Forum Discussion

sac89's avatar
sac89
Explorer
Nov 07, 2016

Cleaning for the winter

I am looking for some advise on "best practices" for prepping for the winter.

After being out in the sun and elements all summer (well, always since I purchased it), can I put on a thick coat of wax and leave it on all winter and buff it off in the spring? Or is that not advisable?

My Camper is 2+ years old now, I have not detailed it as of yet. There is no oxidation as of yet, just some of that normal black streaking under windows and all. There is a bit of mildew on the underside of the awning. Do you spray the frame (tongue, etc) and metal with some sort of silicone protectant so it doesn't rust or anything? I know there has to be a discussion about cleaning products on here somewhere, but what are your quick suggestions for washing/waxing/storing outside, cover/don't cover etc.

Thanks for the info!
  • rbpru's avatar
    rbpru
    Explorer II
    Nov 07, 2016
    The only thing we do different for the winter is clean out the food, bedding, and winterize.

    I wash and wax it twice a year. If it is going to set all winters we will cover it.

    Often we do a winter camp or trip south to keep the mice guessing.
  • korbe's avatar
    korbe
    Explorer
    Nov 07, 2016
    We use a tarp for the 6-month non use time while it sits in our driveway. The tarp is not breathable since I want it to shed water and snow.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Nov 07, 2016
    I think the best advice is, do not apply a heavy coat of wax and leave it on all winter. It will probably be very difficult to remove in the spring.

    I would advise you to clean the unit before storing for the winter. Don't leave any mold, black streaks, etc. on the unit for the winter. JMO

    I use a cover. I don't think they're difficult to install. Make sure it fits and is securely fastened. I've never had any damage from the wind rubbing the cover.
    We get a lot of winter wind in our area.
  • 2012Coleman's avatar
    2012Coleman
    Explorer II
    Nov 07, 2016
    When you get it out of storage next spring, wax it with a good cleaner wax like Meguires. That will take care of the streaks. I would not leave a coat of wax on it like you suggested. The mold can be taken care of by a product called Mold Armor, found at Lowes or Walmart. I spray this stuff on any mold, come back a while later to find it gone.

  • jfkmk's avatar
    jfkmk
    Explorer
    Nov 07, 2016
    Agree with soundguy on the cover...just make sure it is a breathable cover. As for the wax, putting a thick coat on and not taking it off will only make it more difficult to remove. Just use the wax the way it was meant to be used.

    I've found Simple Green works wonders on the black streaks. I spray it on then work it with a soft brush and they come right off.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Nov 07, 2016
    Installing and removing a breathable cover is a bit of a process so I don't do it during the camping season but would if it were just a 5 minute job. However, for winter storage I've always used a breathable ADCO cover on any trailer we've owned that I've had to store outdoors over the winter. JMO, but if you can't store under a carport or inside some sort of building covering the trailer with a breathable cover is the next best thing and far better than just leaving the trailer fully exposed to the elements. Others of course will disagree but that wouldn't ever change my view after having used covers for the last ten years. This year an opportunity arose for me to store our trailer inside over the winter so I took it. :B

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