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A Few Tips on Detailing
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When cleaning the RV’s finish, it is very important to use a car-wash soap because it won’t strip the finish of any previously applied waxes like a common household liquid detergent can. Use an RV cleaning brush on an extension pole and gently scrub the rig from top to bottom, then rinse thoroughly. To dry, try using a California Water Blade from California Car Cover Company attached to an extension pole. Essentially a large squeegee made from medical grade silicone, the California Water Blade conforms to most surfaces, and can even remove most of the water on a corrugated-aluminum trailer body. To remove any remaining water residue, a synthetic chamois is your best bet.
WAXING AND PROTECTING
Waxing is by far the most dreaded part of detailing, but like the wash, it can be easy if you know the secrets. While each detailer has his/her favorite products (some are even their own concoctions), any product offered by reputable companies such as Eagle One, Meguiar’s, Mothers, Stoner and the like will do just fine.
Rather than applying the wax by hand, which is very labor-intensive, many detailers recommend the use of an orbital buffer. It is important to note that an orbital buffer is not the same thing as a high-speed buffer used by professional detailers (these can actually burn through paint if you’re not careful). An orbital buffer spins slowly as the pad moves around in small circles, so it provides gentle agitation without the potential of damaging the surface. To remove the wax, you can either use the buffer with a clean pad or bonnet, or a clean terry towel you have committed to such uses.
If your trailer has a rubber roof, the next step is to treat it. Rather than painstakingly applying a rubber-roof protectant on your hands and knees, pour a small amount on the roof, then spread it with a common household mop. This method is not only fast, it is much easier than applying by hand. Protect All and Thetford are favorite suppliers of protectant products designed for rubber roofs.
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Finally, apply a rubber protectant to the tires (free of petroleum distillates) and use any common glass cleaner to clean the windows inside and out. Tip: make sure you use a clean towel that has not been washed with fabric softener. Fabric softener leaves residue on the cloth that can streak windows.
Finally, if the RV will be stored out in the open (not under a canopy or in the shade) for long periods between trips, a cover is a good investment. Even with regular waxing, an RV’s exterior finish will begin to break down after a few years - and this is particularly true of the tape graphics, which will begin to fade, crack and peel after about three years. Covers may be cumbersome to put on and take off, but your labor will be rewarded in the long run. It’s also a good idea to cover the tires if you can’t reapply protectant often.
INTERIOR TIPS
Ever heard the expression, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?” Well, it definitely applies to RV interiors, especially since most RV detailers don’t do interiors. “Do everything you can to keep the interior clean in the first place,” Lux says. “Then, the best policy is to keep after it - clean up dirt or stains as they happen rather than waiting until the interior is a mess.”
Small area rugs in the living area and carpet “runners” in walkways not only prevent dirt from accumulating, they protect against premature wear and tear of the carpet itself. As far as cleaning is concerned, any product you would ordinarily use to clean your home will work in an RV, but there are some cautions. Fiberglass and ABS tubs/sinks can scratch easily, so use a product such as Soft Scrub that is designed to gently clean these surfaces. For countertops, a universal cleaning product such as Lysol Antibacterial Kitchen Cleaner cleans, degreases and disinfects.
When it comes to carpets and upholstery, there are literally dozens of products (both specialty and consumer) that can get the job done; but whichever product you choose, experiment on a small, inconspicuous area before you commence with the scrubbing. Some carpet cleaners are strong enough to lift colors out of the fabric. And if the carpet’s really dirty, consider renting a commerical carpet cleaner, usually available at large supermarkets and drugstores - they are a lot cheaper than buying one.
THE TOW RIG
Happily, the same products and techniques that work on your trailer will also work on your tow rig. A good quality spray wax applied once every three to five washes will keep the surface protected, while a product called Wax-As-U-Dry by Eagle One can be sprayed on the vehicle’s surface just after rinsing, and as the name implies, wiped off as you dry. Think of this product as a “maintenance wax” that keeps the surface protected after each wash.
You can use any high-quality wax applied with the same orbital buffer to wax the truck’s surface, and if the finish is beginning to oxidize, consider what is known as a “cleaner wax” (same goes for the RV exterior). Cleaner waxes help break down oxidation and any dirt that may have found its way into the finish.
On the interior, like the interior of your RV, prevention is key. Keep covers on the seats, floor mats on the carpet, and when the vehicle is parked, a sun shade on the windshield. Use any household carpet cleaner on the carpet when necessary, and use only leather upholstery cleaner/protectants on leather seats. Lastly, wiping down the dash with a UV-resistant vinyl/rubber protectant is a good idea, but just make sure the product you use contains no petroleum distillates; these can actually promote cracking.
By using quality products and proven techniques, and maintaining your rig’s surface rather than trying to rescue it, you can have an RV, tow vehicle or dinghy that looks great for years to come.
Dewalt Buffer Click Here
Dewalt Buffer
ADCO Products Inc., (800) 541-2326, adcocovers.com. CIRCLE 216 ON READER SERVICE CARD.
Bugs-B-Gone, (440) 463-6386, bugs-b-gone.com CIRCLE 217 ON READER SERVICE CARD.
California Car Cover Company, (800) 423-5525, californiacarcover.com. CIRCLE 218 ON READER SERVICE CARD.
D-Lux Detailing, (805) 795-3589. CIRCLE 219 ON READER SERVICE CARD.
Eagle One, (800) 4 EAGLE 11, eagleone. com. CIRCLE 220 ON READER SERVICE CARD.
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