Forum Discussion

boot_scooter's avatar
boot_scooter
Explorer
Mar 09, 2017

washing 5th wheel. need help

I had my 5th wheel professionally waxed and the guy said "all I have to do is to wash it with just water and a soft brush". The trailer has set out all winter and it is dirty with black streaks. I tried washing the trailer with just water as instructed and guess what?, it didn't work. What do you all wash your trailers or class A's with?, I don't want to hurt the wax job.
Thank you in advance for your reply's

8 Replies

  • Veebyes's avatar
    Veebyes
    Explorer II
    Mar 10, 2017
    The water spouts on the roof broke off mine long ago. Black streaks are not a problem with washing the roof twice a year & giving it one of those roof treatments.

    Sides come clean with a soap that does not strip the wax, which get done once a year.

    Cleaners like Simple Green are very strong & will strip the wax right off.
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    Mar 10, 2017
    My old '97 5er didn't come with a drip rail or gutter along the top of the sidewalls. Rain water and A/C evap water ran down the sides everywhere causing black streaks. I added EZ Gutteron both sides.
    Then washed the black steaks away with a Simple Green solution....then gave it a good wax job.
    I rewax the front cap with Meguiar's cleaner wax twice each summer..... makes removing bug splats a easy off.
  • George_H's avatar
    George_H
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2017
    For prevention of future black streaks- I put extended spouts on those tiny gutters and have not had a black streak since. Hint, pay a little extra and get the flexible spouts. \
    Anyting I ever found to remove streaks also removed wax.
  • Johno02's avatar
    Johno02
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2017
    wash with good brand wash n' wax. Put ours in a hose-end garden sprayer, spray a section, brush with long handled brush. Simple Green spray for any tough spots, follow with spray and brush. rinse well as you go. After final rinse all over, spray entire thing with wash n' wax, let it sit for a short bit , then rinse. Tip: use a piece of plastic water pipe as a handle extender for brush handle.
  • jfkmk's avatar
    jfkmk
    Explorer
    Mar 09, 2017
    To get rid of the black streaks, I spray Simple Green on a section, wait a few minutes then use a very soft brush (on a long handle). Takes them right off.
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Mar 09, 2017
    Going over the streaks with protect all works for me. Since it is also a wax/polish, I don't notice any removal of previous wax.

    Jerry
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Mar 09, 2017
    I use this: Meguiares Gold Class (big jug from Costco)



    But, we also store our rig inside so we don't often get black streaks...
    You might have to use something stronger (there are black streak removers) but they might remove some or all of the wax also....

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