Is it possible to maintain like new condition paint?

[IMPULSE DRIVEN]

I want to keep my RV in like new condition for as absolutely as long as possible. I wonder if you ether pay for an expensive coating or wax it every 6 months, can this be done. I see a lot of older RV's that really look bad. I don't want that happen to mine.

[nosticks]

I'm with you on this one. I started waxing mine when new last year, soon after I got it. I just use a good wax like Mothers or Meguiars. I do a little section at a time and just keep going around until done and time to start over again.

[Elkhartjim]

The two worst enemies for paint are dirt and sun. Sun being by far the worse. If you can protect it from UV rays the color and gloss will retain its look for many years. Too much waxing can be harmful as each time you wax you're removing a small amount of the clear coat and thats where the shine comes from.

[IMPULSE DRIVEN]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nosticks I'm with you on this one. I started waxing mine when new last year, soon after I got it. I just use a good wax like Mothers or Meguiars. I do a little section at a time and just keep going around until done and time to start over again.

I just don't want it too look like crap 15 years from now, I just think it takes some effort and I bet people dont want to spend the money or put forth the effort, but to me that is insane after spending 80 to $300,000 on one of these rigs.

[Cat320]

When not in use, keep it out of the sun/rain/snow/ice/hail etc. I have covered storage, in this heat, it's worth every cent.

[GOLDWINGER2]

Covered storage is the best protection after keeping it clean. Be careful with the waxing. Twice a year is plenty.
J

[wildtoad]

If you can find shelter for it then that is the best thing. Regardless, keep it washed and waxed. Also, make sure you keep it caulked and the roof sealed especially around all of the sky lights and vents. You will want to wash the roof from time to time which will help keep the side from streaking.

[CraigAllegro]

I really need to find someone who loves to wax on / wax off for free - it is amazing how much real estate there is on these things.

I have never heard that waxing removes a bit of paint - now I'm curious (polishing will of course)

I think the paints being used these days are well improved but streaking will always be an issue.

[GOLDWINGER2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CraigAllegro I have never heard that waxing removes a bit of paint - now I'm curious (polishing will of course) I think the paints being used these days are well improved but streaking will always be an issue.

The clear coat gets damaged and will dull. A good wash/wax combo mix is good enough for modern paints. Keep it clean and out of the weather.
Unless you pay for the care, as you get older and it gets older........
J

[RovinOn]

I wash my Southwind after every trip, hate cleaning the windows. At 38' it will take 4hrs. to hand wash and dry. I treat the tires after every wash as well. One coat of wax goes on every fall, and in the spring I do the roof.
My coach looks as good as new!
One thing postive has changed for it, it is now garage kept.
There's a lot of work keeping one of these things and I'm always the questions I'm ask by local neighbors as I'm doing my cleaning detail, but in the end they always complimnet on how good it always looks!

RovinOn....

[Elkhartjim]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RovinOn I wash my Southwind after every trip, ... I treat the tires after every wash as well. RovinOn....

What/how are you treating your tires?

[muleman1]

I'll add one more to the "worst enemies of paint"........brushes! No matter how soft you think those bristles are, they are putting very fine scratches in that clear coat.

[mustang652]

If not a RV brush, what are you using to wash it.

I've been pretty good at keeping it washed, ever six months plus major trips and after rain/dust storms. I've only done the waxing once myself, so I've got to get it in gear or pay to have it done.

[GOLDWINGER2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mustang652 If not a RV brush, what are you using to wash it.

The brush combined with the dirt you are trying to remove equals bad news. We don't have choice, all you can do is rinse off as must dirt as possible prior to scrubbing.
J