cleaning the outside of the 5'er

[md_procouple]

After a couple of years being dormant, our 5'er has developed oxidation problems. I have been removing the peeling decals and everywhere where the decals were, the "finish" is still shiny and pristine looking. But everywhere else developed the oxidation issue. I saw an "oxidation" remover from Meguires for fiberglass boats and campers. Which I was told would work from the salesclerk. Although I did not feel comfortable with his answer. The other option is I have a pressure washer and would that work as well. (It would be a lot Quicker for sure.) But I am not sure it would be the correct way of doing it. I would NOT use it on the roof. Just the sides and front Cap. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Etstorm]

Try a foam cannon.
It attaches to your power washer. Several good foaming soaps out there

[cummins2014]

Lwiddis wrote:
Try Meguires. It’s not that expensive and it works for me.

They all work to restore some of the shine, and remove some oxidation, but not all. Did you remove the graphics and get it all to match , no shadow where the graphics were ?? I believe that’s the answer the OP is after .

[phillyg]

It's virtually impossible to remove decal "ghosts," even with a product like Ghost Off.

[Lwiddis]

Try Meguires. It’s not that expensive and it works for me.

[corvettekent]

We removed our decals last year and after a few hours of trying to remove to oxidation myself I gave up and called a local RV shop in Washington, their quote was over $4,000. To me that is a we don't want your business quote. Last winter in Arizona I had it power buffed and waxed for $320 so now the oxidation is gone but you can still see where the decals were removed.

[cummins2014]

md_procouple wrote:
After a couple of years being dormant, our 5'er has developed oxidation problems. I have been removing the peeling decals and everywhere where the decals were, the "finish" is still shiny and pristine looking. But everywhere else developed the oxidation issue. I saw an "oxidation" remover from Meguires for fiberglass boats and campers. Which I was told would work from the salesclerk. Although I did not feel comfortable with his answer. The other option is I have a pressure washer and would that work as well. (It would be a lot Quicker for sure.) But I am not sure it would be the correct way of doing it. I would NOT use it on the roof. Just the sides and front Cap. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Try as I might on my previous fifth wheel I never could get the oxidation off to match where the graphics had been ,if that is what you are asking ?? I was just going to eliminate a few of the peeling graphics, but getting the oxidation off to match was not working with the products I was using. I finally replaced a few of the graphics, on others I just trimmed them back a bit. It got to the point trimming them I was getting a shinier ring around the graphics where they had been ,and I couldn't wax off the oxidation to match .

I know it can be done ,but using a couple different products ,plain old rubbing compound did not get the job done, nor a couple others that I don't remember ,but was advertised to remove oxidation.

I have watched a couple youtube videos on removing decals ,and oxidation on the front caps, and it was quite a process. Something I am not willing to do. Good luck with the project .

[8ntw8tn]

Last year I used a waterless spray and wipe product from Ibiz. Literally sprayed it on and wiped it off. It did a wonderful job of eliminating the oxidation. Hope this helps.

[gbopp]

Another option is the ZEP SYSTEM.
It does a great job removing oxidation. Use the wax of your choice, not everyone likes floor wax on their RV.
Preparation is the key to a good wax job.

Red Max Pro is no longer available. Zep is the same product.

[Second_Chance]

Pressure washing will not remove oxidization. The Mequiars products are excellent. I would use their marine oxidization remover on the gelcoat and then use Wash Wax All twice a year (it's a waterless wash, wax and protectant). The Wash Wax All is a much quicker and easier process for waxing the unit - it was developed for the aviation industry (I use it on the RV, the truck and the car).

Rob