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Taking proper care of your RV is essential to its long lasting service life. One way to ensure that it will stay in a good condition for as long as possible is by investing in RV wax. It will help to maintain your recreational vehicle looking new and shiny. In addition to that, it will also protect it from various elements that could potentially cause it damage. However, there are so many wax options on the market. How do you choose the best RV wax? Don’t worry, we’ve done the dirty work for you and compiled this list of the top 10 RV waxes on the market in 2021. If these 10 options still overwhelm you, we’ve also prepared a buying guide where we highlight the things to consider when buying RV wax.
Best RV Waxes in 2021
Image | Product name | Check price |
---|---|---|
![]() | Meguiar's M6332 | |
![]() | Gel-Gloss WW-128 | |
![]() | 303 (30320) | |
![]() | CorrosionX 61002 | |
![]() | Meguiar's M5032 | |
![]() | 3M 09006 | |
![]() | Meguiar's M5616 | |
![]() | Turtle Wax T-477R | |
![]() | Protect All 62016 | |
![]() | Meguiar's M5916 |
Top 10 RV Waxes Reviewed
Meguiar’s M6332 Flagship Premium Wax
This is the best RV wax for fiberglass and gelcoat. And don’t let the “marine” word in the title dissuade you. It’s ideal not only for boats but also for RVs, providing great results in both applications.
The high quality wax features a formulation of ingredients that performs the best on fiberglass surfaces. The formulation provides an effective solution to removing such issues as slight oxidation, swirls, and scratches. As a result, it gives the surface long-lasting shine and gloss, bringing out the full richness of the RV’s color.
Moreover, it offers long-lasting polymer protection, preventing UV damage and wear. This ensures that extensive sun exposure doesn’t cause any discoloration and deterioration of the RV’s surface.
Another great feature of this wax is its ability to repel water since it’s designed for marine applications. This is also beneficial for an RV as it will protect it in rainy and snowy conditions.
It comes in a 32-fluid ounce bottle and this small amount can cover large surface areas. In fact, it should be enough to cover most RVs. Smaller RVs might even get several uses out of one bottle before needing to buy another one.
This wax is also easy to apply. The most important thing is that you wash and clean the surface of your RV first. Then, apply the wax by hand or by using a buffer and wipe it off with a microfiber towel. The only thing to keep in mind is that this wax is very temperature sensitive. If it’s too hot, it will dry too fast. And if it’s too cold, it will be difficult to apply and remove. The sweet spot is around 60 degrees.
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- Formulated for fiberglass and gel coat.
- Enriches color and shine.
- Protects against UV damage.
- Removes light oxidation.
- Tough polymer protection.
- Water repellent capability.
- Easy to apply and remove.
- Temperature sensitive during application.
Gel-Gloss WW-128 RV Wash and Wax
If you’re looking for the best RV cleaner and wax, then one of the top recommendations is the Gel-Gloss WW-128. It’s an affordable option that offers a lot of value for a low price tag.
This wax comes in a one gallon container, which gives you more than one opportunity to use this product. It offers plenty of the wash and wax liquid to tackle even the biggest RVs. And you’ll still have some leftover.
Moreover, the product mixes well, cleans very easily, and puts on a nice layer of wax on the surface. You mix it in a bucket of water like regular car wash soap. And users recommend using hot water for the best results. Then, apply it using a long handheld brush and in the end, rinse it off using a hose or a power washer.
The whole process is very easy and it doesn’t require any real scrubbing. When done, it leaves your RV looking as good as new, with no dust or grime left behind. It can even tackle heavy dirt and grime. Even more, it doesn’t create any streaking or water spotting.
The wax also gives it a nice glossy finish and you can expect it to stay shiny for a long time. The added coat does a good job at protecting the RV’s surface against sun damage, ensuring that the shiny finish will last longer.
There are also no harsh chemicals in this wash and wax solution, which makes it safe for RV decals. On top of that, it’s biodegradable, so it’s also safe for the environment.
