If you want your RV to take good care of you while on the road, you need to take good care of it in between trips. That means keeping the RV clean, making sure all of the equipment is in proper working order, and more. The concept of RV detailing is basically the same as detailing any other type of vehicle–it’s a careful, thorough cleaning that leaves the RV looking nearly as good as the day it left the factory.
The Elements of RV Detailing
The nice thing about detailing your RV is that you can customize the process to suit your needs and preferences. For example, you might decide that certain parts of the RV need more attention than others, or you might decide to work in sections and complete the full detailing process over the course of a few days or weeks. However you decide to approach it, the list below highlights the key elements that should be included in an RV detailing project:
- A complete wash. Washing your vehicle should be considered at the core of a detailing job. To wash your RV correctly, you will need a water supply, proper RV cleaning soap, and home scrubbing tools with long handles. Also, be sure to have plenty of towels on hand to dry the rig shortly after it has been washed. If you want to go the extra mile, you can opt to wax the exterior of the RV after the wash is finished to help it stay clean for as long as possible.
- Address the awning. It’s easy enough to just leave the awning rolled up and assume it’s clean enough, but that’s probably not the case. For a detailing job, unroll the awning and clean it just as carefully as the rest of the RV. Be sure to get it completely dry before rolling it back up, otherwise you will invite mold and mildew growth to occur.
- Clean the tires. Washing your tires will help you get the longest possible life out of each set. You can also opt to cover the tires while not in use to protect them from UV damage.
- Care for the roof. This might be the hardest part of the detailing process, and you should only handle it on your own if you are comfortable working at heights. Wash off the roof to get rid of any dirt and debris and then use a product that is specifically designed to care for the type of roof you have on your rig. Also, this is a good time for a visual roof inspection to make sure no cracks have developed that need to be filled.
- Clean the inside of the RV. It’s just as important to detail the inside of the RV as it is to care for the outside. Detailing means getting down into the smallest cracks and corners to clean everything completely. Even if you keep your RV in good condition normally, going this extra step to perform a deep clean will make the space that much more comfortable for your upcoming trips.
Outsourcing the Job
It’s entirely possible to detail your own RV, as long as you pick up the right tools and keep plenty of time free in your schedule to get the job done. However, if you don’t have the time, or simply want to turn this task over to someone else, you can pay for an RV detailing service at a local dealership or repair shop. Call around to the various RV businesses in your area to compare prices and find an option that works for your needs and budget.
You don’t have to go through the complete RV detailing process each time you clean your rig. Most of the time, you can do a basic cleaning to get the exterior washed off after your most recent outing.
And, to make sure your cleaning job stays cleans, consider constructing an RV carport to provide shelter for your rig. American Carports, Inc. offer quality, metal carports that can fully protect your RV from rain and sun. Check out our Build & Price tool to customize your carport to fit your needs and aesthetics. Feel free to get started with the Build & Price tool on your own, or contact us directly to get help from our team.
If you can find the time to do it once or twice a year, RV detailing will get many of the spots that are missed with a standard wash and will help your RV live up to its full potential.
