First time wash/wax Tab 400 BD 2021

Simbionic
Simbionic Member Posts: 36
in Products and Accessories
Need some detailed info about recommended products, tips, tricks etc re washing/waxing. I comm'd w Creed, the tech at NuCamp as well. As usual they redirect to the Forum. He did say using dawn dish detergent is ok to wash exterior. (I have a friend who says its not good for the finish(??). Creed also recommended Maguire's wax  (NOT POLISH!). 
What are people using that works well without deteriorating exterior elements or affecting factory striping/decals.
Is using an electric orbital buffer ok?
How to remove the dark streaks, ie below windows?  Another rv user said use Awesome Orange, but when I went online to read user comments, they were quite mixed, with plenty of warnings and cautions.
Since the roof is aluminum(??), should a different waxing product be used vs the sides?
Is Simple Green an acceptable spot treater?
Very open to advice!
Simbionic
Tab 400BD
TV: 2013 Lexus GX460

Comments

  • swiftwave
    swiftwave Member Posts: 50
    Without doing much prior research, I used a car wash soap diluted in water and a long-handled soft brush to clean the exterior.  It took some time to reach all areas, as I was up and down a ladder consistently.
    Once it was clean and dry, I used a car wax with an orbital polisher.
    I did this in October before putting the trailer into outdoor storage.  It’s nearly March and the trailer looks great.  Water still beads off the exterior.  Unless I learn that this process is not recommended, I will do it annually.

    2020 T@B 400 Boondock Lite.

    2020 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

    with the 2.8 litre 4-cylinder Duramax diesel.

  • pthomas745
    pthomas745 Administrator, Moderator Posts: 4,654
    The roof is aluminum with a clear coat.  Any car wax will work.  I use dish soap on my cars.  (Internet runs screaming from the room). 
    And, more than you asked for.  Washing your trailer is about the same as washing your car.



    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
  • Simbionic
    Simbionic Member Posts: 36
    How did you wax the roof? Is it safe to crawl (195 lbs) onto the roof?
    Simbionic
    Tab 400BD
    TV: 2013 Lexus GX460
  • pthomas745
    pthomas745 Administrator, Moderator Posts: 4,654
    Onto the roof, no.  I just used a sponge mop, either with a sponge filled with a little liquid wax.  I've also applied paste type wax to a microfiber towel, wrapped it around the mop head, and waxed away.  Not easy to remove the dried wax in the middle part, though.  I  don't worry about it too much.
    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
  • SubaruLou
    SubaruLou Member Posts: 122
    There is a do it yourself car wash near my storage place with tall bays. I just take my 320 there and use all their brushes, soaps and waxes. Next time I might bring a small step ladder to access the roof with the brush better. Has worked great so far.
    2019 T@B 320 S  |  2019 Subaru Ascent
  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Member Posts: 10,035
    We do that when we travel.  Hauled west in March to Utah and hosed off in Oklahoma!
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
  • Deb55
    Deb55 Member Posts: 293
    When washing the T@B, what do you do about rooftop solar panels? 
  • Denny16
    Denny16 Member Posts: 5,430
    Use a soft brush and a mild soap solution or a pressure washer set on low, and give them a go...
    cheers
    2018 TaB400 Custom Boondock,  Jeep Gladiator truck, Northern California Coast.
  • warbler_road
    warbler_road Member Posts: 83
    DARK STREAKS BELOW WINDOWS:

    Someone recommended a product called LA's Totally Awesome, and sure enough I found it super cheap at my local Dollar General. Spray it on, let it sit a minute and then rub. Amazing!! 
    • Virginia
    • 2020 T@B 400
    • 2018 Tacoma SR V6 3.5L
  • Tampakayaker
    Tampakayaker Member Posts: 558
    warbler_road said:
    DARK STREAKS BELOW WINDOWS:

    Someone recommended a product called LA's Totally Awesome, and sure enough I found it super cheap at my local Dollar General. Spray it on, let it sit a minute and then rub. Amazing!! 
    Be careful with the Awesome.  The stuff in the spay bottle is diluted, the stuff in the pour bottle is full strength and needs to be diluted according to what you want to use it for.  There are mixture suggestions on the bottle.
    2006 RAM 1500 4 door, 2016 T@B 320 MAX S 
    Tampa FL
  • AirBoss
    AirBoss Member Posts: 740
    Be careful with the acrylic windows. Use a spray cleaner for acrylic and no paper towels. Inside and out. 
    2020 T@B 400 "OTTO" (build date 08/19)
    Factory Victron Solar; Norcold 3-way fridge
    '04 Chevy Tahoe Z71 DinoKiller
    San Diego, CA
    www.airbossone.com
    https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/owen-ashurst/shop


  • Katydid
    Katydid Member Posts: 43
    @AirBoss I have learned the hard way that the devil is in the details. I haven’t washed my windows yet because I didn’t know what to use for acrylic windows. Question, would I be mistaken to use Rolite Plastic and Acrylic Cleaner as it says it also “polishes” leaving a repellent surface?
    2021 TAB 400BD; 2015 Audi Q5
    Boston Northshore
  • Bayliss
    Bayliss Member Posts: 1,532
    @Katydid, just check to confirm that it is OK for use on Lexan.  I purchased "Plexus - Plastic Cleaner Protectant & Polish."  It indicates that it is good for all types of clear and colored plastic, including Lexan and other acrylics.  I haven't tried it out yet (my trailer is still covered in storage), but I believe others on this forum have used it.  It says to use a clean cloth, but not paper towels.

    One warning about using public self-serve car wash sites.  The dirt/grit on the brushes used by others to clean their vehicle can scratch the Lexan acrylic windows on your T@B.

    2019 T@B 320 S Boondock Lite ~ 2025 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4x4
    Greg & Marlene (Tucson, AZ)

  • Katydid
    Katydid Member Posts: 43
    @Bayliss, thank you for the info. I did check and the company specifically says it’s ok to use with Lexan. And thanks for the warning on the car wash sites, I plan on doing it at my campsite.

    2021 TAB 400BD; 2015 Audi Q5
    Boston Northshore
  • aphillips
    aphillips Member Posts: 46
    edited August 2022
    Our dealer recommended Sprayway Glass Cleaner and a microfiber towel for the black streaks and it works great. 
    2022 Tab 400 Boondock
    2024 Toyota Tundra SR5
  • Denny16
    Denny16 Member Posts: 5,430
    Check with the campsite host/manager before washing your trailer at a campsite, some places do not allow this.
     Cheers 
    2018 TaB400 Custom Boondock,  Jeep Gladiator truck, Northern California Coast.
  • Mooree
    Mooree Member Posts: 21
    My neighbor brought me a bottle of Turtle Wax Ice one the day after I had finished washing my truck. He told me to try it. This RV wax is the best spray wax you can buy, period!! You only have to use a couple of sprays per quarter panel for a deep glistening shine second to none!! Goes on easy and comes off easy with your microfiber towel. This will make your vehicle look wet after you use it! 
  • Mooree
    Mooree Member Posts: 21
    This RV wax has lubricity agents designed to promote ease of application. It also makes use of a sturdy formula in the sense that it beads longer when compared to ordinary wax. It tends to spread unevenly when you first apply it, though but after that, it will eventually even out and lose streaks.

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