It’s also an economical product since you don’t need to buy two separate products for washing and waxing your RV. This RV bar soap has some carnauba wax in it, which gives the surface a good shine without having to wax the entire coach. It might not be as shiny and smooth as a full wax job, but it’s the perfect solution to clean the RV and give it a good gloss.
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- Contains carnauba wax.
- Removes dirt and stains.
- No water spotting or streaking.
- Gives a good gloss and surface protection.
- Phosphate free.
- Biodegradable.
- Comes in a large container.
- Not as good as a dedicated wax.
303 (30320) UV Protectant
The 303 30320 UV Protectant is probably one of the most versatile products designed to brighten and protect a variety of surfaces. It can be used on a wide range of materials, including fiberglass, gel coat, rubber, vinyl, plastic, and more. This means that this product can have multiple applications in your RV.
It comes in a one gallon container, which you can then apply using a cloth. Alternatively, you can purchase it in a 10, 16, or 32 ounces bottle. These bottle sizes come with a trigger sprayer, which makes it easier to apply the formula just by spraying it onto the surface.
Before applying the protectant, make sure that the surface is clean and dry. Then, spray the surface and wipe it completely dry. To avoid streaking, make sure that this product is completely wiped off.
The protectant leaves a nice matte finish instead of an oily high gloss sparkle. It doesn’t leave any traces of oil, making the surface look extremely smooth. And this protectant not only beautifies but also preserves the surface. It provides protection against harmful UV rays, preventing fading, discoloration, and cracking. On top of that, it repels dust and stains, which means less frequent cleaning of your RV.
This is a water based formula, which means that there are no toxic chemicals. It has no petroleum distillates or silicone in its ingredients. This makes it safe for use on a variety of surfaces. Due to this, the product is also great for those who are looking for a solution that won’t harm the environment.
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- Works on a variety of surfaces.
- Rinse-free formula.
- UV protection.
- Repels dust and stains.
- Brightens up surfaces.
- Safe to use.
- No petroleum distillates or silicone.
- Expensive.
- Doesn’t work well in the rain.
CorrosionX 61002 Rejex
One of the best rated RV waxes is also the CorrosionX 61002 product. It’s a high quality wax that will provide great restoration to your recreational vehicle, giving it a brand new look.
This wax is suitable for vehicles of all types and it’s applicable for different surfaces. You can use it on the RV’s fiberglass, plastic, glass, and stainless steel surface. It’s only not applicable on porous and highly textured surfaces since the wax will just get into the grooves and then will be difficult to remove.
You can use a pad, microfiber, or cotton cloth to apply this wax. Before application though, ensure that the surface is thoroughly cleaned, removing any dirt, oil, or other gunk.
Once applied, the wax creates a thin film, which acts as a non-stick barrier between the surface of your RV and the elements of the environment. It prevents dust, bird droppings, bugs, tree sap, and grime from sticking to the surface of your trailer or camper. This means that you won’t have to deal with annoying stains and you won’t have to clean your vehicle as often.
Moreover, the wax provides protection against oxidation and damaging UV rays. The waxed finish is also water repellent, which makes the water beads not accumulate, but slide off the slick surface. On top of that, it gives the surface a nice shine, significantly enhancing the look of the recreational vehicle.
This wax is a polymer that is widely used in marine and aviation applications, so it meets high standards of durability. Rejex was initially designed for use in the military to protect paint and aluminum airframes from damage incurred by hot jet turbine exhaust. So, it’s a thoroughly tested product that provides exceptional results protecting the surface of an RV.
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- Suitable for a variety of materials.
- Gives a nice shine.
- Creates a non-stick barrier.
- Protection against UV.
- Protects against oxidation.
- Water repellent.
- Long lasting results.
- Takes 12 hours to cure.
- Not applicable on porous and highly textured surfaces.
Meguiar’s M5032 Cleaner Wax
If you’re looking for a good cleaner wax, another good option is the Meguiar’s M5032 product. It’s one of the top rated RV waxes due to its quality and long lasting results.
