How do I keep it looking new?

kazuaki · 06-17-2013, 08:06 PM

Hi all, I figured this must have been asked before, but I didn't have any luck searching for it. I have a 2013 Raptor 381LEV, that we've only had a couple months. We plan on keeping this thing for a loooong time. So tell me, being that we are starting with a clean slate, what is the very best thing we can be doing to keep the fiberglass and decals looking like new? I've got a Porter Cable 7424 polisher, so machine-applied polishes/waxes are OK. It seems like the decals are often the first thing to go on these. Unfortunately, keeping the coach 100% out of the hot Southern California sun is not an option.

Thanks!

Festus2 · 06-17-2013, 08:14 PM

For decals, I would recommend Aerospace303 Protectant. This can also be used over the whole unit and is compatible with your EPDM roof as well. For an exterior wax/polish, I use Nu-Finish - comes in an orange plastic container, is reasonably priced and when dry, is easy to rub to a shine. Others will chime in with their favourites but these two work for me.

kazuaki · 06-17-2013, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Festus2

For decals, I would recommend Aerospace303 Protectant. This can also be used over the whole unit and is compatible with your EPDM roof as well. For an exterior wax/polish, I use Nu-Finish - comes in an orange plastic container, is reasonably priced and when dry, is easy to rub to a shine. Others will chime in with their favourites but these two work for me.

Thanks. I'm familiar with 303, I've used it on cars for years. So, just wipe it onto the decals? Do you make special effort to avoid getting the Nu-Finish on the decals?

Festus2 · 06-17-2013, 08:42 PM

I just wipe the 303 on the decals and I am not concerned about getting wax on the decals. I think there is an unfounded and unsupported fear about applying wax to decals. If you put wax on a decals that have a rough surface, then you might run into some issues. Otherwise, if the decals are smooth and shiny, there isn't a problem IMO.

therink · 06-18-2013, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Festus2

I just wipe the 303 on the decals and I am not concerned about getting wax on the decals. I think there is an unfounded and unsupported fear about applying wax to decals. If you put wax on a decals that have a rough surface, then you might run into some issues. Otherwise, if the decals are smooth and shiny, there isn't a problem IMO.

X2- I have been using Nufinish (hand applied) for many years on all of my Rv inincluding the graphics with no problems. I have not experienced peeling decals yet. Nufinish is very easy to work with and keeps my fiver looking great.

Bugle Boy · 06-18-2013, 04:07 AM

I have been studying this very subject for weeks since we got our new Cougar in May. I have zeroed in on 303 for the decals and Nu Finish for the rest. I did the decals last week and picked up the Nu Finish yesterday.

We got a call yesterday from Camping World that our two slide toppers are in so I will be doing the Nu Finish today and tomorrow and taking it in to have the toppers installed later this week.

As soon as that is all done we will hit the road for someplace.

tileman · 06-18-2013, 04:22 AM

Been using this http://www.gel-glossrv.com/index.php?pageId=392 for around 2 years so far so good.
Also once a month I give it a wash with this http://www.gel-glossrv.com/index.php?pageId=393

SAD · 06-18-2013, 04:32 AM

Park it inside!!

Bob Landry · 06-18-2013, 04:54 AM

Sun is the biggest cause of any kind of finish deterioration. If covering it is not an option, keeping it clean and waxed is going to be your only option. Once gelcoat starts to chalk, it's a downhill process from there. That's why I'm biting the bullet and paying a little more for covered storage.

labs4life · 06-18-2013, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAD

Park it inside!!

Yep. That is the ticket!! I am about to lease some warehouse space and one of my requirements is a 12x14 (at least) drive in door. This will soon become my inside camper storage as well as warehouse. It is under a covered area now at our shop, but the evening sun still gets to back 1/3.

kazuaki · 06-18-2013, 07:00 AM

I'd love to have it in covered parking. It is parked in our side yard and the front few feet and the back 8 feet or so all get sun. Covering it seems like it would help, but I have been told by others that the covers don't last long in the SoCal sun. Also, trying to put a cover on a 40+ ft 5ver sounds like a dangerous proposition to me.

suza · 07-26-2013, 03:33 PM

Has anyone used 3M Marine Protective Liquid Wax?

http://www.3m.com/product/informatio...rotective.html

It is easy on/off and provides UV protection. I purchased a bottle a few years ago, when we built our new home, as it was recommended by Fiber-Fab as a protectant for our fiberglass one-piece shower. I ask, because the 3M product is quite a bit more expensive than Nu-finish ($20/pint). Perhaps I should save it for the shower

Festus2 · 07-26-2013, 03:54 PM

Save yourself some $$ and go with the Nu-Finish. You don't get THAT much sun in Oregon.

suza · 07-26-2013, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Festus2

Save yourself some $$ and go with the Nu-Finish. You don't get THAT much sun in Oregon.

And even less sun in our shower

My thoughts are that the 3M Marine protectant (a wax product), because it is intended for marine use, would better withstand brutal Oregon rains, although our RV will be stored under cover when not in use. Also, it appears that Nu-Finish is not a wax, but a polisher. Would it give the same protection as a wax? Says it does protect from UV.

Festus2 · 07-26-2013, 07:38 PM

Go to: www.nufinish.com and read all about the product. Remember,
Google is your friend.

jsmith948 · 07-27-2013, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kazuaki

I'd love to have it in covered parking. It is parked in our side yard and the front few feet and the back 8 feet or so all get sun. Covering it seems like it would help, but I have been told by others that the covers don't last long in the SoCal sun. Also, trying to put a cover on a 40+ ft 5ver sounds like a dangerous proposition to me.

FWIW - We paid good money for an ADCO designer series cover for our 5er. We were worried about sun damage. Then we read about delamination caused by the build up of heat under the cover and started second guessing our decision. Then we went to uncover the 5er to treat the roof and go on a trip and found the cover had sun rotted in several placesafter less than a year of use! Now we keep it washed and keep a liberal coat of 303 on it. Hopefully, we'll have covered storage before next summer.

suza · 07-27-2013, 11:18 AM

IMO, covered storage is the best solution, if you have the room and $$$. When we purchased our 5th wheel, our existing RV carport had to come down (it was built in 1982 for a 23' TT). We have our own timber and a small sawmill so cost to build or have built is reasonable. This is our next project. The new RV hasn't lit long enough to know what a carport is

joestaz · 07-28-2013, 05:14 AM

FESTUS 2, you use 303 on the roofing material also?

Festus2 · 07-28-2013, 06:31 AM

joestaz -

Haven't used Aerospace303 on the roof yet but it gets applied elsewhere on the outside. I just try to keep the roof as clean as possible by washing it on a regular basis. If we lived in an area that received a lot of sun and exposure to UV for extended periods of time, then I would certainly use it.

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