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Re: washing and waxing coach.

Just got back from a trip and the new paint job is dusty as all get out. I have water on site. Is there a soap or wash/wax combination I can use without any worries about scratching/streaking?  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: washing coach?

Reply #1
Mike,

You just got it repainted??

As long as the paint is cured, regular car wash soap (cheap at Walmart, auto parts houses, etc) is fine.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: washing coach?

Reply #2
It's the paint job that Bob Perry put on, so it's a few years old. Never had it this dusty, so was concerned. I'll go to a wax option next. Thanks, Brett!  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: washing coach?

Reply #3
Before waxing, contact the manufacturer of the paint and ask for their recommendation on the "care and feeding" of your paint.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: washing coach?

Reply #4
I agree with Brett Wolfe, Country Coach and Monaco had beautiful full body paint jobs done in our area, and their reps recommendation was to just just use a small amount of liquid dish detergent in warm water as they did not want any residue build up from waxes or polishes.  This build up can make the paint look worse, than better.  A customer whom I always admired his shiny Alcoa wheels said he cleaned his wheels at each more than two day stay with a few drops of Dawn liquid dish detergent in a pail of water.  The main thing with dirt built up, is that you wet it down good to soften, before using your wash brush or glove on.
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: washing and waxing coach.

Reply #5
Info from the pros: This coach was stripped, painted and striped in 2013, looks brand new. I've been thinking about a coat of wax and got the installer's suggestions: "Nothing special, just a good quality wax with no additives." "Additives only if the coach is getting sun scald or checking/ fading."  Hope this is of help.  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: washing and waxing coach.

Reply #6
 I would be extremely careful with the amount of dish soap you use. I washed my car, the soapy water dried on the hood, red paint, before I could get it all shammied off, it stained the paint ! I think car wash soaps would be a safer bet ! At least that would be my preference !

Safe travels,
dave
2001 U320 40ft
Build #5867
2003 Tracker
VE7DOD

Re: washing and waxing coach.

Reply #7
Precision Painting in Indiana painted our coach some years ago, before we purchased it.  In the folder with their information, they recommended Protect All.  Protect All, Gallon - Thetford 62010 - RV Cleaners - Camping World

The recommended application method is to spray it on using a spray bottle.  I've used this several times and have not found anything easier to apply and remove.  It seems to leave the surface with a slightly slippery feel.
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: washing and waxing coach.

Reply #8
We've found that the quality of the brush used is much more important than the soap used.  We use a high quality horse hair brush; NOT a cheapo brush -- those will scratch the paint!
Gayle McNeece


Re: washing and waxing coach.

Reply #10
Mike - So what did you use/do?  You certainly must have washed her by now.  :D
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320


Re: washing and waxing coach.

Reply #12

Regular user of WashWaxAll.  When I wash the coach I use Meguiar's Detailer Hyper-Wash that I got at the Corvette Museum and a soft brush.  Amazing stuff. One oz of soap to five gallons of water. 

Amazon.com: Meguiar's D11001 Hyper-Wash - 1 Gallon: Automotive

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: washing and waxing coach.

Reply #13
Light pressure spray to remove grit as can, Gold Maguires with soft brush, soft towel if some very dirty area areas turning to fresh towel surface, then wash wax all.....if coach pretty clean, just the wash wax all system but i do not use it first if grit...wash is off first
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: Re: washing and waxing coach.

Reply #14
Our coach has always lived in Arizona since its paint job, so not much heavy grit since we bought her. I've used 303 to keep it up and has worked fine. All the research I've done points to Megular products and I've ordered some. In waxing the Airstreams, I've always gone sideways  " with the grain" to avoid scratching, will do the same with the FT out of habit. My pal with the Blue Bird uses Megular and it looks great!
 
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Re: washing and waxing coach.

Reply #15
Keep clean wash water. Particles of grit in wash water scratch paint.. Wash your brush or mitt several times during the washing.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: washing and waxing coach.

Reply #16
I try to rinse the brush with clean water before I put it back in the soapy water bucket then back on the coach.
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320


Re: washing and waxing coach.

Reply #18

REFLECTIONS on the New Year while reading all of the Forum posts about widespread sub-zero temperatures, 100 year Erie lake-effect-snow events and questions about whether one is far-enough-South, or not?

Well, last week, the SW FL weather was essentially in the mid to upper 70's with overnight lows in the 60's.  So temps have been perfect for a good cleanup, before it becomes too cold to prep the coach for "a SW FL Winter".

Today was an overcast, breezy day with a 63 degree F high.  And Fort Myers is headed for 32 F Thursday overnight into Friday morning. So it was time to get off the stick and get it done.

A few years ago, I stumbled onto a "new-to-me" polish product (GLARE) through Honda and the Goldwing.  From experience, I've found that several motorcycle brands (HD and Honda, for example) have some quite superior polish and detailing products, at least for motorcycles. 

Having successfully used Meguires #62 car wash and then Wash 'N Wax All detailing (exclusively) on the coach, trailer and car for several years, I thought I would try a Glare product on the coach and trailer, to see if I could increase the depth of shine this year.  I don't cotton to all of the unscientific hype and miracle claims of most competing products and I don't experiment much.  I definitely prefer to stay with products that have proven their value to me.

