Fiberglass/Gelcoat RV care?

[MMiller]

I recently bought a used 2017 Casita travel trailer. Its in good condition but showing some oxidation. What are the suggestions for exterior care going forward? Best products for fiberglass trailers? I plan to remove factory decals as well.

Thanks in advance!

[cantdrv55]

That’s nice man. I just had my 10 year old trailer ceramic coated. It’s been left outdoors in the rain, wind and sun for all 10 years. Now looks brand new again.

[otto_kretschmer]

For the gelcoat just try some rubbing compound and see how it buffs out.

[911boost]

I have a wash/was product made for the gel coat specifically. Its a major to do but I will get the name tomorrow for you. It works great.

[Crowbob]

Go to Fiberglassrv.com. More info than you’ll ever want or need.

Here’s my Scamp direct competition to Casita:

[drcoastline]

I always liked those Casitas, Borros and Scamps.

It's gelcoat no different than a boat hull. The enemy of gelcoat is UV. The best thing you can do is keep it out of the sun and protected.

If you have minor oxidation a quick polish with something like Nu-finish then followed up with a few coats of a good wax or polymer with a UV protector.

Heavier oxidation will require more compounding/polishing then wax or polymer.

You will want to get a nice build up of wax/polymer on the surface. If you can try and wax/polymer every few days for a week or so. Get four, five or six layers built up. Also avoid using any detergents to clean that would strip the protective coatings you are applying otherwise you are doing work for nothing.

As I said in the beginning keep it protected from UV under a cover, in a garage or at least in a shaded area.

Personally I am still a Carnuba wax kinda guy for my gelcoats and paint. My rubber and plastic parts I like 303 protectant.

[drcoastline]

Good Gelcoat protectant info here

https://enjoythewild.com/best-rv-wax-for-fiberglass-aluminum-siding-gel-coat/


https://www.durasealcommercial.co.nz/gelcoat-cleaning-and-protective-coatings/

There are also a lot of good Youtube videos on gelcoat protection

[monoflo]

Benn working on bring back the 19 year paint on this beast.

Try Meguiars N4916 oxidation remover for RV and Boats.
Followed by wax. Used on the raised roof area.

This thing had almost no care finishwise and spent its life in the CA and CO sun.

Still needs work but the 4916 worked pretty good.

[billybek]

Meguiar's Flagship Marine wax.

[drcoastline]

Originally Posted by monoflo

Benn working on bring back the 19 year paint on this beast.

Try Meguiars N4916 oxidation remover for RV and Boats.
Followed by wax. Used on the raised roof area.

This thing had almost no care finishwise and spent its life in the CA and CO sun.

Still needs work but the 4916 worked pretty good.

That's cool.

[MMiller]

Thanks all! I appreciate the help.

Mike

[911boost]

This is what I use (well tested on a small section in the fall, will be using it this spring). It was not inexpensive.

[tomhank]

Waxing RV fiberglass will restore its luster and make it look brand new. It will get everyone's notice when you're driving. It is preferable to invest in a high-quality wax that has been combined with the appropriate amount of polish and wax, resulting in a superior finish.

[Rusty Heap]

a 10" D/A and some light cutting compound isn't that hard to try to buff it out.

[oliverjane]

Here are some tips for cleaning fiberglass RV sidings:
- It is advisable to use a water hose or a bucket of water to rinse your RV instead of using a pressure washer. With this, you can avoid any damage to your RV due to the high pressure of the water and any leakage as well.
- Consider buying a cleaning agent with the following ingredients for effective cleaning: denatured alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and any other stain removers.
- If your RV has strong oxidation and any cleaning agent is not up for the challenge of wiping it clean, consider putting your RV in a cleaning service or a body shop. Professional service is recommended, especially if it has started an erosion problem.

[cstreit]

Originally Posted by Crowbob

Go to Fiberglassrv.com. More info than you’ll ever want or need.

Here’s my Scamp direct competition to Casita:

This is one of my happy places.