Keeping your RV looking its best is important when you own it. Regularly polishing your RV can help you maintain its appearance. However, this task can feel daunting, especially for those who are new to owning an RV or have never done it before.
If you use the right techniques and have the right equipment, the exterior of your RV will remain in great condition for years to come.
Today we’re going to give you some tips on how to safely polish your RV. Dive in and get started!
Do you need to polish your motorhome?
Polishing your RV isn’t absolutely necessary, but it can help keep it looking its best and protect its exterior from the elements. When your RV is exposed to the elements, sun, rain and other elements can cause the surface to become dull and faded.
Polishing can help restore the luster and vibrancy of the paint and protect the exterior from further damage. Polishing can also remove minor scratches and scuffs that are part of normal wear and tear.
No matter how hard you try, branches and other objects will scrape the side of your vehicle. Polishing can help remove these scratches and keep the surface looking like new longer.
How often should you polish an RV?
Polishing an RV is time-consuming and labor-intensive, so it’s easy to find an excuse not to do it. However, procrastination is not beneficial to you or your RV.
In most cases, you should polish your entire vehicle at least twice a year. However, if you live in an area with harsh weather, you may need to increase the frequency.
If you follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, this should not be a problem. Consider this part of routine maintenance and plan accordingly. I
If you are overwhelmed with the task, hire a professional. If you are satisfied with the result, make the next appointment for polishing right away.
Is polishing a motorhome difficult?
Polishing an RV can be a difficult and time-consuming task. The difficulty depends largely on the size of your motorhome.
However, you must also consider the type of materials used and the number of complex contours and angles on the surface.
To polish your RV, you’ll need special equipment, such as a polisher or buffer, as well as special products for RVs. Don’t forget that you’ll probably also need a ladder to get to those hard-to-reach places.
However, with the right tools, techniques and a little patience, polishing an RV can be very rewarding and satisfying. Some RV owners enjoy the work and take pride in maintaining their investment. You’re wasting your time if you try to rush the process.
Many RV owners find polishing easier and more effective when done in stages. Instead of tackling the whole job, you can finish one side or section at a time. However, sometimes it’s best to bite the bullet and spend most of Saturday giving your RV some TLC.
Tips for safely polishing your RV
You want your RV to shine when you finish polishing it. However, if you are not careful, you may not get the best results.
Here are some tips to help you end up with an RV you can be proud of.
Thoroughly wash and dry motorhome
The first step to a sparkling clean RV is to wash it. Keep in mind that many RV parks and campgrounds do not allow their guests to do this. So park somewhere where you can wash your vehicle.
Wash the entire body and pay special attention to the dirtiest areas. Unfortunately, our RV is responsible for ending the lives of many vermin on the road. The evidence shows up on the front cap of your RV, and you’ll want to get rid of them.
You may need to buy special products to remove bug guts and other stubborn dirt. However, check the label and make sure the product is appropriate for your RV. If you use the wrong products, you may do more harm than good.
Once you have washed the entire RV, you should give it time to dry. If you have a microfiber cloth, you can wipe down the various surfaces to speed up the process. However, depending on the amount of sunlight, this can be fairly quick.
Choose the right wax and polish
Choosing the right wax and polish for your RV is important. It can help you maintain the appearance of your RV and protect its exterior.
First, you need to consider the construction materials of your RV. Fiberglass and aluminum require different products to achieve the best results.
You should also pay attention to UV protection, brand quality and ease of use. You don’t want to make your job harder than it has to be.
At the same time, you want to give your RV the most protection possible. If your RV is exposed to the elements most of the time, UV protection is essential. This prevents fading and cracking.
Finally, wax and polish products can vary in price, so you should consider your budget when choosing a product.
However, keep in mind that a more expensive product may be more effective and protect your RV better in the long run. If you choose a brand-name product, you may only be wasting time to save a few dollars.
Gather your tools for the job
While your equipment is drying, gather all the tools you will need. These include a polishing machine, polishing pads and microfiber cloths.
Also, set out masking tape to cover areas that are not suitable for waxing or polishing. It can be easy to be in a hurry and skip this step, but you could soil some materials if you skip this step.
Take your time
One of the worst things you can do when polishing your RV is to be in a hurry. Any job worth doing is worth doing right, and polishing your RV takes time. There is no shortcut that will lead to a quality result.
If you don’t have time to complete the entire project in a single day, break it up into smaller sections. Spend a few focused hours on that section and give it your best shot. That way, you’ll work your way to a shiny mobile home piece by piece.
Don’t forget your roof, wheels and awning
One mistake many owners make is forgetting to clean their roofs, wheels and awnings.
Take the time to climb up on your roof and inspect it. Scrub it down thoroughly and clean the various surfaces of the roof. Then extend your awnings and clean them thoroughly as well.
When it comes to your wheels, it’s time to inspect them for any problems. As you clean them, look for signs of uneven tread wear.
If you find anything suspicious, have the tires inspected by a professional. Also, use a high-quality wheel cleaner and scrub the tires thoroughly.
Remember: Are you considering an electric RV awning? Here are 5 reasons why you should avoid them.
The best products for polishing a motorhome
There are some great products out there that can provide excellent results. Here are our recommendations if you are looking for the best products for polishing RVs.
Meguiar’s M4516 RV Polish & Gloss Enhancer.
Meguiar’s M4516 RV Polish & Gloss Enhancer is the perfect solution for restoring and maintaining the appearance of your boat or RV. Specially formulated for gelcoat and fiberglass surfaces, this special formula provides polishing and gloss enhancing properties.
It allows you to remove light oxidation, minor scratches and imperfections. It also gives your RV a glossy finish that makes it appear like new. The polish protects the surfaces of your motorhome from salt, corrosion and UV rays.
It helps keep your RV looking good longer and provides lasting protection against the elements. Thanks to its easy-to-apply formula, you can apply it by hand or with a polishing machine. You do not need any special equipment or technique.
Star Brite 071516P Premium RV Wash & Wax is a premium two-in-one solution for maintaining the exterior of your RV. It’s great for RVs and motorhomes and can help protect your investment from the elements while restoring its appearance.
This wash and wax product has a unique formula that removes dirt, grime and road film and leaves a protective layer of wax. The wax protects against UV rays, salt air and other environmental elements that can damage the exterior of your RV.
This two-in-one product saves time and effort, making it the ideal choice for busy RV owners who want to maintain their investment while on the road. Why do double the work when you can use a product that does both?
Please note: Keep your RV clean like a pro with these RV cleaning products that every experienced RVer has!
Polish your motorhome to look like new
Polishing your RV is an important part of RV maintenance that can help keep it looking like new and protect its exterior.
Although polishing an RV can feel daunting, you shouldn’t avoid the task. By polishing your RV properly, you can ensure it looks great and stays protected for years to come.
Have you ever polished your RV before?