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Detailing our RVs and tow vehicles


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I'm a retired detailer and PDR (paintless dent repair) specialist just beginning full time RV living. Done a little bit of a search but found nothing on how full timers go about keeping the fronts of our rigs shiny and bug free. I'm told no washing of vehicles in RV parks so I wonder what you all do to care for the finish on your rigs?

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Well Ron some RV parks do let you wash your rig. When we are on the road during the summer I very rarely wash either the truck or fiver unless it gets really bad. Being we spend quite a bit of time in Montana during the summer, you can scrub the front ends and five miles down the road they look like you never did it. I'm just not a polisher or scrubber. Also in Yuma, AZ. during snowbird season there are countless mobile "wash and wax" outfits that come to the sites or lots. And there are body guys that make the rounds of the parks too.

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Some parks don't allow hose washing but will allow bucket washing or park approved vendor power washing. Chatting with the manager can often get you an exemption if you really need washed. Nobody had issues with a dry-wash session but that isn't a good thing to do to a really gritty layer of dirt on your rig.

 

We kept track of park rules so we knew in advance if we'd be allowed to wash (and how) at a park we'd stayed at before, if we were really dirty we'd find an RV wash to stop at along the way.

 

Our usual plan was to wash and wax at our winter site, use a dry cleaner every couple months and then do another wash/wax mid-summer at a friendly park. Aside from getting a layer of mud from construction or other messy situation that worked well for us.

First rule of computer consulting:

Sell a customer a Linux computer and you'll eat for a day.

Sell a customer a Windows computer and you'll eat for a lifetime.

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I have not been to a park that has not allowed me to fill a bucket of water and I wash the nose as part of my set up. Washing with a hose can very from park to park. Some do not care, some say NO and others say there is a fee for it.

2015 Ram 3500 RC DRW CTD AISIN 410 rear

2016 Mobile Suites 38RSB3

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I'm a retired detailer and PDR (paintless dent repair) specialist just beginning full time RV living. Done a little bit of a search but found nothing on how full timers go about keeping the fronts of our rigs shiny and bug free. I'm told no washing of vehicles in RV parks so I wonder what you all do to care for the finish on your rigs?

I have wondered about the same thing. I am considering an elastomeric coating for the front cap, as the clear coat is GONE and instead of painting again and having to wax or polish regularly. Then wont have as much to do. I am also looking at bed liner material, pretty much tough as it gets and easy to clean when needed. Although neither will shine. Still considering options.

Marcel

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Line-X isn't very shiny but Rhino will shine up nice with a coat of Armor-All or the like. A warning though, it is slick as snot once you have gotten it shiny!

 

White with the UV protectant would look pretty sharp but any fairly light color that goes with your graphics or truck would look decent too. Maybe even have them spray the skirt down both sides? Lots of images on Pinterest for Rhino Extreme:

 

https://www.pinterest.com/rhinoliningsoc/rhino-extreme/

 

 

 

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First rule of computer consulting:

Sell a customer a Linux computer and you'll eat for a day.

Sell a customer a Windows computer and you'll eat for a lifetime.

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I find most road dirt is lower than 7 ft up so that can be wiped off with wet rags. Doesn't take long. For the front of the truck and car with bug splats, I use a bug remover then wipe with a wet rag.

For the high up splats on the nose cone I use a ladder and secure it to my bike rack so it won't slip of to the side. If I don't then we run into the 'Randy A syndrome'

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We recently stayed at a RV park in Oregon that had a washing station. I think it depends on the availability of water in the area.

 

We used to detail our own rig but now don't want to take any chances with slipping and falling so have a mobile detailer come to the park once or twice a year. Last winter we had the interior updated with new ceiling, flooring and appliances and had them do the detailing and it is the best job we have had in 13 years of owning this rig. http://rvrenovators.com/ would recommend them highly for remodeling and detailing.

