So what did you do to your Truck Camper today?

Wanderin fool wrote:
Put it to bed for the winter, but will sleep in it tonite. Gotta see what temps in the teens will feel like.
Skip, I know its easier, but I wonder about the 303 being as good and long lasting as wax. I use it on interior stuff, but it really isnt a replacement for wax.

I didn't say it was as long lasting as wax. It isn't. I apply it every 8 weeks. It takes about an hour to wipe down the camper with 303. It is 'better' in that it will prevent the UV rays from breaking down the finish. I've not seen wax claim to be a UV protectant for fiberglass finishes. Wax is usually not formulated for a fiberglass surface. They usually are formulated for a car paint surface. The Gel Gloss type products are an example of a product made for the fiberglass finish though.
Also, the 303 gets into all the nooks and crannies that wax can't. Wax builds up and that's cause for other problems.

I discovered 303 when it came recommended on a kayak forum I belong to. Kayaks are subject to lots of sun and a lot of salt spray. (I kayak fish on the ocean regularly as do the the guys on the forum.) Seen kayaks that are many years old and still look as good as new with no UV fade or sun rot. Pretty amazing stuff. It also causes water to shed off better than wax does. Wax has a friction to it that causes water to bead up. 303 releases the water tension and makes it so water can't stick to the finish, so it doesn't bead up.

Anyways, I just threw it out there for an option for others to consider and research. For me; wax has too many petroleum or other harsh chemicals in it and too hard to get into all the tight areas on the finish of my camper. With 303, I can spray and wipe everything on the exterior including the windows, window trim, screws, seams, etc. It gets a good dose and soaking of 303. Wax just misses a lot I think...

****EDIT****
from the 303 website;

Does 303 replace Wax on Fiberglass?
Gelcoat fiberglass is polyester resin with the pigment in the resin, commonly used in boats, RV's, snowmobiles, jet ski's, etc. Gelcoat fiberglass rapidly fades and chalks with traditional maintenance being tedious and repetitive buffing and waxing.

303 Aerospace Protectant is an alternative to buffing and waxing. 303 restores like new color and gloss to faded gelcoat fiberglass by spraying on and polishing completely dry.

A new appearance is maintained with periodic spray on/wipe off applications usually every 45-60 days of exposure. Fiberglass shines. Colors stay bright.

In addition, the 303'd surface is extremely repellent to water, soiling and staining ... staying cleaner longer and clean up is much easier when soiled.

So for gelcoat fiberglass 303 Aerospace Protectant is a superior with respect to ease of use, level of protection, appearance and repellency.

Replaced the trim on the cabover/front wall, and along the right side at the roof line. The sun hits those two areas the I park the rig at home and caused cracking of the trim.

It's the trim that fits in the metal piece, it hides the screws:

http://www.sears.com/camco-vinyl-trim-insert-white/p-SPM6285928303P

I don't know anything about the Aerospace 303 spray on but I can tell you the elbow grease I use with Gel Gloss really pays off in a mirror like gloss finish on our Fiberglass hard sided Eagle Cap Camper. I like Gel Gloss better than ordinary Carnuba type waxes. Camper is all cleaned and stored under the car port/Truck port for winter.

GARY

Put it to bed for the winter, but will sleep in it tonite. Gotta see what temps in the teens will feel like.
Skip, I know its easier, but I wonder about the 303 being as good and long lasting as wax. I use it on interior stuff, but it really isnt a replacement for wax.

Washed and wiped down the camper with 303 Aerospace protectant. That stuff is great! Much better for the hard side compared to wax.

went out and looked for leaks with my trusty flashlight,all is well,we are paying for our late summer with endless rain:(

went out and looked for leaks with my trusty flashlight,all is well,we are paying for our late summer with endless rain:(

Doubled checked that the propane tanks were full since we've been keeping the heat on at 45F. Maine's starting to get cold at night. Put few more gallons of fresh water in and checked the water level in the batteries. The TC can act as a source of power if we get clobbered by the approaching storm. Not expecting any problems with the storm but nice to know you have power and heat if needed.

Ran out and checked where the roof was leaking and the temp fix is working. It's raining and not to stop till tomorrow when if dry, I'll try to fix it proper.

flyguidemike wrote:
I just put on my new Yakima cargo box on the roof of our Lance camper and I have been getting the camper ready for a 1 month trip to the oregon and California coast we can't wait to hit the road and see that part of the country. this will be our longest trip in the camper.

I think RV.net has a new rule, trip reports required especially with pics!! :B