Washing the 5er without damaging the decals

[klr650goldwing]

Okay so we are about to wash our trailer and are concerned

about damaging the decals or anything else. We plan to wash the roof and the

outside walls of the trailer. We've heard that dish soap will remove all wax

that is on the trailer. When we first bought the 5er (about 1.5 years ago) we

paid a premium price to have a special wax rubbed into the outside of the

trailer. This wax job is supposed to last 5 years. It is definitely on the

trailer and is very noticeable. However, we sure don't want to wash that wax

off. <?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" />







So, do you all use the same cleaner for the roof as well as

the walls? What cleaner/soap do you recommend for this job?







Thanks.

[geondebi]

Sure CW has roof cleaners but I use a cheap cleanser mixed with some water. Using a brush I scrub the roof and rinse it very well. I am sure this might eat away at your wax as I think most cleaners will do. Then I use a gel coat wash / wax for the sides. I am not sure a wax job will last 5 years but I would still put a coat on before the camping season starts.

[Stan]

I use a good quality car wash on the outside and when I wax, I don't wax the decals. One of my decals cracked and had to be removed but I believe it was from sitting in the sun not anything else that caused it to crack. The shade side is fine.

[Lloyd]

I use solvit when I do the roof. I usually buy what ever farm&amp;fleet has on special for car wash soap. (the cheapest) I have used solvit mixed in with the car washing soap when doing the awning and side walls. No wax removal streaking.

[scott]

I just spent last weekend washing and waxing, you have a job in front of you. I use an automotive car soap. Any decent car soap should not remove any wax that you have built up. For the roof i use the same soap and sprinkle a littleajax then scrub it withthe broom i use on my garage floor.For wax, I use a cream wax and an orbital buffer and I wax everything from the roof line down. Check to make sure your wax has UV inhibitors, this will protect your decals from the sun. And invest in an orbital buffer if you do not already have one. This will save your shoulders from a couple days of pain.

[rcflyer]

ajax on the roof?? Why is it we all want a white pristine roof? The last time I saw my roof was when I was checking it for damage. The ajax will remove roof material and shorten the life of the roof. Any heavy cleaning will do the same.</span>

[Lloyd]

Have you ever seen a roof that had hole rub/worn in it from washing/scrubbing?
I haven't.

[scott]

Originally Posted by rcflyer

ajax on the roof?? Why is it we all want a white pristine roof? The last time I saw my roof was when I was checking it for damage. The ajax will remove roof material and shorten the life of the roof. Any heavy cleaning will do the same.

6 years of this and no signs of damage. I don't use alot, just enough to create some abrasivness (is that a word?).Remember, when it rains everything runs downhill. A clean roof will keep the sides of your rig cleaner.

[geondebi]

5 years times twice a year and no roof damage or ware from washing. After seeing pictures of Old Farmers roof I would use solvit if I could find it. They do not have it here in Calif or non that I can find.

[Papa-T]

I use the Blue Coral Wash and Wax Concentrate from walmart. It's always worked for me with no problems. I do however keep my 5er in an enclosed building.

[PMSPKS]

Lloyd (Old Farmer) made a believer out of me with the Solvit. It works great for a lot of other things, too besides the roof. George, I had to order my Solvit online from them. Just Google them up. Nice people.

[tator447]

I haven't been on my roof yet to wash it or prepare it for a winter or a summer. When you go up to wash it is it evident where the roof trusses are so you can just walk on them and not the plywood? Just wondering, don't want to do something stupid

Thanks,
Jim

[tator447]

Scott,
I have an 8" orbital buffer, you said you use a cream was with a UV inhibitor, is that a special brand or can you tell me what you use. If you've been doing it for years and it works I'd like to not have to reinvent the wheel

Thanks,
Jim

[scott]

Originally Posted by tator447

Scott,

I have an 8" orbital buffer, you said you use a cream was with a UV inhibitor, is that a special brand or can you tell me what you use. If you've been doing it for years and it works I'd like to not have to reinvent the wheel



Thanks,

Jim

I have some leftover Car Brite soap and wax that I use until it is gone. Car Brite was purchased by Valvoline and I lost my connection (he worked for Car Brite). It was not distributed for consumer purchase, only thru body shops and detailers. Most of the good waxes on the market have UV protection added to them. It's really nothing super special, do a search for car wax with UV and you will get an idea of how many there are. But I believe the UV protection is just another way of keeping the surface from fading........as long as the wax is applied a couple times a year.

[Hunter11]

I have a guy that washes ours from the roof down and waxes it for $4 a foot.We visit that RVResort twice a year just so we can get the trailer done.

[Lloyd]

NO----Tell me I'm reading that wrong!!!
You didn't actually "pay" somebody to do that, did you Keith?????

[Hunter11]

Buckhorn Lake Resort. You bet I do. I can sit in the shade and watch them do all the work and I don't hurt for two or three days after it is all done like I use to.

[Papa-T]

I hear that. Wish I had someone to wash mine. Pain,Pain The Pain.

[avvidclif]

Originally Posted by Hunter11

I have a guy that washes ours from the roof down and waxes it for $4 a foot.Â*We visit that RVÂ*Resort twice a year just so we can get the trailer done.

I saw them around when we were at the rally, just didn't ask what they charged. Hmmm may have to toodle back down there. DW wants to visit Avery Jewelry again (pocketbook is screaming) anyway....

[Hunter11]

Clif, not trying to high jack the post but I think they are around $4.50 a foot now for the wash and wax. That still is not bad at all when all the guys that do it around Austin want between $8 to $10 a foot.