WASHING YOUR RV

After a long trip across the state or country, your RV is probably going to have a healthy layer of road dust on it. That, or it’s a healthy layer of regular dust after you’ve had it in storage for several months. Either way, you’ll want to keep your RV clean by regularly washing it. While it’s a relatively straightforward process, you may feel a little intimidated by the amount of work and making sure you cover all your bases. This can be especially true for some of the bigger rigs. That’s why Jubilee RV Centre has provided you with a guide to washing your RV. If you still need the RV to clean and travel around in, stop by our location in Kamloops, British Columbia, near Vancouver, Kelowna, and Prince George.

SUPPLIES

Before you get started, you’ll want to make sure you have all the right supplies. There are a few ways to approaching cleaning an RV. Some people like to use a pressure washer to get the top layer of grime and dirt off. If you decide to go this route, be mindful of how high the pressure is when the water is released. Sometimes, the speed can be so intense that it strips paint and finishings. Keep a healthy distance away from the RV and don’t hold the stream in one place for too long.

Eventually, you’ll probably have to wash the trailer by hand. This is going to be a lot of work, but it’s really the best way to clean your rig. For this, you’ll want to consult your owner’s manual to find out what kind of soap is best for cleaning--most likely, you’ll be looking at some sort of gentle detergent--and also grab some rags and a brush with a telescoping handle. Pay particular attention to your supplies when cleaning your roof. If your roof is made of rubber, then you’ll need special rubber conditioner to get the job done.

BEST WASHING TECHNIQUES

When it’s time to start cleaning, you’ll want to employ the top down method. Start with your roof. Depending on how tall your RV is, it might come with its own ladder to access the roof. If not, then you’ll probably need a ladder of your own to reach all the way across and clean every part. Either way, you’ll want a spotter to step in when you need help or support and you’ll want to wear shoes with solid grip if you’ll be walking around on top of the roof.

Wash and rinse in smaller sections, starting on the roof and then working your way to the sides of the camper. This will help prevent soap scum from drying on and forcing you to redo all your hard work. When your finished with one big section, give it a complete rinsing.

DETAILING

There are a few final touches to cover before you’re done. Clean your windows and windshield using automotive window cleaner and use spray lubricant for any squeaky doors or windows.

Then turn your attention to your seals. Your seals are arguably the most delicate part of your RV, as they’re responsible for keeping moisture out of the RV. One leak could lead to costly repairs. Use sealant conditioner to clean the seals around your window, roof, slide-outs, and any other area where a seal keeps two parts of the RV together. For an extra special shine, you can clean your wheels using the appropriate rim cleaner and tire shine.

Hopefully this answers any of the lingering questions you had about cleaning your RV. It may seem like a simple process, but there are enough steps to it that it can be a long process and you might miss something. If you need additional advice, or if you notice while you’re cleaning that your RV is in need of repairs, then stop by Jubilee RV Centre. We proudly serve Kamloops, Vancouver, Kelowna, and Prince George, British Columbia.