This is a one step cleaner wax, meaning that it does both cleaning and waxing in one single step, saving you a lot of effort. It also means a lot less time that you need to put in for applying and achieving the results that you desire.
The application process is very easy. To ensure long lasting results, start by cleaning the surface and removing any defects. Once that is done, you can apply the wax either by hand or with a polisher.
The liquid wax provides restoration of the surface, removing light oxidation and haze. It also eliminates minor scratches and swirls. However, if you have heavy oxidation, you’ll need a stronger cleaner. In this case, it’s better to use an oxidation remover first and then apply this product.
Another great thing about this wax is that it features a non-abrasive formula, which makes it safe for application on different types of materials, though it works the best on fiberglass and gel coat. The ingredients of this wax won’t harm the surface and they won’t leave any residue or scratches.
The formula is also what provides the superior protection of this wax. The thin film that it creates protects against sun, salt air, and corrosion. On top of that, the formula helps to restore the gloss and color, making the surface look as good as new. It also smooths out the surface, which makes it a lot easier to wash off bugs and road grime.
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- Cleans and polishes in one step.
- Removes light oxidations, swirls, and scratches.
- Restores color and gloss.
- Protects against corrosion and sun.
- Offers long lasting protection.
- Comes in a large 32 ounces bottle.
- Non-abrasive.
- Does not remove heavy oxidation.
3M 09006 Marine Restorer and Wax
The 3M marine restorer and wax also offers some of the best RV paint protection. It’s designed for use on fiberglass and gelcoat surfaces, which makes it suitable for both marine and RV applications.
This product features a unique formula that includes both a rubbing compound and wax. On top of that, it includes a blend of carnauba and other waxes. The result is a combination of color restoration and protection. This saves you the time and effort of doing this double-duty task in one step.
First of all, the formula provides restoration to your RV’s surface. It removes even heavy oxidation, filmy residue from water, rust deposits, and stains. The polished surface also gets a new glossy look. By stripping oxidation, the wax brings out the true color and shine.
Moreover, this product protects the fiberglass or gelcoat surface from the elements, preserving the appearance of your RV over long term. It protects the materials against exposure to sun, dirt, rain, and other weather elements.
This wax also performs well when it comes to durability, given that you follow the provided application instructions. It will protect the surface and give it a deep, vibrant color for a longer period of time.
Once you have restored the surface of your RV with this product, you can reuse it again for restoration work. However, just for regular maintenance, you can use regular wax instead.
This RV wax costs slightly higher compared to its competitors. However, considering that it restores, polishes, and protects in one simple process, it’s definitely worth the price.
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- Single step application.
- Includes both rubbing compound and wax.
- Removes heavy oxidation.
- Restores color and shine.
- Protects against UV rays.
- Lasting results.
- Applied by hand or rotary polisher.
- Higher priced.
Meguiar’s M5616
Meguiar’s offers another excellent RV wax. The M5616 is also a reliable product with highly effective ingredients that is designed for marine and RV use. It provides high quality protection, a beautiful gloss and it’s effortless to apply.
This is a premium quality wax that features a blend of pure carnauba wax with polymers and resins. The formulation offers effective protection to the surface of a recreational vehicle. It creates a protective shield against the sun and weather elements.
In addition to that, the wax also gives the surface a durable high-gloss, making your RV look like new. The protection and gloss it adds are also durable and long lasting, which means longer time the surface looking as good as new and less time spent on its upkeep.
Since this wax is non-abrasive and contains only natural ingredients, it’s safe for use on many types of surfaces. It’s especially effective on fiberglass, gel coat, and painted surfaces. And it provides the best results on dark colors and clear-coated metal flake surfaces. In these cases, the wax will really bring out the color and give the surface a lustrous glow.
The formula of this wax makes it possible to apply it both by hand or with a machine. So, if you want to save time and effort, you can use a buffer instead of doing the hand scrubbing.
