Tried and Confused

[Tree Top Turkeys]

I admit I have washed the 2021 rig multiple times in the last year with high quality ph balanced soap, but I have not wax or treated it at all. I’ve read all the stuff on this wonderful forum about what to do and I feel I’d like I need to do a ceramic or Teflon coating or something that will last a year or maybe two?? I’m retired and lazy. My son is a part time detail guy and he is going to be there to help, and he suggests Teflon but I can find much out there that says that’s the right way to go. When we bought we didn’t even think about full body paint and how that would have maybe given more flexibility, but it would seem like our rig with just gel coat is similar to a boat treatment? I know opinions vary and this subject has been beat to death but I would appreciate any real life experiences using more permanent coatings on gel coat rigs. And is a marine product a good way to go. I am brand new to this much care to a 40’ rig and it seems overwhelming. But I don’t want to screw it up. Oh, also unfortunately we have to keep her outside and exposed 365.

[Camp CA]

Had our new 2020 Montana fifth wheel ceramic coated by a detail shop. It also outside all year round.

[Tree Top Turkeys]

Don’t mean to be nosey but what is the ball park estimated range for this?

[Lee-CI]

Originally Posted by Tree Top Turkeys

Don’t mean to be nosey but what is the ball park estimated range for this?

Oh I AM nosy - and have my heart pills at the ready.....

[Camp CA]

~$2000 in Jan 2020.

[Tree Top Turkeys]

Actually for what I’ve heard people pay for auto’s that seems pretty dang fair

[jsb5717]

I like the Turtle Wax spray on ceramic wax. Easy to apply and provides a nice finish. I can do mine in a couple afternoons if I just take my time. Needs a ladder for sure but isn't that hard to do.

DIY for <$30

[Foldbak]

I'm with Jeff....2K is too steep for me. I'm thinking about trying F11. DIY of course.
https://topcoatproducts.com/?gc_id=1...SAAEgLK5PD_BwE

[Wisconsin Retiree]

I also use a ceramic spray on and wipe off. Do small sections at a time. Product is not cheap but seriously works well. Bug removal from front cap is close to effortless compared to previous waxes. All my buddies used ceramic on their boats for years and told me I would be happier. They were correct but it does take some time, good amount of product and effort to complete the whole trailer

[Tree Top Turkeys]

I agree. I think ceramic is for me. I looked at F-11 and it seems to be a very good system and process. I worry because I see some weird very small horizontal lines on one section midway back. And also several discolored areas that are concerning. Maybe the cleaning / degreasing process will remove these issues??

[MandK]

I think that they are a lot like a boat also. We are boat owners and have been all our lives. We have owned rv’s for about 20 of those years, and we treat the surfaces the same. The ceramic coatings are nice but roi is subject to personal opinion and a personal decision.
We wash and wax with conventional marine grade products. I don’t know if they are the best choice, but I’m happy with the results.
The boat was waxed in April and put away for the winter a few weeks ago. Still shines and repels contaminants. Been waxed with Meguires for 18 years.
Monty gets the same wax. It’s work, but I’m retired and I have the time and thankful I can still do them even if it takes me a few days to do it.

[Wisconsin Retiree]

Mandk,

Good thing you got a nice small boat to tow behind that nice Monty... ���� LOL

[dieselguy]

Ahhhh the power of advertising and the power of a catch word. The "ceramic" craze reminds me of the ole Forest Gump scene with Bubba describing all the shrimp options.
There's barbecued ceramic, boiled ceramic, baked ceramic, pan fried ceramic, deep fried ceramic, pineapple ceramic, sautéed ceramic, ceramic soup, ceramic stew ... Remember when "Nu Finish" was the craze ... once a year application for year-round protection ... no rubbing .... no polishing ... just sit the bottle next to your car and "SHAZAM" it's on there protecting.

And ... yes I've tried "ceramic", you can hardly help not trying it.

[MandK]

Originally Posted by Wisconsin Retiree

Mandk,

Good thing you got a nice small boat to tow behind that nice Monty... ���� LOL

Maybe we could put some pontoons on Monty, make it a montoona and pull it behind the boat for guests. It’s smaller than the boat, lol.
We love the 2 life styles but are going to have to pick one or the other soon. As age creeps up on us and it starts to become a chore, one will have to go.

[Chief Brown]

Originally Posted by jsb5717

I like the Turtle Wax spray on ceramic wax. Easy to apply and provides a nice finish. I can do mine in a couple afternoons if I just take my time. Needs a ladder for sure but isn't that hard to do.

DIY for <$30

Have you noticed any effect on the decals using the Turtle Wax ceramic wax?

[jsb5717]

Originally Posted by Chief Brown

Have you noticed any effect on the decals using the Turtle Wax ceramic wax?

So far nothing seems amiss. Just a couple seasons of using it. It all looks good and decals look healthy.

[Jeff n Susan]

I keep the F11 on our rig, definitely once a year, sometimes twice.
Bugs come off easier, and most of the time, a good strong rinse cleans the surface without a wash mitt or soft brush.
Of course, this is all personal preference, whatever works for one, may not meet another's expectations.

[RMcNeal]

McGuire's is a great wax. I've used it for years, but lately I've been considering using the Griot's Garage 3 in 1 Ceramic Spray Wax. It has really good reviews and I contacted them to see if it is safe for the gel coat and decals. They said that matte finish decals may get a gloss look, but that it is perfectly safe, and with 2 coats applied, should be good for a year.

[Kyle and Lisa]

Old school, wash and wax has worked well for us in the past 5 years.