Forum Discussion

thirtydaZe's avatar
thirtydaZe
Nomad
Jun 18, 2014

Gel Coat and Weathering

I guess the simple question is, does gel coat weather poorly on a TT?

Not much has changed as far as our use, our parking spot, anything really, but we upgraded our TT last year from an aluminum siding TT to our current Gel Coat.

Let's be honest, haven't camped since the end of April, but went to pick it up last night and got it home, and, besides i know it looks dirty, it really seems to be weathered out quite a bit.

I was several times a year with car wax, the kind you add to water, and a long brush, then power was it off, while this always made the aluminum shine, it sure isn't doing much for appearance on the TT now.

What am i doing wrong, or is this the nature of the beast?


Here it is new last year.
Seeking Advice

10 Replies

  • thirtydaZe's avatar
    thirtydaZe
    Nomad
    Jun 19, 2014
    Thanks for the replies guys. I applied some mcguiers last night, it was another water mix, however the end result was nice. i really got into it and power washed all the accumulated dust from the TT (i might have to find a better storage location).

    Anyhow, all said and done, it looks like a bit of decal fading. the gel coat is shiny and new.
  • tvman44's avatar
    tvman44
    Explorer
    Jun 19, 2014
    Do you apply ICE over the decals too?
    Lowsuv wrote:
    My 2002 Komfort looks brand new .
    I completely wash it after every trip .
    With a 6 foot handle soft truck brush and Palmolive .
    I am a car guy in a car club .
    I clay bar , polish , and wax my ( expensive ) cars with the products and methods taught by the MeGuiar's reps who give our car club a clinic every 2 years or so .
    But for the trailer , frequent washing EVERY TIME is the best answer .
    When I have nothing better to do I will apply " ICE " by turtlewax to my trailer .
    That is because " ICE " is so easy to use that I do not mind the minimal labor involved .
    Here again , the ease of use factor is more important because FREQUENT " waxing works better than a once a year application with the expensive fancy dancy products .
    As Harold said you may need to remove current oxidation .
    After that frequent washing will help and frequent quick applications of " ICE " will protect .
  • Lowsuv's avatar
    Lowsuv
    Explorer
    Jun 19, 2014
    My 2002 Komfort looks brand new .
    I completely wash it after every trip .
    With a 6 foot handle soft truck brush and Palmolive .
    I am a car guy in a car club .
    I clay bar , polish , and wax my ( expensive ) cars with the products and methods taught by the MeGuiar's reps who give our car club a clinic every 2 years or so .
    But for the trailer , frequent washing EVERY TIME is the best answer .
    When I have nothing better to do I will apply " ICE " by turtlewax to my trailer .
    That is because " ICE " is so easy to use that I do not mind the minimal labor involved .
    Here again , the ease of use factor is more important because FREQUENT " waxing works better than a once a year application with the expensive fancy dancy products .
    As Harold said you may need to remove current oxidation .
    After that frequent washing will help and frequent quick applications of " ICE " will protect .
  • harold1946's avatar
    harold1946
    Explorer
    Jun 18, 2014
    Nothing is going to make it look new until the oxidation is removed. TR-3 works well, or polishing compound, then seal and use you favorite wax.
    Or skip the wax and use Aerospace 303 Protectant; SPF 40.
  • therink's avatar
    therink
    Explorer
    Jun 18, 2014
    A good hand applied polish is all that is needed once a year (and regular washing) to keep my rig looking great. I do not place a lot of stock in water applied wax solutions. Nothing works like a good hand buffing and detailing with a quality polish product to protect the fiberglass surfaces.
  • thirtydaZe's avatar
    thirtydaZe
    Nomad
    Jun 18, 2014
    can you buy Rejex at local discount stores, or did you have to purchase it online?
  • remdog_1's avatar
    remdog_1
    Explorer
    Jun 18, 2014
    Try Rejex products, I just did my whole 5th wheel. The cleaner wipes black streaks right off. I bought whole kit and it works great, easy on and off
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Jun 18, 2014
    With waxing and buffing, you should be able to keep it shiny for years.

    But yes, if you don't keep up it doesn't take long before it shows and the more you let it go the harder it is to bring back.

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