However, keep in mind that this product doesn’t work well if the surface of your RV has heavy oxidation and lots of defects. In this situation, you would need to first remove the oxidation, scratches, and other defects. After you’ve done this, you can apply the wax for the durable protection and amazing gloss.
This wax is also available in 16 ounces and 1 gallon bottles. You can choose the size depending on the size of your rig or depending on how much product you need for whatever other job you’re doing.
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- Blend of pure carnauba wax, resins, and polymers.
- Applicable by hand and machine.
- Ideal for fiberglass, gel coat, and painted surfaces.
- Provides UV protection.
- Leaves a noticeable shine.
- Non-abrasive.
- Long lasting effects.
- Does not work on surfaces with heavy oxidation and defects.
Turtle Wax T-477R Ice Spray Wax
We also recommend considering the Turtle Wax T-477R product. It’s one of the best spray waxes for RVs, cars, and motorcycles. It’s highly durable and it’s very effective at bringing out the shine on all exterior surfaces.
This versatile wax works on painted surfaces, exterior plastic, and rubber trim. It’s also applicable for both clear and conventional finishes. It’s designed for universal use, so it works on almost any surface you spray it onto.
The unique polymer chemistry of this wax features a blend of polymers and reactive silane. Thanks to this formula, it provides strong bonding to painted, fiberglass, and plastic surfaces. Also, it has anti-static properties, which means that dust, grime, and bugs will not stick to it as easily. This ensures its long lasting durability with a longer lasting shine.
The wax offers good protection benefits. It provides effective UV protection, preventing the paint fading from intense sun exposure. Moreover, it offers water repellency, so instead of collecting, the water beads up and slides off the slick surface. The result is streak-free shine and durable protection.
On top of all that, this RV wax also leaves a nice shine and smooth finish. The added layer intensifies and maximizes the color, giving the surface a mirror-like shine.
This product comes in a 20 ounce spray bottle. This makes it the quickest and easiest solution for waxing your recreational vehicle. You just spray it on the surface and then wipe it off. It produces impressive results with the least amount of time and effort on your part.
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- Universal use.
- Easy-to-use sprayer.
- Excellent water beading.
- Good UV protection.
- Anti-static properties.
- Produces a mirror-like shine.
- Does not streak.
- Long lasting results.
- Non-abrasive.
- Inexpensive.
- Does not remove oxidation and scratches.
Protect All 62016
The Protect All 62016 is an all-in-one product that can be used for cleaning, waxing, polishing, and protecting the surface of your RV. This multifunctional RV cleaner wax will definitely impress you with its versatility.
First of all, this product is suitable for almost any surface. You can apply it on both interior and exterior parts of your motorhome, camper, or trailer. It’s also non-abrasive, so you don’t need to worry about it damaging the surface, even if you’re applying it on clear or expensive paint coats. Whether you’re applying it on fiberglass, gel coat, or plastic, this product will deliver amazing results.
Secondly, this formula is multifunctional, making it a great replacement for five different products. It cleans, polishes, wax, treats, and protects with just one product.
The product contains a high quality carnauba multiple wax component system, which provides its effective results. First of all, it cleans the surface, removing minor swirls and scratches. Secondly, it features a UV blocker, so the film it creates absorbs UV rays and blocks them from reaching your RV’s finish.
Moreover, this wax is also water repellent, which helps to avoid water spotting and streaking. On top of that, it’s anti-static since it leaves a non-oily finish. This means that grime and dust won’t stick to the finish, making cleaning and future applications easier.
This wax can also protect against the damaging oxidation. And the combination of all these protective properties helps to prolong the life of your RV’s surface.
Using this RV wax is quick and effortless. You just apply it and immediately wipe. And another great thing about this formula is that it dries clear. Due to this, you don’t have to worry about tedious detailing since it doesn’t leave any white powdery residue.
In addition to cleaning and protecting, the wax also helps to bring out the natural shine of the surface. It makes it look incredibly sleek with no oily feel.
