RV Non-Gel Coat / Smooth Sides

[401-K]

I have a toyhauler, that is not of the gel-coated smooth sided variety. It is the corrugated metal (I think) siding type.

I am not clear what products to use, those listed in the Marine / RV seem to be for boat or the gel-coated fiberglass type.

It is not in a bad shape, I have waxed it with Synwpax (not sure if that is Mothers or Meguiars).

It has been sitting out in the desert sun and I am sure it has taken a beating, so I am wondering what products I should pick-up to use on it when I go to clean it up.

[Murr1525]

Re: RV Non-Gel Coat / Smooth Sides

Any chance of some pics?

[AdvanceDetail]

Re: RV Non-Gel Coat / Smooth Sides

HI 401-Welcome to MOL,

most rvs today are made from Fiberglass exterior or Alumimum with a baked paint, it would be safe to use car wash soap and meguiars car wax (i recomend NXT wax) hope that helps.

[401-K]

Re: RV Non-Gel Coat / Smooth Sides

Unfortunately, no pics. It is out in the desert about 4 or so hours away.

I did not want to store it outside in that blazing desert sun, but I knew I was losing my job, so I had to make some tough decisions.

At any rate, I was fortunate enough to find another job. So, now I need to get out there before the season and give it a detail.

Yes, I think the other poster is correct - aluminum siding w/ baked paint. Assuming it is oxidized what do ya'll recommend? I would be concerned to put something to aggressive on it.

[Murr1525]

Re: RV Non-Gel Coat / Smooth Sides

If it is paint, you can treat it like paint, and use a mild paint cleaner.

What will you be applying product with?

[Poki]

Re: RV Non-Gel Coat / Smooth Sides

I work in the RV industry and confirm that since it's corrugated....it's painted aluminum. Meg's cleaner/wax should work well unless it is really oxidized badly.

[401-K]

Re: RV Non-Gel Coat / Smooth Sides

Thanks for the posts. I have applied and removed by hand in the past. I do have a porter cable now, so that is an option.

The cleaner wax recomended, I assume that since it is paint on metal I should use the normal "car" stuff and not the marine/rv stuff.

If the above is true that is sort of my point in asking, RV does not necessarily mean fiberglass.

[Murr1525]

Re: RV Non-Gel Coat / Smooth Sides

Yup, use the car stuff for paint.

Cleaner/Wax would certainly be good, though it is a mild product. You may find the need for something more agressive, like ColorX/#66. Or even a more dedicated cleaning product then wax.

A PC could be tough on the corrugated sections. At least those will need done by hand.