WASHING YOUR CAMPER
Cruising down the road, sun gleaming off of your freshly washed camper, is a great way to turn heads and get other motorists wondering where you’re headed. Taking the time to wash your camper will also go a long way towards preventing corrosion, mold, and other buildup that can be damaging to your exterior. However, washing your camper properly is not just as simple as turning on a hose. Campers RV Center, in Shreveport, LA, near Bossier City, Ruston, and Monroe, wants your RV to last as long possible, and look good too, so we’ve put together a list of things to keep in mind the next time you need to wash the dust of the road from your camper.
Pressure Washing
Pressure washing, when done properly, is a quick and relatively simple way to wash your camper, however it’s not a magic bullet when it comes to getting the grime off. A pressure washer is just as capable at stripping decals as it is blasting off bugs, so make sure that you’re mindful as you use your pressure washer that you’re not going to be doing damage to your RVs surface.
RV Roof
The roof of your RV is the most logical place to start when you’re starting out to clean the camper. RVs are typically equipped with one of two different types of roof, rubber, or fiberglass. Rubber roofs were the industry standard for years, and so they’re very common, especially on older RVs. Some newer RVs have the simpler fiberglass roofs that are less maintenance intensive.
Rubber Roof
A rubber roof will flake, which causes nasty looking black or white streaks down the side of your RV. The flaking is actually part of the design, as this process allows the rubber to remain pliable and soft instead of turning brittle and chipping away. The downside is that these rubber roofs need careful cleaning to stay in good condition. You can power wash a rubber roof, but it’s extra important to be aware of seals around protruding features on your roof, like your tank exhausts, as a pressure washer will destroy these seals in a heartbeat. For best results and care, a rubber roof should be washed with a rubber roof cleaning product (then left to dry for a day) and then treated with rubber roof treatment. If you need to pick these supplies up, come and see our RV parts department at Campers RV Center.
Fiberglass Roof
Fiberglass roofs are easier to clean than rubber roofs because they take less specific maintenance, and will usually just fit right into your cleaning routine for the body of the camper. Use regular automotive cleaning supplies to wash the roof, but be aware of the seals on the roof, just like a rubber roof.
RV Body
The body of your camper is more than likely made of metal or fiberglass. Depending on the age and design of your camper you may have to come at cleaning the body of your RV from a different direction.
Metal Body
Painted metal sided RVs are pretty easy to clean. They can be pressure washed, and only need to be cleaned using standard automotive cleaning products. The biggest caveat here is that you should be cautious about pressure washing where the metal siding of your camper overlaps. These places can allow water to intrude when you’re blasting away dirt, which can cause some pretty sinister problems like rotting away at your frame. To be safe, it’s best to back off the pressure washer an extra six inches when you’re washing these areas.
Fiberglass Body
Fiberglass RVs are either painted or unpainted. Older unpainted fiberglass RVs typically have some decals along the bodywork, which are susceptible to pressure washing, so be careful and pull out the old brush and bucket when you get to these areas. If you’re in a newer fully painted fiberglass RV, most automotive cleaning supplies will work. If you’re having trouble with oxidation or fading, there are fiberglass cleaning products made for RVs that will restore some of your RVs glory, but these are harsh and will strip off the wax, so you’ll need to re-polish and was any areas where you apply more severe cleaning products.
Wheels
The three types of wheels you’re likely to encounter on your camper are painted metal, aluminum, and chrome. Painted metal wheels are simple, just use your normal auto cleaning supplies, and keep an eye open for rust and corrosion. Aluminum wheels need to be cleaned with aluminum specific cleaning supplies to ensure best protection and appearance. If you’re cleaning chrome you’re going to need some chrome brushes and a buffer, make sure you get the right brushes or you risk stripping the finish from your wheels.
Remember, rubber roofs and fiberglass roofs will have their own cleaning products, so check the labels before you buy. The same goes for the exterior, pressure washing is quick and easy but you blast off decals if you’re not being careful. And don’t neglect your wheels. Regular cleaning will prevent rust and corrosion and keep your camper sparkling. If you want some additional help or just reassurance that you’re using the right cleaning products, visit Campers RV Center today, near Marshall, Longview, and Tyler, Texas, and let our amazing staff set you straight!