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- Multifunctional.
- Works on a variety of materials.
- No rinse formula.
- Interior and exterior use.
- UV blocker.
- Protects against oxidation.
- Water repellent.
- Anti-static.
- Non-abrasive.
- Creates a lustrous shine.
- Affordable.
- Some users had issues with a defective sprayer.
Meguiar’s M5916
The Meguiar’s M5916 is also a worthy recommendation. It offers the simplicity and convenience offered by RV spray waxes. It’s also one of the cheapest RV waxes that don’t skimp on the quality.
This wax is more of a quick detailer, which can be used to create a brilliant gloss of your RV’s exterior surface. It should be used only after you’ve cleaned and restored the finish. Once your RV’s finish is prepared to its “average” finish, you can apply this wax.
The application is very simple. It comes in a 16 ounces spray bottle that makes it easy to spread it over the surface. You just spray and wipe it. It doesn’t need any rinsing. And thanks to its special formula, it works well even if the surface is wet. Regardless of whether you apply this wax on a wet or dry surface, it will deliver its benefits, bringing out the color, creating a high gloss and protecting the surface from discoloration and fading. The shine that it creates is also long lasting, so your RV will look as good as new for a longer time.
Another benefit of this wax product is that it’s suitable for a number of surfaces that are typical for RVs. It is suitable for use on most non porous materials, such as fiberglass, gel coat, painted surfaces, and stainless steel.
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- Special formulation.
- Works wet and dry.
- Suitable for different surfaces.
- Easy spray application.
- Creates a brilliant gloss.
- Prevents fading and discoloration.
- No UV protection.
- Does not correct surface defects.
How to Choose the Right RV Wax? – Buying Guide
When it comes to RV maintenance, one of the most essential products to have is RV wax. It works by cleaning, waxing, and protecting the surface from premature degradation. However, not all RV wax products are created equal and not all can deliver the results that you desire. That’s why it’s important to weigh in their different features and functions before making a purchasing decision. By taking these factors into account, you’ll be able to choose the best RV wax for your specific needs. So, here are the main factors to consider.
RV Material
RV’s exteriors are made from different materials. So, your choice of RV wax should depend on the type of material you have since certain waxes work best on different materials. Find a wax product that would match the type of material you’ll be using it for.
The most common RV materials are fiberglass, gel coat, and aluminum (corrugated, bare, or coated). Figure out the type of material you have and it will help you narrow down the options, making choosing the right one an easier and faster process.
Check the products’ descriptions to see a list of materials that the wax is suitable for. In some cases, the wax would work only on fiberglass or only on painted surfaces. In other cases, you’ll have a versatile product that you could use on nearly any surface. The latter choice could be beneficial if you would like to get multifunctional use out of the product.
UV Protection
Extensive exposure to UV rays can cause serious damage to RV’s exterior. It can cause discoloration, fading and overall deterioration of the exterior material. That’s why it’s important to choose RV wax that would be able to provide UV protection in order to prevent those harmful effects.
So, if you’re looking for the best protection for your RV’s fiberglass, gel coat or paint, make sure that the wax is formulated to absorb the UV rays and not let it reach the RV’s exterior material.
By providing this protection, the wax will ensure that your vehicle’s finish will maintain its natural color and glow for much longer. It’s especially important if you have a fiberglass exterior, since this material is very susceptible to the harmful effects of the sun.
Water Repellency
One more important protection feature that a good RV wax should be able to provide is water repellency. Waxes aren’t waterproof. For that, you’ll need a sealant instead. However, a wax can create a slick finish that would promote water beading, which would prevent it from collecting and potentially damaging the exterior of your RV.
Anti-Static Properties
It’s also an advantage if the RV wax can offer anti-static properties. These waxes create a slick finish that ensures that nothing sticks to it. This would prevent dust, bugs and dirt from sticking to the surface.
As a result, the finish of your RV will look shinier for longer without you having to clean it often. This means that you’ll have an exterior surface that will be a lot easier to maintain and care for.
