With camping season just around the corner, many travel trailer owners are going to be pulling their rigs out of storage. But you may notice a nice layer of dust and grit on it. You know what that means: time to wash your travel trailer! This should be part of your regular dewinterization routine, as well as something you do after every trip. Keeping your rig clean is not only the best way to make it look good, but it can also help you stave off damages and catch them early on. If you notice your travel trailer may need repairs, schedule a service appointment at RV Station - Colbert in Colbert, Oklahoma. We proudly serve Sherman and McKinney, Texas.
Supplies
Start by making sure you have all the right materials. For the most accurate guide, we recommend turning to your owner’s manual. This will have the most detailed description of the materials you’ll be caring for and what kinds of cleaning supplies you’ll need. Odds are, you can use a gentle detergent and brush with a telescoping handle. If you have a rubber roof, then make sure you pick a special kind of cleaner for rubber roofing.
Some travel trailer owners choose to use a power washer. This can be useful, but be careful. Power washers can release water at a speed that can strip paint and finishings. Stand far enough away that you won’t damage your vehicle and don’t hold the stream in one place for too long.
Best Washing Techniques
When you start washing your travel trailer, start at the top and work your way down. Your roof takes the most damage, so don’t skip it just because it’s hard to reach. Some travel trailers come with their own ladder to reach the roof, but for others you’ll need to get your own ladder. Either way, be very careful. There are too many ladder related accidents every year, and we don’t want you to be one of them.
When your roof is done, move onto the sides of the rig. Wherever you’re washing, make sure you wash and rinse in small sections, especially if it’s warm and sunny out. This will keep the soap scum from forming and forcing you to redo certain sections.
Detailing
After you’ve got the majority of the rig done, you’ll want to turn your attention to the finer details. Use automotive window cleaner to clean your windows so they’re smudge-free. You’ll also want to pay close attention to your seals. Seals are essentially the only way you’re going to keep the elements out of your travel trailer, so use sealant conditioner around your windows, roof, and slide-outs. If you’re down by your slide-outs anyway, take some dry slide-out lubricant and grease the bars and tracks so they’ll continue to operate smoothly. You can also use spray lubricant to grease any creaky doors you may have.
For an extra bit of shine, consider looking at your wheels. Your rims are an easy part to make sparkle, just make sure you’re using the right kind of cleaner depending on what the rims are made of (probably aluminum, chrome, enamel, or steel). You can also use tire shine for an extra sleek, fresh-off-the-lot look. This will add a little bit of extra time, but it’ll be well worth it.
This information is for educational purposes. VIARV shall not be responsible nor retain liability for RVer’s use of the provided information. Prior to making any RV service decision, you are advised to consult with an RV professional.
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