Exterior maintenance, wash/wax caulk etc.

AndreaPalumbo · July 19

Hello all,

As the T@B is/was the very first brand new asset we've ever owned, and the fact that it also looks cool too, with people frequently commenting almost everywhere we go, I'd like to take care of it as the years progress.

We are now past our first year of ownership and I wanted to get some ideas from other T@B owners about some best practices and tips for exterior care, particularly with regards to waxing. I was looking closely at the exterior of the trailer and it almost looks like it might have a fiberglass shell? Anyway, rather than "Google and guess", I thought I'd bounce it off of fellow T@B owners….

What do you all recommend for washing/waxing your trailer? Also, while we're at it, is there anything I need to be paying attention too to help avoid leaks and such down the road? Note: I currently live in the PNW, about 50 miles north of Seattle. I have noticed vehicles here seem to adopt what I've called a "Seattle green" color, a slight yellowish-green mildew that seems to form on anything left outdoors. We do store the camper at an open storage place during the winter, but I still think it picks up some grime from the surrounding trees over the season. I'm going to try to purchase a cover for it before we winterize it later this year.

Confession: I've never actually waxed a vehicle before (I've never had a vehicle really worth waxing… being a "life long beater guy"), in fact, about half of the vehicles I've owned in the past I never washed because the body was so rusty it would wash the body off! lol

Also, side note, I've picked up a few surface level scratches on the trailer (due to tree limbs and similar obstructions - we frequently boondock in the forest, not much on popular campgrounds) on my travels. Is there anything I can do to get those minor scratches out? I'm not too awfully worried about it as we purchased the camper to enjoy in nature, not take to RV shows.. but still, if there was a relatively easy way to erase those scratches I'd be willing to try it.

Bayliss · July 19

@AndreaPalumbo, although there are several wax brands available, some specifically for RVs, I have always used "Meguiars Cleaner Wax" (liquid form is easiest to use in my opinion). I wax my personal vehicles and T@B trailer (and did as well with my previous trailers) once or twice a year and it does a great job. My vehicles look "new" for many years after I have purchased them, which is a big plus when it comes time to sell. I have also found that Meguiars works really well in removing minor surface scratches. Considering that you live in the PNW, you should consider purchasing a good cover to protect your T@B. There are lots of discussions on the Forum that should help you decide what might work best for you.

NOTE: DO NOT use wax or any abrasive cleaners on your acrylic windows. I use "Plexus" acrylic cleaner (spray), but there are other acrylic window cleaners available.

ScottG · July 21

I confess that I wash my 2015 trailer once a year, and have never waxed it, and the finish still looks good. In fact, the only damage is a little peeling clear-coat that happened while I was washing it a bit too aggressively with a pressure washer. :-/

I'm saying this not to advocate for T@B neglect, but rather as a testament to how good the original finish really is! If you really take care of it I'll bet it will stay spiffy for decades.

pthomas745 · July 22

@AndreaPalumbo I'm a Mequiars person, too. The "roof" of the trailer is a sheet of aluminum with "clear coat" just like a car. The sides of the trailer are "composite" panels that have a thin sheet of fiberglass over them. The softer fiberglass sides is another reason to avoid any abrasives, as Bayliss mentioned for the windows. I had not used Plexus before about 3 years ago, and it is amazing stuff.

There are many threads here about "wax" that have many examples of what owners use. Some of these products are more "exotic" than others, but you will see there are many owners in the "keep it simple" camp.

What do owners use to wash and wax their trailers?

AndreaPalumbo · July 22

Awesome, thanks for the tips!

I've taken it through the regular bay carwash a few times (not automatic), it does a fair job, but it's hard to get down to the nitty gritty when the meter is running. I'm wanting to give a more detailed handwash in the driveway, where I can get a ladder and really get the roof good. I've learned the hard way that that PNW mildew can be REALLY hard to get scrubbed off. I'll probably wax it at the season's end.

elbolillo · July 22

We have kept it pretty simple. While traveling we will find a manual car wash as needed and have just used the wax option provided. When we arrive home we will give it a good scrub down to get all the bugs and grime off. (Weather permitting)

Exterior maintenance, wash/wax caulk etc.

Comments

Categories