Washing a New Scamp 13

[sal6342]

I have reviewed threads about how to get stains out and what to wax the Scamp Fiberglass with however I am not seeing basic maintenance for exterior. What is the general opinion of fiberglass camper owners? What do you use to wash your camper? How often do you do it to maintain the finish? I am assuming we would just wash the camper when we get back every time. We are looking to do weekends till it gets cold once we pick it up in May from Evelands.

Thanks in advance for your input just trying to take care of a big investment!

Scott

[floyd]

Wash it by hand using a good solution of carwash soap in a bucket of water. Rinse using a clean cloth and a garden hose.
Avoid strong hose pressure, especially around windows and vents.

[Donna D.]

Any car wash soap you use on your motor vehicle you can use on your trailer. I've used Turtle Wash and Wax for years. If you decide to go ahead and give the trailer a wax job, remember any wax is better than no wax. Some are easy on and difficult to get off. Some are difficult to put on, but come off easy. Like Nike says "Just Do It"

[Jack L]

If you use a pressure washer, stay away from any graphics and stripes.

[sal6342]

Thanks for all the replays on the exterior fiberglass maintenance. We are now officially one month away from the trip to Minnesota!
We wil spend two weeks touring the UP before we get home should be a great break in trip!

[Jon in AZ]

Mine tends to get dirtier parked than traveling since we're mostly fair weather campers, so I usually wash before a trip. I like to start with a clean trailer. A small amount of car wash soap in lots of water, nothing fancy. After a recent trip I did clean off quite a few bugs from the front when I parked it for storage. I used baby wipes (which also works when you're in a campground and need a little touch-up).

The biggie is wax, which I do twice a year, spring and fall. It's a workout, even on my 13'er (and a good antidote for 3'-itis). I use an automotive paste wax. I keep thinking I will give the 3M Marine products a try (recommended by quite a few folks here), but haven't gotten around to ordering them. Until and unless I do, as Donna says, anything is better than nothing!

I envy you your brand-new gloss, but, as mine had already acquired a patina when I bought it, I don't have to sweat the small stuff, like the time a scrap of tire kicked up on the freeway and left a long, black lash on the front corner. Bar Keepers Friend mixed with water into a runny paste took it off.

If you value that gloss, covered storage is the best thing you can do, of course, and a high-quality cover (i.e., Calmark, $$) next best. Avoid cheap knock-offs- they don't last and poorly finished undersides can do more harm than good. If blowing dust is common in your area (as in mine) skip the cover, as dirt will get underneath and turn it into sandpaper.