Waxing a 35 footer?

[Exsailor]

I know all about the gelcoat, understand the need to wax and protect but does anyone really hand wax your 5er? I use a liquid wax that you spray on and dry off after washing, particularly on the front but hand waxing? If you do it or pay for it please educate me. Is it necessary to buy the expensive "gelcoat" wax from the RV store? Car wax? A buffer I assume? Opinions please because looking around most campgrounds, I don't think many people hand wax.

[Jim W]

Hi,
I hand wax the front cover which is more like a fiberglass shell than the gel coat sides and rear wall. I use the NU-Finish for the front cover and then the wash and wax finish from Camping world. Here is the link of the product that I use.
http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...h-and-wax/2547

I wash and wax the camper twice a year once in the spring and then again when we put it away for the winter. I did this on my first fiver and the paint job and decals seem to hold up will.
Jim W.

[hankpage]

I hate to be the one to burst your bubble BUT, This is not waving hello, it is ... "Wax on, wax off" I use Gell Gloss RV wax twice a year. (spring and fall) and use a wash & wax for cleaning in between. When black streaks start to get stubborn then it's time to clean the roof.(usually just before waxing.) Oh! and yes, my rotator cuffs are killing me but too cheap to pay somebody not to do it right.

[Festus2]

I wax and polish the entire 5th by hand using NuFinish - a product that I have been using on all our vehicles and RV's for many years. I try to wax it twice a year but it seems that lately, my enthusiasm has waned, and now it has become a once-a-year job. Don't have or use a buffer. Are you listening, Santa?

[fred]

I thought nu-finish was a polish and not a wax?

[Festus2]

You are correct. NuFinish is a polish and doesn't contain any wax - or so it says on the advertisement on the back of the plastic bottle. In any case, I apply the polish, let it dry and then wipe off - by hand - with a cloth.

[2011 keystone]

Me two twice a year spring then at the end of camping season.
Its not fun but realy helps maintain our TT.

[RdRmr]

I use Meguiar's cleaner/wax, a liquid. In a maroon bottle. Have used it for years on all my vehicles. It also removes small scratches and oxidation. The DW and I wax ours by hand at least twice a year, gives you a good workout. The sun here in southern Calif. is a killer. Our previous 5TH wheel we had for thirteen years, when we sold it the exterior looked like new.

[therink]

Originally Posted by hankpage

I hate to be the one to burst your bubble BUT, This is not waving hello, it is ... "Wax on, wax off" I use Gell Gloss RV wax twice a year. (spring and fall) and use a wash & wax for cleaning in between. When black streaks start to get stubborn then it's time to clean the roof.(usually just before waxing.) Oh! and yes, my rotator cuffs are killing me but too cheap to pay somebody not to do it right.

X2, except I hand wax everything 1x year w/ nu-finish and keep it clean the rest of the time. Keeping the roof clean helps to keep streaking to a minimum. (Unless you are in a nudist park of course)

[jje1960]

Wow, lot's of energy flying round this thread... This is our third unit and do the same as always. Use power washer a few times a year, including the roof. Spray on roof gook with mop sponge. Spray on turtle wax, wipe off. Always use the turtle wax soap and use the black streak remover that Walmart has. That's the routine, the first two units had compliments when we traded them, present unit always shines. Sorry, just don't do the wax and rub, twice a year, everyone has their own way.

[jq1031]

This is a great post as I've just started to think about the waxing situation. Now almost in my 7th X 10 year run of life the thought of waxing a 33ft RV is somewhat less appealing, but using an easy process like nufinish sounds like something I can get excited about. Used that product in the past & it works! The product literature says it's good for 1 year, I personally think that's a bit of a stretch, but for us older guys why not believe it!

[LarryL]

I use the nu-finish also It takes a few hours but end result is worth the work. Put 1800 miles on the last trip and when I got back put trailer in storage,
and used what they call a California duster to dust it off shines like I just put the nu-finish on.

