Community Forums

Alleyman · 09-07-2010, 06:48 PM

Has anyone found a good way to remove those 60mph bugs from the front of the Motorhome? I've tried all sorts of cleaners. Wiping first with RainX before the trip seems to help.

frankdamp · 09-07-2010, 08:01 PM

We're relatively new to the flat-front Class A world. After our last trip, I decided the rig (we've only had it 3 months) could use a polishing. Based on a boater friend's recommendation I got a cleaner wax from West Marine.

I found it gave a really nice shine, but didn't remove a lot of the bugs. Today, I went out with a can of Turtle Wax Rubbing compound, and with careful use, was able to remove all the dead bugs fairly easily.

Washing off the red residue was a chore, but tomorrow, I''ll start in with the West Marine polish. Since the job is by the acre, I might wind up getting an orbital polisher.

I'm hoping that the high-tech polymer polish, "designed specifically for Fiberglas", will be slick enough that the bug carcasses will sponge off, at least for a while.

RickO · 09-07-2010, 08:07 PM

The tip I heard on this that actually works quite well is to take a fabric softener dryer sheet (Bounce, etc) and get it wet, then wipe the bugs off. I tried it and it works very well. One sheet will do the entire front of my coach after a day on the road.

Having said that, I don't do that much. We had one of those 3M clear masks put on prior to delivery and I alway use "The Solution" waterless cleaner on the entire coach. Bugs don't seem to stick very badly and I rarely have to bother with the dryer sheets. I also clean the front of my coach following each day on the road so the bugs can't eat at the finish.

pkendzor · 09-08-2010, 08:04 AM

Our vote also on the dryer sheets........ So far it's worked the best for us.

Paul

Our Time · 09-08-2010, 08:18 AM

For years I have used a pair of discarded panty hose furnished by the DW. Those and a bucket of plain water and the bugs are gone! We have the 3M mask on our coach and it doesn't scratch it or the paint on the toad.

Techie · 09-08-2010, 09:11 AM

We use microfiber towels with Meguire's spray cleaner/wax on the body and invisglass on the windshield. Of course the longer the bugs have been dried onto the surface the more elbow grease that is involved.

AFChap · 09-08-2010, 03:22 PM

Before you get sold on using wet dryer sheets for removing bugs from the front of your RV ...especially if you have 3m or Diamond Shield ... check out my pics and comments on my website at Bug Removal with Dryer Sheets ...dryer sheets are an abrasive...

Superslif · 09-08-2010, 04:15 PM

I have used a product called Gel-Gloss for years. It's a cleaner and a wax....Gel Gloss I believe it also comes in a heavy-duty formula.

Alleyman · 09-08-2010, 05:18 PM

Thanks for all your ideas. I will try some of them next time.

Godzilla · 09-08-2010, 05:28 PM

Hey Alleyman,

One of the RV places had a "wash" guy there who recommended the magic eraser from Mr. Clean. Seems to do a great job even with those sticky bugs... Even leaves the paint a little shiny!

Jerry

CurbCrusher · 09-08-2010, 05:49 PM

Hydration. With Florida Love Bugs, I've tried everything, dryer sheets, special wax, special soap, pressure washer. Someone pointed out to me that when you get a good rain, they come off easy. It seems that hydrating the dead bodies works best. Now I just soak the bugs for a while, put an oscillating sprinkler stuck pointed at the front of the RV for about five or ten minutes, then go out and clean 'em off with the RV brush. It works better than any of the other methods I've tried. If we get a good rain while they are on the front, I'll go out and wash the front of the RV in the rain to save my water.

RickO · 09-08-2010, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AFChap

Before you get sold on using wet dryer sheets for removing bugs from the front of your RV ...especially if you have 3m or Diamond Shield ... check out my pics and comments on my website at Bug Removal with Dryer Sheets ...dryer sheets are an abrasive...

Wow... thanks Paul. I've only used them twice and I'm glad. No more for me.

04Crescendo · 09-08-2010, 08:00 PM

I use microfiber towels with Eagle 1 Nanowax spray. It works well, and after the first time, the bugs come off easier.

SpursMVP · 09-08-2010, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CurbCrusher

Hydration. With Florida Love Bugs, I've tried everything, dryer sheets, special wax, special soap, pressure washer. Someone pointed out to me that when you get a good rain, they come off easy. It seems that hydrating the dead bodies works best. Now I just soak the bugs for a while, put an oscillating sprinkler stuck pointed at the front of the RV for about five or ten minutes, then go out and clean 'em off with the RV brush. It works better than any of the other methods I've tried. If we get a good rain while they are on the front, I'll go out and wash the front of the RV in the rain to save my water.

Ditto this is what I use. An old bucket, the proper soap and some elbow grease. I like the idea of washing it everyday, but most of the campgrounds we've stayed at have a 'zero wash' policy for rigs. What's funny is one place wanted to charge us $15 to wash it (our labor though). I told the guy I could have the water running down the shower drain right now if I was out to abuse their services....so why try to charge me for 1-2 hours worth of water?

Didn't budge....go figure.