The first thing that people will always see with your recreational vehicle is the facade. Therefore, you must know how to clean fiberglass RV siding to keep the RV exterior shiny and pleasing to the eyes. There are at least seven materials commonly used to make up the overall RV exterior: aluminum, chrome, plastic, steel, ordinary glass, and fiberglass.
Almost all recreational vehicles sold these days have a fiberglass exterior or FRP (stands for Fiber Reinforced Plastic) exterior siding. One of the things a camper van owner should include in its maintenance list is to learn to clean fiberglass RV siding.
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Tools You Need to Clean the Outside of a Camper Trailer
- Broom – Use to remove the dust that has accumulated on your RV siding.
- A bucket of water or a water hose – Use either of the two to wash the remaining dirt.
- Laundry Liquid detergent – Neccesary to remove dirt and grime then being rinsed with water.
- Brush or Large Sponge – Use to scrub off the dirt and stains visible on the RV siding.
- Ladder – To reach sides or parts that are difficult for you to clean.
- Drying Towel or a Cotton Cloth – Use after washing it off with water to make it dry.
- A pole mountable water blade
The pole mountable water blade enables you to squeeze off the water from your RV camper van. Making things work easier saves you time in removing off the water on the fiberglass RV siding.
Although it is called a blade, this will not scratch the fiberglass as it is intended to remove water from any surface without leaving any trace. Just ensure that the blade is washed and rinsed before use so it will go smoothly.
- Fiberglass Wax or Gel Coat
Waxing RV fiberglass is necessary, so it will not be susceptible to any scratch. Fiberglass oxidizes, especially when exposed to artificial or natural elements, making them look unpleasant and more brittle. Put on a gel coat or wax to protect your fiberglass siding.
Signs of oxidation include: the rough texture of surfaces, chalky appearance, and siding becomes yellowish. Check this article on how to remove oxidation from RV fiberglass.
- A quality wash and wax product
For people in an area that restricts the use of water or in an area with no available water, then a quality wash and wax product is a recommended cleaner for camper exterior. Although this product will not require a hose or any water pressure washer, it will still help you maintain your recreational vehicle.
Watch the tutorial on how to wash and wax your fiberglass RV:
Steps to Follow in Cleaning Fiberglass Camper Siding
Step 1: Clean the sidings first with a broom to remove any dirt and dust accumulated. Make sure to go on smoothly so you will not scratch the surface. You can use a ladder as support to clean the areas difficult for you to reach.
Step 2: Mix warm water with one cup or more of liquid laundry detergent and dip the brush or a large sponge to scrub it off and remove stains.
After doing so, you may start cleaning the RV siding. Once the sponge gets dried up, dip it into the bucket with soap to avoid transferring dirt.
Step 3: Next is to rinse the liquid detergent off either using a garden hose or a bucket of water.
Step 4: Dry it using a cotton cloth, a drying towel, or a pole mountable water blade.
Step 5: Lastly, do not forget to put on fiberglass wax to protect your siding by following the manufacturer’s manual instructions.
Pro Tips when cleaning your RV siding
- Start working on both sides, the left and right, before you start cleaning the front and rear sides. This is advisable because accumulated dirt and stains are gathered either at the back or the front panels.
- Fully clean and dry one entire side after another
- Do not use the same sponge or mop you used to clean your wheels.
- Once cleaned, it is recommended to put some protection.
What Is an RV Siding?
The material used and the look of the RV siding make it stand out among the rest. It is not just for aesthetic purposes, but its function is to protect everything inside your camper van.
There are two different types of material used for RV siding: fiberglass and aluminum. Fiberglass siding is commonly used because of these following reasons:
- Has noise-cancellation as it is great at keeping the outside noise out of your camper van
- More stable than the aluminum
- Easier to clean
- Not prone to any weather damage such as hail
- Resale value does not drastically drop because it still looks better over time
- The clean and minimalist look
Why Should You Buy an RV Fiberglass Wax?
- Waxing RV fiberglass will make it shinier than ever and look as good as new. It will catch anyone’s attention while you are on the road. It is better to invest in a good quality wax blended with the right amount of polish and wax, thus, giving it a superior quality finish.
- Although fiberglass is known to be a durable and long-lasting material than the other materials used for RV siding, it still wears in due time. It gets worn out due to UV rays and is also prone to scratches, especially when you go into the woods. Using protection will help in prolonging its life.
- It will make your RV siding easier to clean than ever. Adding wax layers will give protection to your RV siding and help in repelling dirt. It is best to apply for wax protection, especially when you intend to travel anywhere that will make your camper van dusty and dirty.
Watch the video to learn about RV waxing tips:
Conclusion
Constantly checking and giving maintenance to your RV camper van helps you prolong its life and usage. Now that we learned how to clean fiberglass RV siding, make sure that you check it from time to time if it is time for cleaning. Keep it clean and shiny as it should be.
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Hi, I am Joseph. Carpe diem! Seize the day! That’s always been my life motto. If you haven’t seen some of the most beautiful places in the country, you are missing out on incredible adventures.