Another Wash/Wax Discussion

EasternJL

I know this has been discussed, but I haven't really seen a definitive answer on models with solar panels.  I've been e-mailing with Creed and he recommended using dish soap.  This makes sense on the panels, but I'm always worried about using dish soap on painted surfaces (like cars).  It would seem impractical, perhaps even impossible, to wash the panels with one thing and the non-panel areas on the top with something else.  Soap is notorious for failing to recognize boundaries. After our first trip and lots of stuff from trees, I'd like to wash it, so I'm hoping for some input.  What do you folks with solar panels do?  Also, I've seen it mentioned that the lexan windows should be treated differently as well.  Yeah, I'm overthinking it.....

Thanks!

pthomas745

The windows can be cleaned with er...dish soap.  But, if you want them looking great, the product is Plexus.

There are a couple of more.

The panels can be cleaned with just water and a rag, if you are concerned by this sort of thing.

Owners use just about any product that can be used on a car on their Tabs.  In some cases, it seems we treat the trailers like owners of classic Porsches with all the fancy products.  Which is fine. 

If you haven't found them, there are many threads about washing and waxing.  Some threads also discuss the products for the windows.

https://www.google.com/search?q=wash+site:tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com&client=firefox-b-1-d&sca_esv=0d192b7b40015184&sxsrf=ACQVn09ijnK16FIBTIlYDfg9qm-rDLaT_Q:1712355635252&ei=M3kQZtaHD4XAkPIPl82IkAs&ved=0ahUKEwiW7fjqjayFAxUFIEQIHZcmArIQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=wash+site:tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiJXdhc2ggc2l0ZTp0YWItcnYudmFuaWxsYWNvbW11bml0eS5jb21IzypQxApYvyFwAXgAkAEAmAEvoAGgBKoBAjEzuAEDyAEA-AEBmAIAoAIAmAMAiAYBkgcAoAfJBA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp

And, no, you are not overthinking it.  There is a whole industry of YouTubers screaming and pointing at each other arguing about using.....dish soap.....on their cars.  It will never end.

EasternJL

Thanks!  Yeah, I was prepared to use the same car wash solution (has some ceramic stuff in it) on my Tab that I use on my truck, but the solar panels were the part I was worried about.  And I'd seen most of those other threads, but again-- the panel question wasn't really answered.  Thanks again. 

pthomas745

The panels themselves have a sheer plastic "cover", like a screen protector.  So, all that you are cleaning when you douse the panels is the "protector."  As long as you are careful to not "scrub" on the panels and that protector, any gentle cleaner would do the job.

Here is a thread that discusses the "protector" on the panel.

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/14954/factory-solar-panel-peeling

bergger

I wash the whole trailer with a turtle wax car wash, solar panel included.  I use a micro fiber wash pad on an extension pole to wash the trailer.  I do not use the car wash on the windows.  I just spray them off with water.  For the windows I use Meguiars Plastx products.  They have a cleaner and cleaner/polish.  I'll usually do our windows twice over a season of camping and it works great.  After washing the trailer I'll follow up with some Turtle Wax Ice Spray Wax.  It is so easy to apply vs. a paste wax and looks really good when finished.  I'll usually do that twice a season as well.