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Topic: How long does it take to wax a 42 footer? (Read 1109 times) previous topic - next topic

How long does it take to wax a 42 footer?

I thoroughly wash my coach from top to bottom every time it comes off the road, and wax it twice a year (2 coats).  I have been using McGuires Gold Class.  This is a very tedious job, takes 3 men 16 hours.  Has anyone found anything easier?  The shine achieved is amazing, and I feel it gives extra protection, as I usually keep the coach in my driveway for most of the summer.  I've seen some modern spray-on - wipe off - waxes, but am skeptical.  Does anyone have experience with these new products?  Obviously, I want to do everything possible to preserve the paint on this coach, as it was a custom Stallings paint job, 5 colors, with shading, with an extra clear-coat. 

Gregory S
2003 Designer

Re: How long does it take to wax a 42 footer?

Reply #1 –
It takes me a week to do the coach.  I do it after work and on the weekend in the garage.  I do the caps one a day and half a side a day.  Twice a year. 
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: How long does it take to wax a 42 footer?

Reply #2 –
First, have you asked James? I think he would be able to advise you best. Secondly, the newer clear coats do well with the synthetic polishes/sealants like ICE, Nanowax, etc. They are extemely easy to apply and buff with a microfiber towel/pad.

I would say most critical is to use the proper automotive soaps and avoid the super harsh dish soaps. Plenty of suds to lift off the dirt avoids micro scratches which dull the shine. Auto washes have additive to 'feed' and condition the paint.

You attitude of cleaning following each trip removes the inevitable industrial pollution as soon as possible, and twice a year sealing/polish is perfect as long as you use auto washes.

I would consider a good variable speed orbital with the largest pads possible for at least buffing out your wax, if not for applying and buffing. It will cut your detail time immensely and significantly reduce swirls. We're not talking serious buffing, but hazed wax removal.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: How long does it take to wax a 42 footer?

Reply #3 –
Steve and I use the Gold Class wash, but NXT Tech Wax for our polish.  We did 2 coats of NXT last August.  We're 40', and just the two of us hackers did the first coat in 4 hours max, second coat in less.  We did one coat one day, the other the next and we only work on the shady side so the 4 hours have a couple hour break in between.

I'd say the finished product is a pretty good shine

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Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: How long does it take to wax a 42 footer?

Reply #4 –
The fact that James Stallings wells Wash Wax All is good enough for me.  If you use the big applicator pad sold by Rudy Legett, you can do your entire coach in a few hours.  Without the big applicator probably more like 6 hours (for me anyway).
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: How long does it take to wax a 42 footer?

Reply #5 –
I suspect it takes about an hour longer than it takes my detail guy to wax my 36 footer. :D ;D :P :)) ^.^d
Scott, Bonnie and Bentley
2001 36' U320
2006 Hummer H3

Re: How long does it take to wax a 42 footer?

Reply #6 –
Quote from: George Stoltz –
The fact that James Stallings wells Wash Wax All is good enough for me.  If you use the big applicator pad sold by Rudy Legett, you can do your entire coach in a few hours.  Without the big applicator probably more like 6 hours (for me anyway).
I don't really know.  My dear wife does ours with Wash Wax all.  Doesn't take her long.  Spray it on.  Wife with one cloth.  Buff with another.  Shines like new money.  We use it on our car as well.  Ten minute job.
Jerry Elkins
2004 Holiday Rambler Scepter
2018 Mini Cooper Clubman
Border Collies Isabelle & Baxter
Kerrville Tx.  78028

Re: How long does it take to wax a 42 footer?

Reply #7 –
I love Wash Wax All. If you spray the bugs on the front of the coach and let it sit for a few moments they come right off. I also use it on the windows for the same reason.
Coleen Elkins
Former 95 U240
One retired husband &
two Border Collies Isabelle and Katlyn

Re: How long does it take to wax a 42 footer?

Reply #8 –
Well, from experience with a 42ft Foretravel with 2 slides, I can say that I can get the entire coach waxed in a day.  Now, i'm doing this inside a barn, out of the sun.  I normally wax one side and the front in the morning and the other side and back in the afternoon.  I do not use any automatic buffer. Just my two arms.  "Wax On, Wax Off".  I do this about 3 times a year. 

I have to say, it's really nice to have it inside the barn, with the fans on and radio going, makes it much more enjoyable.  ok, maybe not enjoyable, tolerable! 
Tom & Bill

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: How long does it take to wax a 42 footer?

Reply #9 –
On the lighter side: Just 'till you get done, unless you suffer from Voluntary Inertia like me.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: How long does it take to wax a 42 footer?

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Coleen –
I love Wash Wax All. If you spray the bugs on the front of the coach and let it sit for a few moments they come right off. I also use it on the windows for the same reason.

Any idea how much Wash Wax All you use per application?  Thinking about ordering it to give it a try!
Benjie, Ashley, Zoey, Fallon, and Lake
Round Rock, TX
In search of our next monster...

Re: How long does it take to wax a 42 footer?

Reply #11 –
Benjie,

The most economical way to purchase Wash Wax All is by the gallon at $27.95 each.  It takes one pint to do my 40 coach.

One can purchase a pint for $9.95 if you wish a minimal trial amount.

No matter which amount you choose, add one pint of the black streak remover (red colored).  Your coach and mine are  gelcoated which is more porous than painted coaches.  The Wash Wax All (blue colored) does not have enough soap to remove the grey streak under some of my awning arms.  When I see that, I give it a quick squirt of the Black Streak Remover and quick wipe and the grey streak is gone.  The degreaser has wax as does Wash Wax All so you do not need to go back once the streak is gone.

So, I am suggesting you order either one gallon Wash Wax All and one pint of Degreaser or one pint Wash Wax All and one pint Black Streak Remover.

If your gelcoat is currently shiny and not needing repairing (polishing the oxidation off) the shine will be stellar as is my coach and cars.  If not currently shiny, there is no polish in WWA which means it will not hurt clear coat on painted coaches.  WWA will clean a faded coach but not repair the surface if it needs polishing.

Once shiny, it will stay that way.  James Stallings power buffed my coach for me three years ago.  Three years outside in the sun and still shiny because I do not wash my coach, I use Wash Wax All when it is dirty to clean, wax and UV protect it.  Great on bugs by the way.  I use it on all surfaces, windows, rubber trim around windows, gelcoat, plastic light lens, tires, wheels, leather and vinyl.

Wash Wax All is made at the San Antonio Airport.  Brian Philips really likes talking to RVers.  It is only an hour drive or so from your home plate.  Visiting Brian at the hanger right on the airport is always fun to me.  I will be there on October 17th to see whats new since my last visit.

If you stop by you will learn more about cleaning and waxing than you imagine plus you can also get a close up view of his Robertson R44 4 place helicopter.  The helicopter has a stellar shine and you can eat off the hanger floor.  Really clean well organized operation with the jets taking off and landing just outside the window.

Call Brian at 800.WASH.WAX for ordering, questions or setting up a visit.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas