brother. My preference is Zymol wash and wax car wash. It does a good job of cleaning and leaves a good shine on new finishes. I like their cleaner wax as well. Wal Mart use to carry it. It is probably available on Amazon.

Cheers,
Jim

[hlh1]

Today I waxed the front of the RV with an orbital polisher/buffer and Meguires Paint Cleaner/wax. I've used this stuff for years on cars with paint that needed some help, and this does a good job on the RV with mold, oxidation, and water streaks. The wax also beads water for months.



https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Clea...85&sr=8-4&th=1

[Kirk's Keystone Outback.]

Originally Posted by Firefighter1406

Just bought a 2011 Keystone Outback. In very very nice shape inside and out. It has been stored outside unfortunately but not too far gone. It’s the fiberglass sides or whatever they call it. This spring I want to give it a good wash and wax. Do I have to use a specific wax? Or just an automotive wax?

Is there any reason I can’t use this product? Works well to get the black streaks and stuff off.

https://www.amazon.com/ARMOR-Rapid-C...8477012&sr=8-3

Thank you for your assistance.

I use this: Meguiar's M5032 Marine/RV One Step Cleaner Wax.
At least 2 coats each time. Perfect for Gelcoat finishes.

[jb44588]

I wash my camper almost after every use. I will use Dawn for anything stubborn. For my wash, I use Turtlewax Q&E Zip Wax Car Wash & Wax and I follow up every other wash with Turtlewax, wax and Dry 1-step spray wax. With this combination dirt and black streaks wash off easily and the camper looks great

[gearhead]

Originally Posted by hlh1

Today I waxed the front of the RV with an orbital polisher/buffer and Meguires Paint Cleaner/wax. I've used this stuff for years on cars with paint that needed some help, and this does a good job on the RV with mold, oxidation, and water streaks. The wax also beads water for months.



https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Clea...85&sr=8-4&th=1

That old Meguairs cleaner wax is good stuff. I use it on the front cap of the 5th. Usually put a microfiber pad on a small one handed random orbit. Standing on the top step of a 8ft step ladder, smaller is better. My local WalMart didn’t have the liquid so I bought the paste version. Report to follow, if I don’t fall off the ladder.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by gearhead

That old Meguairs cleaner wax is good stuff. I use it on the front cap of the 5th. Usually put a microfiber pad on a small one handed random orbit. Standing on the top step of a 8ft step ladder, smaller is better. My local WalMart didn’t have the liquid so I bought the paste version. Report to follow, if I don’t fall off the ladder.

The last few times I've tried using the big RO buffer (weighs feels like 15lbs., 100lbs after about an hour). Was just thinking I'm going back and give it a whirl with my 6" hand held. I don't think I want to do this entire trailer anymore swinging that big one.

[hlh1]

Originally Posted by gearhead

That old Meguairs cleaner wax is good stuff. I use it on the front cap of the 5th. Usually put a microfiber pad on a small one handed random orbit. Standing on the top step of a 8ft step ladder, smaller is better. My local WalMart didn’t have the liquid so I bought the paste version. Report to follow, if I don’t fall off the ladder.

I apply it with a small (6 inch) orbital, let it dry, and then wipe/buff off with a micofiber towel. Like you I normally get it at Walmart, but lately I had to go to Amazon.