Wax Ingredients
- Carnauba wax. This is vegetable wax that is made from leaves of a Brazilian palm tree. The palm tree’s leaves are coated in this wax for protection against the intense tropical sun. Due to this, it’s extremely durable, with good UV protection and water repellent properties. And when it dries, it creates a glossy finish. These characteristics have made this wax popular in many applications, such as in automobile, floor, furniture and shoe polishes. It’s also popular in RV applications. Carnauba wax is also often used in a blend with other natural waxes, such as beeswax and natural oils. However, these tend to be less durable and the oil containing ones tend to be sticky, attracting dust and grime.
- Polymers and resins. A lot of RV waxes also contain polymers and resins in their wax formula. These are plastic like substances that provide better adhesion to painted surfaces. Due to this, they provide longer lasting protection. Their downside, however, is that they tend to provide less shine.
- Petroleum distillates. Some waxes can contain petroleum distillates, which are added to make it easier spreading the wax. However, it’s recommended to choose products that don’t contain them. A wax with petroleum distillates will cause rapid oxidation of paint and will damage your RV’s finish.
Abrasiveness
Most waxes have a certain level of abrasiveness. However, the small particles of harsh chemicals can leave scratches on your vehicle’s finish, marring its appearance. These scratches will be especially visible if you have a dark-colored RV. That’s why you should check the abrasiveness of the RV wax that you’re looking to buy.
Manufacturers usually indicate hazing and scratching scores of their wax products. A low score means that it’s more abrasive, so it will be harsher on clear finishes and coating.
You can find waxes that don’t contain any abrasive components. This would be the safest choice since it will guarantee that it won’t damage the surface of your RV’s exterior. Moreover, by buying a non-abrasive wax, you’ll be able to use it safely on different materials without worrying about damaging it.
Oxidation and Defects Removal
Some RV waxes come as a combination of a cleaner and a wax. This means that in addition to polishing the surface to a nice gloss and protecting it, the wax also can remove different defects on the material’s surface. For example, these products can remove light to medium oxidation, scratches and swirl marks.
The downside of these cleaner waxes is that they tend to produce less shine than specialized waxes. Due to this, some prefer to use a rubbing compound first in order to remove oxidation and clean the surface and then, they apply the wax in order to create a smooth finish with a gloss.
Ease of Application
Waxing an RV is a pretty big job. Even if you have the smallest recreational vehicle, you’ll still have a lot of surface area to wax. That’s why it’ll be a benefit to you if you choose a product that will be quick and easy to apply.
Spray waxes are easy to apply but the durability they offer is not on the same level as the container waxes, which require a more hands-on approach.
Another thing that can make it easier applying the wax is if the product allows both machine and by hand application. In this case, you might choose to use a buffer to wax the large surface area of your RV.
If you want to simplify the process even further, you can look for products that do both cleaning and waxing. This would save you time and effort by allowing you to do two functions in one step.
Type of Wax
- Liquid. This is the most common form of RV fiberglass waxes. They usually come in large containers, providing enough formula to cover the entire recreational vehicle. The liquid form makes it easy to apply over a large surface area. Most of them are also suitable for both hand and machine application, so you can choose whatever matches your personal preference.
- Spray. This type of wax comes in a spray bottle, which offers a convenient way of application. However, since most of these waxes come in smaller sized spray bottles, they are not the most common choice for RVs. Moreover, the spray action tends to create a lot of overspraying and wasting of wax. So, when choosing this type, you might need to buy a few extra bottles for it to be enough to cover all of your rig.
- Paste. It’s also a less common type. Pastes usually consist of pure carnauba wax and due to the thickness of the paste, it’s more difficult to apply it by hand. It would take a lot of effort to apply it to all of RV’s exterior surface.
Durability
Different RV waxes will also provide different levels of durability. Some will keep the exterior surface of your RV protected and shining for months, while others will need reapplication much sooner. To save you time and effort, as well as costs on buying more of the product, it’s better to choose a wax that will provide long-lasting durability.
