tire dressing

[FLYING BUTCH]

I have asked several salesman (at new coach shows, and at rallys) what they use to dress up the tires on the coaches, even the used ones to make them look so nice. Can't get an answer from anyone. I know it isn't the stuff you get from car parts stores. Anyone know what they use???

[galangmaid]

If they're smart, they would use 303 Aerospace Protectant .

[Harm]

I second Gary with a vote for 303 only.
Most dealer's dressings I have seen look pretty until you drive down the road and it flings all down the side of the MH.

[monarchman53]

The stuff that makes tires look shiney is usually silicone based and will actually do more harm than good. 303 aerospace protectant is the only product on the market (at least that I know of) that will combine with the carbon black in the tire and offer extra uv protection. It's the only product I would use on my tires. You can also use it on your gelcoat and vinyl graphics (and anything else on the exterior) for extra uv protection. It is a great product! (no I am not a salesman!)
Rod

[photoadjuster]

303 aerospace protectant:

You are correct about the good quality of 303. But . . . .

I have been testing various trim dressing for the last 11 months.

Here is what I learned from actual use of 303. It only lasts a few days, 2 weeks max, when used on exterior rubber and vinyl. It will wash off and streak if rained on within 2 days.

Where 303 performs well is on the headlight lenses. Since it was designed for the lexan windshields of aircraft for the navy, it it no surprise that it works well on the polycarbonate headlight lenses.

I have tested over a dozen trim protectants for almost a year, the 303 is below average, based only on how long it lasts, when used on exterior vinyl, rubber and fiberglass.

This being said, if you reapply it twice a month, it is the best sunscreen you can find. Roughly a UV 40.

[monarchman53]

Originally Posted by photoadjuster

303 aerospace protectant:

You are correct about the good quality of 303. But . . . .

I have been testing various trim dressing for the last 11 months.

Here is what I learned from actual use of 303. It only lasts a few days, 2 weeks max, when used on exterior rubber and vinyl. It will wash off and streak if rained on within 2 days.

Where 303 performs well is on the headlight lenses. Since it was designed for the lexan windshields of aircraft for the navy, it it no surprise that it works well on the polycarbonate headlight lenses.

I have tested over a dozen trim protectants for almost a year, the 303 is below average, based only on how long it lasts, when used on exterior vinyl, rubber and fiberglass.

This being said, if you reapply it twice a month, it is the best sunscreen you can find. Roughly a UV 40.

I am kind of a newbie (only bought our coach in May (2010) so I don't claim a lot of experience but my brother is a veteran sailor that swears by 303, so I started using it right away. I think you are right about its longevity. My main goal is to preserve my gelcoat/ vinyl graphics from sun damage as best I can. I want it to look good for as long as I can. I was told by a person at a rally who paints coaches for a living that one should never wax gelcoat or vinyl graphics, so I figured that 303 was my best option. Do you have any suggestions for a better product?
thanks,
Rod

[Pairajays]

I suggest the best would be soap and water. I believe all the tire manufacturers recommend this.

Jim

[Norm4015]

When traveling I apply 303 to the tires, headlights and Diamond Shield once a month. When in outside storage I apply 303 every three months.

[rgator]

Michelin recommends their product -3 in 1 Tire Shine-you can find it at www.x1r.com/Michelin2.htn

[GaryKD]

I use these products. Go to Car Care, Detail Supplies, Garage Organization, Car Accessories - Griot's Garage 800-345-5789 and read about them.

Use the rubber cleaner for cleaning the tire and the long lasting tire dressing on the clean tire. The dressing lasts several months. It has UV protectant. The finish is a satin/natural look, not the shinny black look.

[LindaH]

We, too, use 303 on our tires and anything else that's rubber/plastic. We even use it on our rubber roof.

[frederick w]

How well does the 303 work on the non-decal surfaces?
& how long does one let the 303 dry until you polish it?

It' works great on decals. Just wanted to get this straight
in my mind.

Thank You

[R1Kirby]

My vote is303 Aerospace Protectant. That is the only thing I use on tires.

[Gary RVRoamer]

I'll bet the stuff you saw on trade show RVs was indeed the same stuff sold in auto parts stores. Or Walmart. Why wouldn't it be? It's showroom shine they are looking for, not long term tire health.