[hankaye]

jq1031, Howdy;

Originally Posted by jq1031

This is a great post as I've just started to think about the waxing situation. Now almost in my 7th X 10 year run of life the thought of waxing a 33ft RV is somewhat less appealing, but using an easy process like nufinish sounds like something I can get excited about. Used that product in the past & it works! The product literature says it's good for 1 year, I personally think that's a bit of a stretch, but for us older guys why not believe it!

Got Grandkids????? If not, borrow your neighbor's ......

hankaye

[jq1031]

Originally Posted by hankaye

jq1031, Howdy;



Got Grandkids????? If not, borrow your neighbor's ......

hankaye

Hell Hank, grandkids are all over the US, neighbors are older than me, so I guess I'll do it myself....slow & easy & after I'm done I'll check with my doctor friend for a little pain relief. His name is DR JACK DANIELS & if he's away his partner DR JOHNNY WALKER BLACK takes his calls!!

[Exsailor]

but d@&$! I was really hoping everyOne would say waxing is a myth and unnecessary... Oh well I knew better. Actually I wash it 6 or8 times yearly With carnuba wash n wax, (Mississippi bugs) but I guess I'll get out there and wax it also. will probably take you up on the jack Daniels therapy afterward also.

[Alpinecummin]

I use AMSOIL Miracle Wash three times a year, spring when it comes out of storage, mid summer, and fall when I put it away for the winter. I have a 40 footer and it takes about six to eight hours for a wash and wax using one and half spray cans. Been using it since the late 1990's without any problems.

[cpaulsen]

I also use Nu Finish 2 times a tears. Use a little 9" orbiter buffer to apply and also remove the polish. Have been using Nu Finish for years...never a problem and easy to apply and remove.

[sptrucksbyed]

I use a gelcoat wax that we get for our houseboat and a 10" orbital polisher to put on and take off. Our trailer is 43' long and it takes me the most part of a day to do the complete trailer. But wait this is after i have already washed and dried the trailer.

[geo]

Somewhere, and I can't exactly remember where I say it, but the unknown reference stated not to use an orbital waxer/polisher on the Graphics. If I find the reference, I'll edit this post. Ah, here it is, so it is in the post below.

However, in the meantime, from the Keystone Owner's Manual:
+++++++++++++
Fiberglass / Gel Coat Finish
Care of the Filon™ finish is similar to caring for a new car. Exposure to extreme sunlight, pollutants, and excessive moisture can cause dulling, fading and yellowing. Regular washing and periodic waxing will help maintain the glossy new look. When washing, use a mild, automotive or RV wash solution, available at your dealer, being sure to rinse off any loose debris first. Waxing the Filon™ areas twice a year is recommended. Wax with a non-abrasive automotive wax or polish developed for fiberglass (boats, RV’s) and follow the directions closely.

Metal
The aluminum exterior has a baked on enamel finish. Washing frequently with an automotive or RV wash solution will help avoid staining from debris and soil build up. Always rinse unit with clear water prior to washing to remove any loose dirt. Waxing two to three times a year with a good automotive paste wax will help preserve the finish
DO’S and DON’TS
. DO Use Automotive / Marine grade non-abrasive waxes.
. DO Use Soft cloths to clean and wax
. DO be careful around graphics. Wax and wash with the graphic, not against it.
. DO NOT use products containing ammonia or caustic harsh cleaners as they may cause discoloration to the fiberglass surface.
. DO NOT use high-pressure washers, rotating brushes, such as in car washes, and power buffers. Use of these products can damage graphics and/ or paint finishes.
. DO NOT dry wipe surfaces
. DO NOT use rubbing compounds

+++++++++++++

OK, so it says not to use orbital polishers on METAL graphics, and doesn't mention graphics on the Filon. If it's all the same to me, I think I will hand wax the graphics and leave the orbital for the large, vast, forboding white areas.

Ron

[chuck&gail]

I wax mine by hand. No buffer.

I wash it once a year. I wax at least one side a year, usually two sides per year.