Black streaks under windows

[beakerben]

Does anyone know why these black streaks occur and how to prevent them in the future?



Ben Moffett
Greenville SC

[beakerben]

I actually know when they occur which is right after it rains


Ben Moffett
Greenville SC

[Alf S.]

Originally Posted by beakerben

I actually know when they occur which is right after it rains


Ben Moffett
Greenville SC

Hi: Beakerben... I believe they come from the rain water reaction with the butyl putty used to seal the windows to the fiberglass. They are the bane of RVers!!! I found they are easy to rid with LA's Awesome cleaner found at most every Dollar store... but they will return.
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[padlin00]

I've always considered it just concentrated dirt and grime that accumulates on the roof and washes off with rain where it stains the sidewalls where the run off is concentrated. But I would't argue with Alf's answer either. Have not seen a way to prevent them other then keeping the trailer indoors but stick on rain gutters can lessen the effect somewhat.

[Carol H]

If you find a way to stop it you will make a killing :-)

Best defence though is to keep the trailer well waxed and they will usually wash right off. Otherwise a 3M Marine product such as Cleaner and Wax will take it off easily. If its really stained the fiberglass their Restore and Wax product will take it off for sure.

[beakerben]

I can wipe it off with a rag but it still leaves a light ghosting but will try one of these products.

I was just concerned that the trailer might be leaking around the windows but if everyone is experiencing it I'm assuming it's a natural phenomenon. I like the rain gutter idea. I'll have to look those up.


Ben Moffett
Greenville SC

[Darrell in Al]

reminds me I need to wash and wax mine again.

[mary and bob]

If nothing else the gutters will concentrate the streaks to where the gutters end. You can buy stick on plastic gutters from Camping World or Amazon. They can be curved around windows easily and are available in a couple colors. I put them on our Uhaul a few years ago in a failed attempt to stop water leaks around the windows. However they have stayed on, never came loose.

[Alf S.]

Originally Posted by padlin00

I've always considered it just concentrated dirt and grime that accumulates on the roof and washes off with rain where it stains the sidewalls where the run off is concentrated. But I would't argue with Alf's answer either. Have not seen a way to prevent them other then keeping the trailer indoors but stick on rain gutters can lessen the effect somewhat.

Hi: padlin00... I usually answer with a ? Ever wonder where your tires disappear to as they wear out!!!
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[CampyTime]

Agree with Carol. 3M Cleaner and wax is the ticket. Took off black tire imprints where my spare rides in the rear of the trailer. At her recommendation I purchased and love the stuff! Yes these black streaks are an unfortunate rv deal. Keep her waxed best ya can.


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[Cam A]

I was wondering if it was a result of the black window rubber oxidizing and washing off in the rain? Going to try treating the rubber (next summer) and see if it reduces the streaking....

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Cam A

I was wondering if it was a result of the black window rubber oxidizing and washing off in the rain? Going to try treating the rubber (next summer) and see if it reduces the streaking....

It isn't (primarily) caused by the window rubber. My trailer is new, it's sitting outside and is covered in black streaks where there are no windows. Do you wonder what your sticks 'n bricks home siding would look like without gutters to run off water from the roof? An all molded towables kinda tells you... sigh.

[padlin00]

Originally Posted by Cam A

I was wondering if it was a result of the black window rubber oxidizing and washing off in the rain? Going to try treating the rubber (next summer) and see if it reduces the streaking....

On my old trailer I had streaks coming down from the front bunk hinges, an even the front marker lights, no rubber there. I also had streaks just coming down off the white rubber roof, no butyl rubber up there. That's why I took it as an environmental issue.

[Darwin Maring]

I use a mixture of Bleach and water and spray it on and let it set 15 minutes, wash off and do one more time.

[Letitia]

Is it ok to use bleach on fiberglass?

[CampyTime]

I do not know if bleach degrades gelcoat or not. Darwin says he's doing it mixed with water and no problems. All I try to do is keep trailer well waxed best I can and then the streaks seem to wash off pretty easily.


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[Glenn Baglo]

Turtle Wax Bug 'n' Tar also removes the black streaks with little effort.
Only problem I've had is that where I've applied it is shinier than the surrounding area.

[RogerDat]

I suspect tire dust and particulates in the air, the streaks are just the location where the light dew, mist, or rain run down. Bet if you watched sides in a drizzle you would see a rivulet of water where you see the streaks. The water just concentrates the stuff that has settled on the roof.


That's my theory and I'm sticking to it, not that butyl tape or other sealants might not cause the same issue but I get streaks that run from the roof down. Guess it could be from roof vent butyl tape.


I have caused mine to change location by changing the angle of the trailer.

[padlin00]

Just be careful of any graphics, I suspect simplegreen helped wash mine out. Works great on the streaks though.

[Donna D.]

You can use anything on the exterior of your trailer to clean it as you would to clean the fiberglass shower stall in your sticks 'n bricks home. Just remember, some of those things remove wax (along with grunge) and may contain a bit of rubbing compound. Start with the least aggressive cleaner and move to a more aggressive cleaner as needed.