Last Updated on April 14, 2023 by Jessica Lauren Vine
There is a lot you need to know when you own an RV. One of the many decisions you will make includes “Should I wax my RV?” The truth is, there are reasons why some owners do but others don’t. Whether it is the right decision for you depends on a few factors.
Most people would say yes. Yes, you should wax your RV. However, there are some other things to think about.
How Often You Use Your RV
The less you use your RV, the less of a reason you have to wax it. Casual users often don’t bother waxing theirs, but those who use it on a regular basis are more likely to. It’s also a question of how much effort you want to put into owning yours. Only you can decide if waxing your RV is worth the time and energy it takes.
Whether Wax Is Good For it
Some people will argue that wax isn’t even good for maintaining your RV. Not all of them are non-abrasive, and the ones that aren’t may compromise the RV’s quality. It’s also important to keep in mind that once you start waxing it, you’ll need to keep waxing it regularly. For this reason, some owners choose to use a clear coat of liquid polish to protect their RV instead.
What Your RV Is Made Of
The surface of your RV should also be a factor in your decision about whether to wax it. Any gel coating or fiberglass calls for the use of gel wax or fiberglass wax, respectively. This will prevent UV rays from damaging the fiberglass over time. Failing to maintain this type of RV could result in oxidation that will dull its color and sometimes even make it look chalky. However, if your RV has a coat or two of paint on it, regular car wax is efficient.
Some RVs are made of aluminum. In this case, you would want to use aluminum wax in order to keep your RV looking shiny and new. Steel and plastic RVs call for the use of wax made with these materials in mind.
Where You Are Taking It
Think about where you go in your RV before deciding if it needs to be waxed. The answer is yes if you frequently go to dusty, dirty places with it. But if you only take it to places that are clean and free of debris, you may not feel the need to wax it at all.
What The Long Term Effects Of Waxing Will Be
While there are many advantages to waxing an RV, it has the potential to cause problems. One common problem is that the wax doesn’t always adhere to the surface of your RV the way it should. This usually happens when wax is unevenly applied and if the RV wasn’t thoroughly washed prior to waxing it. It can result in your spots and streaks on your RV.
You also have to consider how long the applied wax will last. Once you’ve waxed it for the first time, it’s crucial to keep maintaining your RV correctly. For many RV owners, this is too much of a time commitment.
Another long-term effect can be damage to your RV’s paint job. Prolonged exposure to wax will eat away at the paint and have a negative impact on the overall appearance of the RV. Any wax that is not taken off your RV properly can make it look worn and aged long before its time.
The Final Verdict
Weighing the pros and cons of waxing your RV will help you figure out whether or not you want to do it. This is something that should be carefully considered when becoming an RV owner.
When Jessica was older and had a family, she took her crew on the road for 2.5 years. They lived in 2 different RVs during that time. One 18 foot long and one 28 foot long. Both pull-behind RVs.
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