 

I use to see a lot of DryWash dealers and users but not as much any more. I did use it on my shower doors and it worked great I now use Rain-X on my shower door to prevent water spots and it works great on vehicle windows for ease of bug removal. https://www.rainx.com/product/glass-water-repellents-cleaners/rainx-original-glass-treatment/#.V9lUG63yV1Y

 

I don't know how engines breath thru these but a lot of motorhomes have them: http://charlotteupholsteryandcanvasservice.com/rvprotect/

 

I have seen people use this auto brush on their rigs but don't know that it would work that well on bugs? 51Pzzd1KVpL._AC_US240_QL65_.jpg

 

Good luck with your search, I know their is a market for cleaning rigs.

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We recently stayed at a RV park in Oregon that had a washing station. I think it depends on the availability of water in the area.

 

It can also be soil types, some soils don't drain and will stay soggy for a couple days, others turn to muck when they get wet and that is really nasty.

First rule of computer consulting:

Sell a customer a Linux computer and you'll eat for a day.

Sell a customer a Windows computer and you'll eat for a lifetime.

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I use old dryer sheets (the ones that you toss in to make things smell good) that have been rinsed well and a spray bottle with water to remove the bugs, wipe down with a wet rag, dry, then use a spray cleaner/wax like Protectall to finish the job. Don't know what it is about the dryer sheets but they really work well-used to clean one of the nastiest bugs on earth=the dreaded Love Bug=off my vehicles quite easily.

Ya just can't RV without a hitch.....!

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  • 3 weeks later...

Going down the road I look for a blue beacon truck wash and I also have the app. About 2 years ago was the last time I used them was 55. bucks for truck and trailer, just can't remember what they have as a brightener/spray wax opt. Most campgrounds that I've been to allow a bucket wash. I use what is called a wedge mop ] . Have to stand in bed of truck for front end of trailer, but reach everything pretty ez.

 

 

 

 

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2008 F350 Lariat 4X4, PSD, DW, Crew Cab, 4:30, Long Bed, Tow Boss

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To add a trick I learned from a Class A owner, I use a bug cleaner mixture in a garden sprayer to wet the front of our fifth wheel. Then use a painters poll, mop and pads from Aero Cosmetics to clean the bugs off. If we're not too tired from the day's drive, we then go back over the front of the trailer with Aero Cosmetics' Wash Wax All to make it a little more slippery (and easier to clean the bugs off the next time.) David

David & Donna Driver, Class of 2010
2017 Ford F350 Platinum CC DRW 4x4
2011 MS 36RSSB3 w/Vanity Slide

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If the bugs get bad enough , I'll wash the windshield and the front end while fueling or otherwise breaking . I have an extended handle soft brush with a squeegee for the glass .

 

Then when we park for the night or longer , removing the leftover and any new bugs is much easier .

Goes around , comes around .

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The morning Dew works well for softening the bugs in lot's of places I have stayed. You just have to get up early enough before it dries. I have also found the microfiber mops work well on my trailer they sort of "hook and loop" stick to the handle and I can almost reach the top with just the regular length handle. I mix up a weak soap solution to dip the mop in before starting and have another bucket and clean mop to rinse with.

 

Will be looking for someone to wax my trailer this winter in Tallahassee, found a guy who would wash it by hand but didn't want to tackle the waxing. Hopefully I have better luck this year.

 

Rod

White 2000/2010Volvo VNL 770 with 7' Drom box with opposing doors,  JOST slider hitch. 600 HP Cummins Signature 18 Speed three pedal auto shift.

1999 Isuzu VehiCross retired to a sticks and bricks garage. Brought out of storage the summer of 2022

2022 Jeep Wrangler Sport S Two door hard top.

2007 Honda GL 1800

2013 Space Craft Mfg S420 Custom built Toyhauler

The Gold Volvo is still running and being emptied in July. 

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Dew does a great job at loosening tree 'dirt' on the roof , too .

 

We often park close enough to trees that the roof can get what I consider filthy . If I get up there early , I can almost rinse the filth off . After the dew has dried , it takes a bit of scrubbing . I only wash the roof a couple times a year , but I try to sweep any leaves off before rain as they can stain and clog troughs .

Goes around , comes around .

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