Caring for Your RV Fiberglass
A vast majority of RVs are made from fiberglass or fiber-reinforced plastic. This is a different material from automobiles because of its weight. Fiberglass is much more lightweight; it???s durable and has longevity on its side. Most people take their RVs for long-distance road trips. It would be best if you had something that is going to hold up well. If you’re taking care of your RV on your own, there are some tips you???ll need to follow to protect the fiberglass on your RV.
Maintenance
Whereas you would typically use automobile wax for your car, an RV benefits from a routine coat of gel resin. It provides a very durable finish to your fiberglass, but you will have to reapply to prevent any dullness from showing up. Your RV doesn???t often see a lot of protection in the way of shade and such. You need to use a product that will protect against the sun, excessive heat, ice, road salt, etc. Your traditional wax or polish isn’t going to last more than one month.
A gel is going to provide you with more extended protection. Many RV owners prefer this because of the overall size of an RV. It’s not an easy job to treat the entire vehicle periodically. It’s also a good idea to wash your RV approximately once per month. Don’t use any harsh cleaners that could remove the gel coat or harm the finish. A gentle polish that is made from an abrasive substance will allow you to remove oxidation and dirt. You can complete this process by hand, but a powered buffer will make things a lot easier. Finishing the job off with a fresh gel coat will protect your RV for years to come.
Dealing with Oxidation
As your RV ages, you are going to inevitably deal with oxidation and dullness that products won’t be able to help. You can use the process of wet sanding to deal with this situation. It takes a little bit of time, but it’s something you won’t have to do consistently. Once it’s completed, you’ll get several years out of your work. You’ll need to use 600 to 2,000 grit sandpaper that is soaked for a full 24 hours. A foaming block is used with the sandpaper, and you’ll need to polish it afterward. Keep in mind that some products require three to five coats to get the desired effect.
If you aren’t comfortable maintaining or refinishing your fiberglass exterior on your own, you can bring your vehicle to Reliable RV for assistance. We can provide you with all of the maintenance needed to protect your RV investment for many more years. We want to make sure that your vehicle takes you on your adventures with style and ease.