But, after a day "at it," I'm truly impressed with this GLARE Professional Polish product.  Three years ago, FOT gifted me with considerable roof repair overspray, all over the curb side of the coach and the whole coach needed to be brought back to glass smooth.  With temperatures in the low 60's, some #5 orbital Glare pads, about two dozen man-hours of decent exercise and some final detailing with Wash 'N Wax All, the overspray is now gone and we are once again smoother than smooth.  I'm super impressed that the GLARE product has restored the coach to where it reflects better than it ever has. 

Now we'll just have to wait and see how well it lasts. Glare says 5 years. If the Glare product sheds contaminants and remains as smooth as it is now (with the standard monthly W 'N W All touch-ups) I will count it as a long term success.

Just thought that I would share this, as I'm not easily impressed, but, thus far, it looks like this GLARE Professional Polish may be a winning complement to the Meguire's #62 Car wash and the W 'n W All  detailing products.  Here are links to the above mentioned products:


http://www.glare.com/

Amazon.com: Meguiar's M62 Mirror Glaze Carwash Shampoo & Conditioner - 1...

Amazon.com: Glare Plus Professional Polish - 12 Ounce Bottle: Automotive

Amazon.com: Wet or Waterless Car Wash Wax 128 oz. Aircraft Quality Wash Wax...

http://www.ridersdomain.com/motorcycle-accessories/pro-honda-glare-professional-polish-p

HTH,
Neal

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
The selected media item is not currently available.
Neal (& Brenda) Pillsbury
'02 U320 SPEC, 4200, DGFE, Build #5984
'04 Gold Wing
'07 Featherlite 24'
'14 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
MC #14494
Exeter, NH & LaBelle FL
Quality makes the Heart Soar long after Price is Forgotten

Re: Re: washing and waxing coach.

Reply #19
Wow is an understatement! Wow again.. speechless

Re: washing and waxing coach.

Reply #20
I use Wash Wax All on the road. At home, I use a foam a spot cleaner after rinsing usually a degreaser on the front for bugs and stuff followed by a foam cannon over large sections. While the foam is doing its thing, a boars hair brush to further agitate the dirt followed by a complete rinse. I use a high foaming auto wash. Twice a year I use Klasse sealer and polish. Wonderful product.

Chemical Guys - Foam Blaster 6 Foam Wash Gun Kit (4 Items)

The foam cannon makes it quick and effective for me. The foam is so thick my coach looks totally covered in snow! Sorry don't have a picture.

Alan & Gerri Ortiz
1996 U295 36 ft.
"Rocinante"
Hartwell, Georgia
1999 Subaru Forester
Build No. 4957 Motorcader 17399

Re: washing and waxing coach.

Reply #21
RE

Now we'll just have to wait and see how well it lasts. Glare says 5 years. If the Glare product sheds contaminants and remains as smooth as it is now (with the standard monthly W 'N W All touch-ups) I will count it as a long term success.

Just thought that I would share this, as I'm not easily impressed, but, thus far, it looks like this GLARE Professional Polish may be a winning complement to the Meguire's #62 Car wash and the W 'n W All  detailing products.  Here are links to the above mentioned products:


http://www.glare.com/

Amazon.com: Meguiar's M62 Mirror Glaze Carwash Shampoo & Conditioner - 1...

Amazon.com: Glare Plus Professional Polish - 12 Ounce Bottle: Automotive

Amazon.com: Wet or Waterless Car Wash Wax 128 oz. Aircraft Quality Wash Wax...

http://www.ridersdomain.com/motorcycle-accessories/pro-honda-glare-professional-polish-p

HTH,
Neal

It seems like Glare has LOTS of products online. IF I understand you correctly, you use Glare polish. Was a 12 oz. bottle enough for the entire coach?? I also understand that you use the Wet and Water as " touchup ".?? Is that correct.? Looks great.
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: washing and waxing coach.

Reply #22
Hey Glenn,

Not picking on you or telling you what to do, BUT, when you quote a really long post by another member (like above) you might try trimming it down to just a couple pertinent sentences instead of quoting the whole thing.  This makes it easier for members to read the thread, especially when using their smart phones (small screens).  Also saves band width and storage space, although nobody worries about that stuff any more.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: washing and waxing coach.

Reply #23
Wash Wax All is great on the road.  I try to stay ahead of the dirt and dust and keep up the shine.  At the end of a day driving get the bugs off before they petrify.  Using WWA on the front end really makes this easier.  When we get somewhere where we will be for a while I get at the shady side in the morning one day and the other side in the afternoon the next.

Works great on glass, mirrors, chrome,  the shower, the countertops ... even your computer screen. 
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Re: washing and waxing coach.

Reply #24
We stayed under a grove of junipers last year and got pitch all over, nasty! I found some "Goof-Off" that was not as strong as the terrible smelling variety. With "Bounce" (used in clothes dryers) as a scrubber, everything came off pretty easy (including the bugs!).  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'