What should I use to clean the outside of my toy hauler?

[Moose]

Hi. I have a new 07 Weekend Warrior SLC 40 ft. toy hauler and I was wondering what I should use to clean the outside of it? It has the flat siding with the gelcoat. It's getting pretty dirty now and there are a ton of dead bugs on the front of it.

What chemical(s) should I use?

Should I use a pressure washer? Some guys say they're great, others say don't use them cause they'll blow off the graphics on the trailer.

Should I wax it? If so, with what and how often?

I found this stuff, but I'm not sure if it's any good:
http://www.campingworld.com/browse/s...=21245&src=FAV



Thanks in advance.

[Moose]

Hi. I have a new 07 Weekend Warrior SLC 40 ft. toy hauler and I was wondering what I should use to clean the outside of it? It has the flat siding with the gelcoat. It's getting pretty dirty now and there are a ton of dead bugs on the front of it.

What chemical(s) should I use?

Should I use a pressure washer? Some guys say they're great, others say don't use them cause they'll blow off the graphics on the trailer.

Should I wax it? If so, with what and how often?

I found this stuff, but I'm not sure if it's any good:
http://www.campingworld.com/browse/s...=21245&src=FAV



Thanks in advance.

[WWFan]

Moose!

Welcome to iRV2! Hope your gandering is fun!

Unfortunately, the larger they get, the more work it is to wash 'em...I started with a good 'ole hand washing until my arms fell off (and legs from climbing the ladder 2 million times), then I went to a brush. I used Meguiars "Gold Class" Shampoo & Conditioner, which is about 1/2 the price of the Thetford's from that darn CW (I hate that place!). But honestly, about once a year I'm going to take it to the Little Sisters Truck Wash, hand 'em anywhere from $100-200, and let them take care of it- I'll just brush wash it in between trips.

I did find a GREAT way to get it dry...use a 18" squeegee- it sure is alot easier, and it doesn't streak (if you wipe the rubber blade after each swipe). I learned this from a Tour Bus operator one time in Denver at a hotel. Works great.

One product I have heard some good with is that Thetford Rubber Roof Cleaner. The trick to keep ing the black streaks off the sides is to keep the roof clean, and this stuff is supposed to work pretty well- I'm going to try it within the next couple of weeks and I'll try to remember to post back on how well it worked. But I will buy it at WallyWorld- NOT CW!

Good luck with your washing!

Sean

[Kablewizard]

Howdy and Welcome to IRV2.

We just picked up a Desert Fox. and were told after we wash it, with RV Wash , a mild detergent when its dry to use Orange Power Pledge with a hand towel. After you get it shinny the pledge will help get the bugs off easy and help with those black streaks.

I was getting ready to start a post on the subject of what you use that works. I will be putting it in the IRV2 General discussion.

Heres the link

[Jeff_in_The_Dalles]

Hey Moose, I see you did come over from ATV Connection. Welcome to what I feel is one of the best RV forums going!

Like I posted over there, I've had good luck with McGuire's soap and waxes (easy to remove).

When I got my unit, previous owner had apparently rolled the awning up wet and full of pine needles and leaves, and left it that way. I tried scrubbing it with various household cleaners and a stiff brush, but it looked like more work than it was worth and I was going to replace the awning.

Then I happened across a bottle of Full Timer's Choice RV awning cleaner. Diluted in a bucket of water, it cut the mould, stains and gunk on contact. Just rubbing it around with a sponge mop and hosing it down had my awning looking like new. It worked as well as Tarnex did on silverware in the old commercials, and I was really amazed.

I tried the same brand of RV roof cleaner and UV treatment, and it worked great, too. As posted above, keeping the roof clean prevents black streaks on the siding. Just be careful when you clean the roof that you don't let the chalky residue dry on the siding and make sure the tow vehicle is well away.

I have also used Champion's Choice RV roof cleaner, and RV roof treatment. Works good, but it is a two step, two product kind of deal, and I don't see any advantage over the Full Timer's Choice stuff.

I recently bought Full Timer's Choice RV wash and protectant, but haven't tried it yet.

I will shop CW sometimes, as they have massive selection, but they seem a bit pricy and impersonal. If there is a small, local Mom and Pop RV shop, I prefer to support them. Otherwise, if you have Bi-Mart, GI Joes, or big box mart, you will likely find better prices.

[Moose]

Thanks a lot everyone for the info... I really appreciate it.


Scott