In the description of a product, you can usually find recommendations for how often you should reapply the wax. If you don’t find any, you can also check RV wax reviews of users to understand how any particular wax stands up against time.
Size
This might not be the most important factor, but it’s definitely also worth taking into account. If you buy too less, you might not have enough wax to cover all of the RV’s exterior surface, leaving you with a half-done job. So, consider the size of your RV and how much wax you’ll need. Then, choose a product with the appropriate capacity.
Price
Another thing to look into is the price. By setting yourself a certain budget that you’re ready to spend will help to narrow down the vast amount of options that are available on the market. This would make the shopping process faster and easier.
However, don’t let the price be the only determining factor. The cheapest or the most expensive products aren’t always the best. A good RV wax would offer both excellent and excellent quality.
RV Wax Frequently Asked Questions
What is RV wax?
RV waxes feature a formula that is slightly different from other common waxes. One thing that makes them different is that they usually don’t contain any abrasive ingredients. This means that these waxes are safe for use on different surfaces, including fiberglass, gel coat, plastic and more. And these waxes work by providing a smooth and shiny finish, without scratching or doing any other damage to the surface.
Since RV waxes feature formulas that work on different surfaces, they are applicable not only on RVs but also in different other situations. You can also apply them on boats, cars, and motorcycles. However, it will depend on the product since some waxes will be more versatile, while others will have a more specific application.
What are the benefits of RV wax?
If you’re wondering why you should use an RV wax for your rig, here are all the benefits that it offers. These are the positive effects that you can expect after doing a waxing job for your recreational vehicle.
- Protection from UV rays. Most of your RV travel probably happens in the summer. However, this is also the time of the most intensive sun and the UV rays of the sun can actually be harmful to the coating of your RV’s exterior. Continuous exposure to the sun can cause the outer coating to fade and discolor. As a result, you might have to spend a lot of money on hefty repairs and maintenance. However, you can prevent all this by using RV wax. It will create a barrier between the ultraviolet rays and your RV’s outer finish, ensuring that the original finish retains its color and shine.
- Water repelling. A high quality RV wax will also protect your rig from water damage. They might not create a waterproof seal, but they do provide good water repellency. This ensures that the water doesn’t collect on the surface and it doesn’t damage the finish and material. Instead, it makes the water bead up on the slick surface.
- Oxidation removal. Some of RV waxes will also offer oxidation removal, which is a common occurrence for recreational vehicles as they are constantly exposed to outdoor elements. As a result of oxidation, the outer finish can become chalky and pitted, ruining the appearance. To combat this issue, you can apply a cleaner wax, which would remove oxidation and polish the surface. And in addition to oxidation removal, a good wax would also be able to remove scratches and swirls.
- Prevents oxidation. An RV wax can not only remove oxidation, but also prevent it. Since it creates a thin film on top of the existing RV’s outer finish, it protects it from outdoor elements. This, in turn, prevents oxidation and helps you prevent the issue of premature breakdown of the material.
- Polishing effect. Another reason to use wax for your RV is that it will help make your rig look as good as new. It gives the vehicle that glossy coat finish, which you usually get when you roll out of a carwash shop.
- Non-abrasive. If you choose an RV wax with non-abrasive ingredients, you can also expect results without worrying that it will damage the delicate outer finish of your RV.
- Easy to use. Applying RV wax is also an easy job. Most of them feature a no-rinse formula, so the application is a one-step process.
- Makes cleaning simple. Another benefit of RV waxes is that they create a smooth, anti-static finish. This helps to repel dirt and grime, keeping the surface cleaner for longer. Instead of sticking to the surface, the dirt will just slide off. As a result, your rig will retain its shine for longer and if it does get dusty or dirty, the cleanup will be a breeze.
- Versatile. RV waxes can also be versatile, meaning that you could use the product not only on the rig’s outer finish, but on other surfaces as well. They can be applied on fiberglass, plastic, vinyl, glass, paint and more. Some waxes can even be used on both exterior and interior parts.
