Last Updated on 04/18/2024 by Glynn Willard
What Are The Best RV Wash and Wax Product For An RV?
Like you, I wasn’t sure what the best RV wash products were to use to detail my RV for a great job (and an easy job).
I spent decades detailing cars for myself and others, so I figured I would tap into my experience and test my best solutions from the past.
Sure, you can apply a premium RV wash and wax safe for fiberglass or Azdel and remove it with an electric buffer or by hand.
But that’s super labor-intensive on an RV!
You want something that works great, looks amazing, protects it from direct sunlight and bird droppings, and is easy to apply!
Of course, water spots are not an option either! At least in my world.
Some RV owners outsource this job for a good reason. If it’s within your financial means, I don’t blame you.
But, detailing your RV allows you to inspect it for damage or other issues that may need addressing.
Again, I applied years of experience detailing vehicles to how I detail my entire RV.
I went through some trial and error and I hope I can help you make an informed decision and end up with better results without too much labor (or cost).
I’m using affiliate links and photos to make it easier for you to a) know what I’m talking about and b) help you make an informed decision. We also appreciate the commission that does not cost you any extra.
RV Wash Products I Tried, But DID NOT Meet My Expectations
The original Turtle Wax is standard carnauba wax and has been around for a long time.
The problem is, every time I used it on any vehicle in the past, I could still see the swirls in the wax coating.
It never made the cut as a trial on the RV.
That said, Turtle Wax products have come a long way and may have made the cut had I not already been a fan of Meguiar’s products.
I also tried a few sun-friendly formula rinses but found they left just as many water spots.
Here’s one I tried, but I don’t consider it a great value.
RV Wash Products I Tried, But Were Too Much Work
When I first purchased my Outdoors RV, I had some Nu Finish left over, so I tried it on my rig.
It’s a product that I used as a staple for a long time with solid results.
However, it was too labor-intensive to remove the excess wax.
I realize some individuals really like working with carnauba and similar type waxes, so one I had good luck with when I first bought the RV (and ran out of the Nu Finish) was Meguiars Marine Wax.
It worked great, but still required a lot of work buffing it to a shine.
So, I didn’t stick with any of the above products.
RV Wash Products (Wash Wax All) I Liked And Stuck With
I finally narrowed the list down to a perfect choice for a quality RV wax and wash.
First, I found to be a great product for washing and a fantastic bang for the buck.
Second, I thought I would try Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Spray Wax. This one blew my mind (after I figured out how to use it)!
I now use it exclusively for all my vehicles.
Third, which I mentioned previously is 303 Marine Aerospace Protectant that I use to protect the roof. Easy on, easy off!
Finally, I tried and found Chemical Guys Tire Kicker Sprayable Extra Glossy Tire Shine to be a great bang for the buck for tire aesthetics and UV protection.
Now, back to my initial mistake with Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Wax.
It’s funny, my first mistake was not reading the directions for the ceramic wax.
I sprayed it on after drying and buffed it off with a few dry microfiber towels.
Holy ears, that was a lot of work!
Finally, I familiarized myself with the directions. Whoops!
Spray it on in sections (even the metal surfaces), then rinse it off with the spray nozzle setting on high.
Finally dry the rig with a blower, chamois, or microfiber towel.
The outcome is fantastic for the amount of work involved.
I realize that this is not a real ceramic wax or true ceramic coating. That should be done professionally.
The point is that it works great, is inexpensive, and is so easy to apply (if you read the directions).
Now that’s what I consider a great return on investment (ROI)!
What I Use As A Protective Coating For The RV Roof
I have an EPDM based membrane, so this section applies to those of you with EPDM or TPO membranes.
If you have a fiberglass roof or clear coat, use the same wax that you use on the entire rig.
Once I have a clean surface on the roof, I get to work with UV protection.
I use 303 Marine Aerospace Protectant (shown previously in the article) and apply it with one of my older dry microfiber towels.
It’s as simple as misting it on and wiping it off before it dries.
I can usually finish treating the entire thing (roof) in ten to fifteen minutes.
It takes the application a couple of times to build up a solid protective layer, so I would suggest doing it every quarter.
It’s not like it takes long or is difficult.
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How Often Should You Detail Your RV?
This is what boondocking a lot causes.
To maintain a deep shine and maintain the UV inhibitors in the products you’re using, it’s good practice to detail your RV once a quarter.
If you have a lot of road grime from long trips, do it more often or as needed.
Again, it’s a great opportunity to get up close and personal with your RV.
That’s when you discover cracks in the seals or welds or loose fasteners.
In other words, it makes it easier to stay on top of your preventative maintenance.
Best Way To Detail RV For Best Results (Easily)
Please do not use harsh detergents such as dish soap. Those products are designed for removing oil from dishes.
They’re not good for automotive paint or fiberglass. They strip protective layers from the exterior surface.
I’m also not a fan of using a pressure washer on any vehicle (RV or automobile).
I’m old school in my methods except for the current car wash soap and ceramic coating wax I use (mentioned earlier).
When washing my RV, I take the following steps:
- Rinse the roof with a standard water hose.
- Then use a soft-bristle brush (pictured here) and a bucket of the Meguiar’s Deep Crystal Car Wash to clean the roof and every component on the roof. No need to connect the water hose to the handle.
Please be careful on the roof since it’s slippery.
- Then I use the same soft-bristle brush for the rest of the rig’s exterior surface using including the tires and rims.
- Wash each side of the rig and then rinse it before moving on to the next side to prevent dried soap residue.
- Next, spray on Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Spray Wax in sections of approximately seven feet. Then rinse off with the water nozzle set on high.
- Once you finish rinsing off the Meguiar’s Hybrid Ceramic Spray Wax, dry the RV with your favorite method (blower, chamois, or a few dry microfiber towels).
- I take a moment to quickly inspect all the RV’s surfaces to see if I missed anything.
- Next, I get back on the roof and treat it with 303 Marine Clear Protective Cleaner.
- I use Chemical Guys Tire Kicker Sprayable Extra Glossy Tire Shine on the tires, less for the aesthetics and more for the protection. I’ve used a lot of different products over the years for tires and nothing does as well for the price as Chemical Guys Tire Shine.
- Finally, I use Windex on the windows and the solar panels (they’re glass) on the roof.
My rig’s a total of 28 feet long and the entire process takes me about 2.5 hours.
How To Wash Your RV If You’re Full-Time
If you’re full-time, generally you can’t wash your RV at campgrounds or an RV park.
However, we have found a few exceptions.
A high-end resort we tried a work camp gig in allowed washing your vehicles/RV’s one day a week.
I also asked the park manager at an “unmentioned” state park in Mississippi and he said he would “look the other way” if I needed to wash my RV.
So there are exceptions to the rule.
We boondock most of the time, so rather than swinging into a Blue Beacon Truck Wash or other types of RV washes, we just pay for a couple of nights at an RV park that will allow washing.
Then we can take a long shower, do laundry, detail the rig, and sanitize the freshwater tank. Money well spent!
Not Sure What You Need For Your RV?
Wrapping Up Best & Easiest RV Wash And Wax To Use
If you choose the right products for your RV, you’ll save time and keep your RV in top shape with long-lasting protection.
There are dozens of RV soaps and waxes on the market and I’m sure many will work fine.
But the key takeaway here is that the products need to work well and be easy to use.
If the process is not easy, one is less likely to do the work.
I enjoy the satisfaction of a shiny RV, but at close to age 50, I want a great outcome with less work.
I prefer to spend my free time on more exciting adventures.
Is your RV new to you? Go through our list of the things we wish we had known when starting out.
What products do you use to detail your RV?
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