Waxing a Fiberglass RV: The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Life Just a Little Bit Easier
If you own a fiberglass RV, you might have heard about how important it is to wax it regularly. Or maybe you haven’t—who cares, right? Either way, we’re here to walk you through the process of waxing your RV, because apparently, it’s a thing you need to do if you want to keep your vehicle looking somewhat decent. So, let’s dive into the ins and outs of waxing a fiberglass RV, although honestly, it might just feel like another chore on your to-do list.
Why Waxing?
First off, let’s tackle the burning question: why bother waxing a fiberglass RV at all? The short answer is that it can protect the surface from UV rays, oxidation, and other not-so-fun stuff like dirt and bird poop. If you’ve ever seen those sun-bleached, sad-looking RVs parked alongside the road, you might be motivated to give your fiberglass friend a little TLC. But if you’re fine with your RV looking crusty and faded, who are we to say you should do otherwise?
When it comes down to it, waxing is meant to help maintain the shine and integrity of your RV’s finish. It can make washing easier, and let’s be real, that’s probably one of the only perks. But don’t kid yourself; it won’t solve all the world’s problems or even most of yours. Just a layer of wax between your RV and the elements. Great, right?
What You’ll Need
Before embarking on this journey, you should gather a few supplies. Here’s a basic list of what you’ll need. No serious surprises here. It’s not like we’re going on a treasure hunt.
RV Wax: There are many types; just pick one, I guess. It’s all pretty much the same.
Wash Soap: Use something that’s safe for fiberglass. Again, not rocket science.
Bucket: To mix the soap with water, because we have to be thorough, I suppose.
Microfiber Cloths: For waxing and buffing, because normal cloths are just too… normal.
Sponges: To wash the RV, but obviously not the same ones you’d use in your kitchen.
Applicator Pad: Or, just use one of those microfiber cloths you have.
Hose: To rinse off soap. Water is involved; get over it.
Protective Gear: Gloves, goggles—whatever makes you feel safe from the dangers of waxing.
That’s it. It’s not complicated. You’re not building a spaceship. Just a few things.
The Process
Here’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Let’s break this down step-by-step. But let’s be honest—the process is about as thrilling as watching paint dry.
1. Find a Suitable Location: Ideally, you’ll want to do this in a shady spot to prevent the wax from drying too quickly in the sun. Unless you’re cool with that, then go ahead and get scorched. The choice is yours.
2. Wash the RV: Use the wash soap and sponge. It probably goes without saying, but make sure it’s clean before applying wax. Just don’t expect to have fun doing this. It’s a chore for a reason.
3. Rinse Off: After washing, rinse off all the soap with your hose. Make sure there’s no soap left; it’s not going to make your RV look better. Just saying.
4. Dry the Surface: You can either let it air dry or take a microfiber cloth to it. Doesn’t really matter, but a dry surface is ideal for waxing. You could also not dry it and just roll the dice.
5. Application of Wax: Grab your RV wax and either use an applicator pad or a microfiber cloth. Apply a thin coat of wax using circular motions. It’s somewhat zen-like; if you’re into that sort of thing.
6. Let it Sit: Most waxes recommend letting it sit for a bit to “cure.” Just read your product instructions. You could sit there and stare at it, or you could go binge-watch a series—totally up to you.
7. Buffing: After the wax has set, take another clean microfiber cloth and start buffing it out. This is where you may begin to see the shine emerge, but hey, it’s just a shiny RV.
8. Final Inspection: Once you’re done, do a final inspection. Get close. Look at it. Move on if you’re satisfied. If you’re not, maybe do it again—who cares?
How Often Should You Wax?
This is the part that they always tell you about—it’s important to keep a regular waxing schedule. But honestly, it depends on how much you care about your RV. If you’re using it frequently or parking it outside in harsh conditions, every three months might be in order. If it’s more of a decorative piece parked in your driveway, go ahead and stretch that out to six months. Or just ignore it until it looks like it got hit by a sandstorm.
Choosing the Right Wax
This is less important than you’d think, but still worth mentioning. You’ll find that there are many types of waxes available—paste, liquid, spray. They all work in principle, though some enthusiasts will argue about the nuances. Simply pick one that you think looks appealing enough to purchase or the cheapest option on the shelf. That’ll do just fine.
Alternative Methods: Do You Even Need Wax?
At this point, you might be wondering if wax is even necessary. Some say that ceramic coatings are the holy grail of paint protection, while others stubbornly cling to their beloved wax. Who knows? The RV community can be passionate about these things, which is frankly exhausting.
If you decide to skip waxing entirely, embracing the natural patina of age is certainly a choice. There’s a somewhat profound freedom in the thought of “who even cares?” about how shiny your RV looks. If you’re not worried about resale value or impressing your friends, then let it be. Enjoy the faded glory and save yourself some time.
Conclusion: A Labor of Mediocrity
At the end of the day, waxing a fiberglass RV is just another small task in a world filled with more pressing matters. It might make your RV look a bit better, but it also might not seem worth the effort. You could spend two hours waxing, or you could do literally anything else with that time. Just know that if you decide to take the plunge, the process is straightforward and largely uneventful.
And there you have it: wax your RV, don’t wax your RV: it’s really up to you. Either way, life will go on, and there are better ways to spend your time than obsessing over the shine of a fiberglass shell. Happy travels, or don’t—they’re your choices.