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gadgtfreek's avatar
gadgtfreek
Explorer
Apr 29, 2014

2003 Holiday Rambler Traveler 26RB Cleaning Help (Exterior)

Uncle bought this a few years ago for a traveling and Mardi Gras use in Mobile Alabama. Since gas spiked he has done very little traveling, but thats going to change as we start going to football games. We have been working on cleaning the inside and getting it ready to tailgate since it sits quite a bit, but are not having much luck cleaning the finish on the outside. Some spots look clean, but other areas are staying a bit dingy.

The problematic part is not the "painted" area but the lighter colored upper portions that have an odd RV type finish (not sure how to describe it). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

As far as the RV, its been great when we have used it (has the Ford 460). I was able to pick up a gas powered golf cart for free and intend on getting a trailer to tow it to games and Mardi Gras.



Thanks
Class A
  • gadgtfreek's avatar
    gadgtfreek
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2014
    Thanks guys. I assumed it was fiberglass but thats why I came here. And I noticed I was wrong on the 460 and it being a V10. Uncle has had it since 2006 and its still in pretty good shape, just needs TLC. He and my aunt arent the cleanest bunch if you know what I mean! Since Im going to be taking it to FSU games this year I figured Id help get it back to where it needs to be so we can enjoy it.
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Apr 30, 2014
    As mentioned above, the exterior sides are ALUMINUM, not fiberglass. I would start with a fine clay bar and wash all of the affected areas with it and soapy water. After using the clay bar to remove any surface contaminants and oxidized paint, then a clear coat safe wax can be applied which should bring the gloss back.
    Don't use any product that says that it is NOT clear coat safe.
  • zekegb's avatar
    zekegb
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2014
    Holiday Rambler Traveler is the same as a Monaco Safari Trek. We have a 2003 Trek model 2810 on the Workhorse chassis. There were a few made on the Ford F53 with the V-10. Treks/Travelers have the space-saving Magic Bed.

    Check out Trek Tracks forum for all kinds of info on Treks/Travelers. Trek Tracks has brochures for all the Treks from 1991 - 2008.

    You might even be interested in the SE Trek Fun Club.

    Traveler has all aluminum sides and roof. I need to wax my coach again. But otherwise I just wash it regularly. The counsel on rubbing and then wax treatment sounds the right thing.
  • wolfe10's avatar
    wolfe10
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2014
    FYI, if a Ford chassis in 2003, it will be the V10, not 460 V8. If Workhorse, the 8.1 liter V8.
  • gadgtfreek's avatar
    gadgtfreek
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2014
    Thanks. I did a little more reading and found the same. My uncle started with some Turtle Wax marine rubbing compound, so we can follow with the marine wax. Also notice Meguiars has the same thing. Should get her all ready to tailgate.
  • fcooper's avatar
    fcooper
    Explorer
    Apr 30, 2014
    Regarding

    The problematic part is not the "painted" area but the lighter colored upper portions that have an odd RV type finish (not sure how to describe it). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.


    It looks similar to my 2000 HR Endeavor. The white, unpainted areas are fiberglass. It is originally slick and shiny, but will oxidize over time.

    To make it shine, you've got to remove the oxidization. This can be done with rubbing compound followed by polish followed by wax.

    If you want a little less work, research the "Red Max" treatment that is well documented on this forum. This is the cheap way.

    Also look at Poli Glow Fiberglass Restoration System, which is similar to the "Red Max" treatment but is actually designed for fiberglass. I've never used Poli Glow. I have used the Red Max floor wax method

    Fred

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