What is the best way to apply RV wax?
Most RV waxes can be applied either by hand using a microfiber cloth or with a machine. The easiest way, of course, is with a machine. Especially, considering the large surface area that you need to cover. A buffer is usually the easiest and fastest solution. Alternatively, you can also use an orbital polisher.
However, for best results, before you start waxing your RV, it’s better that you first check the label of the product for the specific instructions.
Another important thing to do is clean your RV before waxing. This would ensure better adhesion of the wax to the surface. You might need to use a rubbing compound to remove oxidation, scratches and other defects. Some waxes can also do this, but not all. After washing and cleaning your RV, also make sure that it’s dry.
Once the surface is clean and dry, you can apply the wax. When doing so, work in small sections. This would ensure an even layer. It will also help you keep track of where you have and haven’t cleaned.
If you’re applying it by hand, squirt a small amount of the solution onto the microfiber cloth and polish the surface. And if you’re using a spray, apply it directly onto the surface and immediately wipe it with a cloth.
What do I need to wax an RV?
Except for the wax itself, you’ll also need either a microfiber cloth or a machine, such as a buffer or orbital polisher.
Do you need to remove dirt before waxing?
Yes, you should thoroughly clean the surface before applying the wax. If the surface is dirty, the wax won’t properly adhere, which would affect its ability to provide protection for the finish. Before application, you should also wait for the surface to dry completely.
What are the top RV wax brands?
The most popular RV wax brands are Meguiar’s, Gel-Gloss and Protect All. With a product from one of these brands, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth. They offer high quality waxes that deliver reliable results with long lasting effect.
What makes RV wax different from normal wax?
The main difference is the level of abrasiveness. RV waxes usually have a lower level of abrasive ingredients or none at all, which makes them less likely to scratch the delicate surfaces of the RV’s exterior.
What does cleaner wax do?
A cleaner wax is a product that is designed to do two jobs in one step. First, it does the cleaning by decontaminating the surface by removing oxidation and other imperfections. And secondly, it polishes the smoothed out surface to a shiny gloss. Choosing a cleaner wax instead of a traditional wax can be beneficial if you want to save time and effort in treating the surface of your rig’s exterior.
How to remove oxidation from RV fiberglass?
To remove oxidation from RV fiberglass, you’ll need a mildly abrasive polish. This would help to remove oxidation, light scratches, swirl marks and stains. After oxidation has been removed, you can apply the wax.
How often should I wax my recreational vehicle?
The answer depends on several factors. First of all, it depends on the quality of the product. Some waxes last longer than others. However, it also depends on how often you travel. The more RV traveling you do, the more waxing you’ll need.
Typically, full-time RVers reapply the wax every month or so. In some situations, even every few weeks. However, if you’re a seasonal RVer, doing a waxing before every season might be enough.
Can I wax RV decals?
Most RV waxes can be applied on decals since they are suitable for application on a variety of materials. However, just to be on the safe side, it’s better to check the product’s specifications for the list of the materials it is suitable for. Some waxes are material specific and might be damaging to your RV decals.
Can I use car wax on a travel trailer?
If the car wax is suitable for application on fiberglass or whatever other material of your travel trailer, then the answer is yes. However it’s better to choose a product that is specifically formulated for fiberglass rather than a generic product.
Can I use RV wax on a car or boat?
This depends on the wax that you have. If it’s compatible with the material of your boat or car, then you can use it. Just check the product’s label to understand if it would be applicable for your situation.
Final Thoughts
Waxing an RV is one of the best ways to protect its exterior surface from sun damage and weather. On top of that, it’s an excellent way to preserve RV’s appearance by adding to its surface a nice glossy look. However, make sure to do proper research to find the best RV wax in order to ensure that you buy a product that would work best for your rig. Finally, refer to the RV wax reviews above to check out the top rated products available on the market in 2021 and pick one that would have features to suit your needs.