MAYBE YOU’RE PLANNING on keeping your RV rolling until the wheels fall off. Maybe you’re just roving around in it for a few years before trading it in for something with more closet space. In either case, a lit- tle time and effort devoted to maintenance and cleaning will prolong the life of your escape vehicle, or significantly improve its re-sale value. Longevity requires timely maintenance
of all systems, of course, but what we want to address in this article is the subject of keeping the exterior looking new by pro- tecting it from the ravages of time. When you wash and wax your RV, you’re
not just making it look nice, you’re remov- ing oxidation and providing protection
Stem to Stern Cleaning an RV begins with washing it. For siding, be it fibreglass or aluminum, choose a wash or wash and wax. If the colour has faded, it may be time to re- move oxidation and restore the colour with a product designed for this pur- pose. Use the smallest amount of abra- sive agents possible, as they actually remove a thin layer of paint. After a general washing, tackle the
grime with a strong, all-purpose cleaner. Bug and tar remover will help remove stubborn spots. At some point you’ll need to repaint the hitch and draw bar. To touch up small nicks in the siding, try an auto touch-up kit. Protecting this area with wax will make your job easier in the future.
Top to Bottom Roofs may be plywood covered with rub- ber, fibreglass, sheet metal or aluminum. In some respects, maintenance is similar for all styles of roofs. Most rubber roofs will last for many years if they are taken care of. To keep yours clean, use a prod- uct designed specifically for the material. The best time to check for roof leaks
and potential leaks is when it’s clean, and this really should be done once a year. Look for cracked caulking at the seams and around the flashing surround- ing anything that protrudes through the roof. There are a number of products on the market designed to keep water out, such as those made by Kool Seal. Don’t forget the tires. Rubber oxidizes
over time and can result in cracking of the rubber. To remove the oxidation, use a nylon brush to scrub the tires four times a year with mild detergent. Avoid harsher cleaners and degreasers, as they can dry out the rubber. Always keep tires covered when not in use and give them UV protection as provided by products like 303 Aerospace Protectant.
from the damaging effects of the environ- ment. The sun and elements carried in the air combine to oxidize the paint, break down protective barriers, corrode metals, harden and crack vinyl and rubber and fade colours. Add to this the damage caused by flying stones, bird and tree droppings and acid rain, and the need to protect your RV becomes obvious. Fortunately, help is available, and it comes in the form of prod- ucts designed specifically to clean and pro- tect aluminum, fibreglass, stainless steel, aluminum, rubber, vinyl, Plexiglas, plastic, and chrome. Generic household products may work for some cleaning tasks but be- ware the chemicals in some of these clean- ers may yield disturbing results.
Side to Side If your RV is kept covered, it’s sufficient to wash and wax it twice a year. If it’s exposed to the elements, then regular maintenance should be done every few months. Siding will begin to show signs of oxidation in less than a year if not properly cared for. Refurbishing faded, oxidized siding is much more laborious than washing and waxing. As for the awning, to keep it new, it
should be put away dry. Unfortunately, water often manages to seep inside the roll, so it’s a good idea to open your aw- ning every few months during storage to let it dry out. Do not use caustic clean- ers, mildew removers or metal cleaners on fabric as they can destroy colours. The camper steps need a bit of atten-
tion. Simple foldout steps require only cleaning, oiling and occasional painting. Fancier, automatic steps will work best if they’re kept clean and lubricated. The same can be said for stabilizer jacks and slide-out mechanisms—keep them clean and lubricated. Check your own- er’s manual for proper maintenance.
Tools and Accessories One way to protect your investment is by using a cover. These are usu- ally made of synthetic material so they won’t cause rot or mildew. The material is breathable and resists the ravages of the sun and winter weather. Keeping your RV looking new is a ma-
jor commitment, but by using the avail- able tools and products, you can make the job manageable. In the long run, your hard work will pay off.
—Ralph Yates and his wife, Darlene, live in upstate South Carolina. His work ap- pears in many travel and RV magazines.
For stubborn stains, try a stronger cleaner, like Thetford’s Premium RV Wash.
FAMILY CAMPING 13
When you wash and wax your RV, you’re not just making it look nice, you’re removing oxidation and provid- ing protection from the damaging effects of the environment.
Impurities in rainwater cause streaks on the sides of your RV.
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