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prstlk's avatar
prstlk
Explorer
Oct 26, 2023

Wax on Wax Off?

Purchsed a used 2016 Keystone 5th wheel. Before we left in the spring I waxed the trailer using what I always use. McGuires cleanner wax. I have always had good luck and long lasting shine with this product. Mid-Summer I used it to touch up some minor brush scapes on one side. I noticed a marked differance in where I treated.

Question: I know there has been some advances in waxes and coatings, including ceramics. Anyone have experiance with anything that holds a shine better?

Thanks all
Jim
  • Cleaner waxes are just that, CLEANER waxes. At best they are good for stains and minor oxidation. They don't last long. They are not sealants or protectants.

    Much depends on the condition of the surface to start with. Compounds are available in various grits. Hopefully nothing more than a finishing compound is ever needed. RVs typically have a very thin gelcoat. Gelcoat is expensive and it is also heavy. Two things the RV builders shy away from.

    The trick is to start with a good surface and keep it that way.

    My 2007 Alpenlite spends six months a year in use. It has spent all but the past two winters indoors and those winters it has been covered under a tarp, after a three day cleaning and waxing job. It was covered four days ago looking almost showroom ready.

    Sides get waxed once a year. Front cap twice a year because of bugs.
  • I began using Turtle Wax Ceramic Spray Coating vs. wax in the past few years. Project Farm on youtube channel, had a great test of wax and coatings, and then which of the many brands of ceramic coatings. For our C (I know it's not a 5vr) it is WAY easier and has a better coating (my opinion) than wax. I can literally spray EVERYTHING -- windows, trim, vinyl graphics, etc. It's spray on, buff out, no waiting to dry. Read label. Love the fact I can do it on every surface. I don't use rain-x as much as before since this ceramic coating can go on glass...and does same job. My 2 cents.
  • I use Collinite products I use the insulator wax on my cars and truck and the fleetwax marine wax on the 5th wheel.
  • I've been using a foam cannon with the "ceramic" wax mixed in with the soap and it does a pretty good job on the trailer. Originally got it for the cars and it does a great job on them too so figured I'd try it on the trailer.

    Makes washing so much easier. Just spray it on, use the washing brush to wash it then rinse it off. No more buckets to fill/haul around.

    Setting up the pressure washer is about the only thing that takes time, but I've got the quick connect hose fittings on it, so not a big deal.

    Mitch