Whenever we get back from a camping trip it gives me an excuse to wash the Travel Trailer. There are a couple good reasons to wash your RV when you get back. Most of the time the front of the RV is full of bug goo, and this stuff can be hard on the finish or the vinyl decals. Secondly, washing the RV gives you a great chance to inspect the entire outside of the RV. Let’s face it, we see the inside of the travel trailer a lot more than the outside. Regardless of the reason; It’s always the right time to keep your travel trailer clean.
The essentials for cleaning your travel trailer
About every other wash I climb on top of the Travel Trailer and wash the roof. This may be the most important thing you can do for your RV. Make sure you wet down the sides of the RV before you start on the roof, this will allow the dirt from the roof to run off as you hose it down.
Before you start make sure your travel trailer roof is constructed in a way that supports your weight. Some travel trailers do not have strong enough roofs that will support the weight of a person walking on them, in fact they may have a sticker on the back of the RV that warns you to stay off the roof. If that is the case you will need to clean your roof by using a ladder and telescoping brush OR you may just want to leave the cleaning and inspection to an RV repair shop.
It can be awkward to get on the roof with all your supplies so take your time and several trips if necessary. It gets even more precarious when you start dragging a hose up behind you. Accidents can happen so be very careful.
Always be careful where you step while walking on your roof. Make sure you are not walking on an area that may not be strong enough to support your weight. This includes staying out from the vents, skylights and air conditioner(s) where you many not have as much roof support. Also, don’t get too close to the sides of the trailer since the roof can get slippery when its wet and that alone may send you over the side. If any of this scares you, then you would be wise to take your trailer in to your dealer at least once a year and have them clean and inspect it. I do my own roof because I have a problem trusting that others will do as good a job as I can do. If you, on the other hand are not afraid to tackle this job, then have at it.
One quick reminder to raise the TV antenna before you go up on the roof as you will want to clean and inspect under it. It’s frustrating to get all the way up on the roof only to realize you need to go all the way back down to raise the antenna. I’ve make this mistake almost every time.
I start by hosing the front section of the roof. I usually work in sections of about four feet by four feet; you can pick whatever area makes sense for you. Once I have hosed off the area I am ready to scrub it. There are many roof cleaners/conditioners on the market but my cleaner of choice is a bucket of water with dawn dish washing liquid in it. I have used two different approaches 1) scrubbing by hand and 2) scrubbing with a very soft bristled telescoping RV brush. I have to admit the brush method is a lot easier on my back. Regardless of the method, I use a circular technique of scrubbing. Once I finish that section I hose it off and move on to the next section. Slowly I work my way back towards the ladder.
Now for the most important reason for cleaning the roof; looking at all the sealant. All the sealant around every sky light and vent (sealant where ever it is) must be inspected. Please don’t think that if you have a new RV you can skip this step. I found multiple spots on my brand new Jayco last year that had either sealant missing or was put on so thin that it ruptured. I bought my own tube of sealant and went to work making it right. While you are up there check for any splits or cracks in the roof material. You may not find any damage, but this is the time to look.
Keep in mind that travel trailers are manufactured with different types of RV roofing materials. If you decide you want to seal your roof make sure that you select the appropriate sealant for the type of roof you have. I can’t stress enough how important checking your roof can be. Your roof is designed to last a really long time but it still needs your help. If you have every seen a neglected roof you know exactly what I mean.
While you move among the many vents and sky lights on your RV roof, check them for any damage or cracks. I can tell you from personal experience that vent covers get brittle and break over time. Tammy and I had a vent cover disintegrate on us while camping outside Memphis, Tennessee. The vent actually cracked into multiple pieces and flew off the roof. With no option for getting on top of the roof (on that trailer) I had to call an RV service company to come and fix it at our campground; a ten minute expensive fix that I could have prevented. It turned what could have been a nice day eating BBQ in downtown Memphis into a day spent waiting for a service man.
A Clean Roof Prevents Problems Later
A clean inspected roof is more than a happy roof, it’s a roof that an owner doesn’t need to think about during the next storm.
Once the roof is clean I move on to the next step, cleaning the sides and front of the trailer. Typically I do this by hand with a soft soapy cloth and Gel-Gloss RV Wash. Gel-Gloss RV Wash is a wax and a cleaner all in one and I have had good results with it. I am not recommending any specific cleaner for your travel trailer. I use what I feel comfortable with as should you. The reason I wash by hand is that I just don’t think that running a brush over the vinyl decals is a great idea. I never let the soapy water stay on long, so I rinse frequently. Then once a side is complete I towel dry it. Never…never use a power sprayer. I can’t think of a better way to damage decals and push water past the seals into your storage areas.
While you are washing the outside of the trailer don’t forget to check other seals and areas that are caulked to make sure you are protected from water infiltration.
gel-gloss-rv-wash
I extend and clean the awning last, and then let it air dry. I’ve never used an awning cleaning product, but I am not opposed to using one. In the past I have used a soapy solution with just a little bleach mixed in, then soaped the awning up, rolled it up for about thirty minutes, extended it and hosed it off. I know others that do the same thing, but I recommend you use a product you feel comfortable with; and that you can use without fear of damaging your awning or trailer. I have not had the need to use my soap and bleach on my current awning yet; and am considering several different awning cleaners on the market.
Next after the travel trailer is completely dry I wipe the entire trailer down with 303 Speed detailer. It cleans, protects and shines the fiberglass. Most importantly it repels dust and dirt and it provides UV protection for the Vinyl decals. I tried using 303 Aerospace protectant to begin with but it was really hard to apply without getting streaks. After talking to their customer service department they told me that for RV applications they recommend speed detailer instead.
303-speed-detailer
Look online and see what you think might be right for you. I have had decals peel up before so I am a big believer in trying to give them some protection. An RV cover is a good way to protect your decals as well, but I am not a big fan of having fabric rubbing on my campers exterior; so I don’t use one, but I am under an overhang so I get some protection from sun to begin with.
Once you get done cleaning your trailer, grab a beer or your beverage of choice; and go inside your camper and relax, you deserve it.
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