Washing the camper, what to do, what to do?

Jay_and_Kat · January 16

So we're bad owners, our camper hasn't been properly washed since we bought it and we're changing that this year. We've got a couple options and we're looking for advice on which is better / which is a "DO NOT"
So, to the options:

Hand wash with microfiber cloths and standard car-washing soap, rinsing with a hose with a sprayer attachment.
Wash using our electric pressure-washer with the "car wash" nozzle on the end and standard car-washing soap, rinsing off with a hose
Taking the camper to one of those "pull in" car washes with the sprayer nozzles and scrub brushes

Pros and cons to each as I see it are:

Pros: Not likely to damage anything, gets us up close with the camper to look for damage / Cons: Time consuming, need to work on a ladder for a lot of the cleaning, lots of physical work
Pros: Less physical, quicker, able to get most of the camper from the ground / Cons: I'd be concerned about water getting past the seals of the windows, potential to damage the sides / top of the camper
Pros: No mess at home to clean up, able to get most of the camper from the ground / Cons: Higher pressure than the home pressure washer so more concern about damage to the sides, water getting through the window seals (or even popping a window.)

Any thoughts, suggestions?

Binghi · January 16

Do the first option to avoid leaks in the trailer. Buy a pole-based cleaning system that includes a soft soaping cloth to wash the hard-to-reach parts of the trailer and a squeegee to finish off the windows. You’ll also need a tall step ladder. Takes me about two hours to wash my 400. It’s work for sure, but looks great when I’m done!

jbajor · January 17

#1!!!

pthomas745 · January 17

The sides of the trailer are a thin film of fiberglass over a composite type material. You should take real care not to use any pressure washer type device on the sides of the trailer. The roof is an aluminum sheet with clearcoat over it, so it might be able to take a little more pressure, but...I'd still go with something "softer".

I've washed my trailer in a "coin operated" type car wash, but I used a bucket, sponges, and only the "low speed" sprayers.

Owners have used practically every product in the car wash aisle. I know classic Porsche owners, and there are some owners who use products that the Porsche owners use on their show cars!

This is a search for "wax" which has a lot of threads on what owners use. I'm a Meguiars fan, and lots of owners use their products.

https://www.google.com/search?q=wax+site:tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com&client=firefox-b-1-d&hs=d6Ap&uact=5&oq=wax+site:tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com

NorthIsUp · January 17

I go to the local Blue Beacon Truck Wash. Never had a problem after 8 seasons. You can tell them to not brush the windows to avoid any chances of scratches. They used ionized water, so it dries without streaks and without using towels. With tip, it's about $50. They'll do your tow vehicle for $10 more.
https://bluebeacon.com/view-all-locations/
I'm too old to do it myself anymore.

jimcenname · January 17

I am on the road about 6 months per year so I frequently use coin car washes. After it's wet I use a telescoping pole to wash and then dry my T@B. I use both microfiber and an old bath towel to always dry my T@B. I switched to ceramic wash fluid and it improved water beading. I wash my T@B approximately every ten days.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/2i/h7rrnia78c1v.png

Okpete · January 17

I would not squeegee the plastic windows if I owned the trailer. Clean with soft sponge like material and dry with microfiber cloth. Final cleaning and polish with Plexus

webers3 · January 17

You are overthinking it. I am washing it in a self service car wash for the last five years, no issues.

mx4789 · January 17

Definitely recommend getting a telescoping type of car wash mop. The one I have can connect to a garden hose, but I find simply dunking it in a bucket of soapy water works better and avoids having water running down my arms. I can get almost all of the tab (320) from the ground except the very top where the fan is. Then I can just use a step stool. For rising, I just spray the top and sides off with the garden hose.

I haven't tried to wax it yet since I've only had since October. But, on my truck I use another (dedicated) telescoping car wash mop to buff the wax off the top of the truck. I spray the top with liquid car wax let it sit for a minute and then use the mop to buff it off. I imagine I will use the same method for the trailer when I get around to it.

manyman297 · January 18

If you choose to get on a ladder to wash/dry the roof, DO NOT apply weight to the aluminum skin. It dents ridiculously easy. You can safely lean your hand on the bathroom fan, vent or main cabin fan for leverage. Just don’t lean on the skin.

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Washing the camper, what to do, what to do?

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