Forum Discussion

aruba's avatar
aruba
Explorer
Jun 03, 2013

Keeping decals looking new

Hi,

One my old trailer, the front of it always faced the sun and in didn't take long for the vinyl decal on the nose to fade away. I don't want that happening to my new trailer. Is there a trick or product out there that helps to preserve vinyl decals?

Thanks.
  • 6.7 tow rig wrote:
    303 is the ONLY way to go in my opinion. Ive been using it for years and it works fantastic. My TT is fiberglass and I even use it on that. Spray it on lightly and wipe it off with a rag.


    How often do you use it?

    Does it help getting bugs off?
  • Our ROO 23SS is stored undercover 24/7, BUT...the rear decal gets the full blast of sun all day and was getting dry and brittle and generally looking tired. We ordered a new one, but were thinking of a way to protect it. The concept was to get a soft-backed (like a flannel) white vinyl and hem it to make it look better and be stronger. Put gromets in the corners. With the HTT we were going to use bungies to hook to the top latches and then long bungies to go down and around the bumper and hook back onto itself (like the PUGS). Then to add a small block of very soft foam or ?? to hold this cover away from the surface slightly so it wouldn't blow and cause abrasion. Does this make sense?? Meanwhile, we have just sold the ROO and will be removing the old decal tonight and replacing with the new one - $50. So now we have a TT and the decals are not placed where it's convenient to do this same thing. We also have a large window on the back. So.....we're rethinking this concept, but feel like we need to come up with something. Have even considered building a wall of some sort to go behind the TT to make sure both the decals and the window and furnishing are protected from this blast of sun, rain, snow.

    We have never used the 303 that I know of, but sounds like a good investment. I'm assuming you just wax the entire unit with it, is that right?
  • Eyetattoo wrote:
    Is 303 also a wax? And is it safe for gel coated fiberglass?


    Yes, I'm also wondering whether to use the 303 or car wax on the trailer exterior. Gotta think the wax would last longer. I am planning to use the 303 on the trailer roof.
  • Doering wrote:
    Eyetattoo wrote:
    Is 303 also a wax? And is it safe for gel coated fiberglass?


    Yes, I'm also wondering whether to use the 303 or car wax on the trailer exterior. Gotta think the wax would last longer. I am planning to use the 303 on the trailer roof.


    303 is not a wax, it is a water based polymer with added uv protectant.
    Wax would probably last longer but very few offer any UV protecetion. Any wax with petrolium distillates should not be used on vinyl graphics.
    I have been using 303 for just over 20 years now and have eliminated all waxing. Great product.
  • 303 is available at Camping World and other major RV retailers
  • mikedboyd wrote:
    6.7 tow rig wrote:
    303 is the ONLY way to go in my opinion. Ive been using it for years and it works fantastic. My TT is fiberglass and I even use it on that. Spray it on lightly and wipe it off with a rag.


    How often do you use it?

    Does it help getting bugs off?


    Oh yeah, it makes the surface slick as ice. Like mentioned above its not wax, so if it sits outside it does where off a little but you can reapply very easily. My routine is this...... Wax entire outside once a year in the spring using REJEX. Then I will apply 303 to the decals. After this I will apply 303 to the whole exterior as the wax seems to lose its slickness. Usually wax the first of April, apply 303 around mid June and again as needed, probably once or twice before winterizing.

    The bugs come off very easily after 303 is applied.

    The big thing to remember when putting it on the fiberglass is a little goes a loooooooong way. I have done the trailer in my sig twice using maybe a quarter of a bottle. I have found its best to spray it on the rag then wipe it on. If you put it on too thick it will streak a little in the rain. If put on right you will never see a streak and it will add a brilliant shine. I use it on the awning, walls, tires and slide seals.

    I cant get it anywhere around here so I order it from Amazon