While fiberglass is normally tough, it is important to regularly take care of it so it will last. One of the things that ensures that your RV remains in top condition is the follow-up care, which in turn, will result in the lower cost of repairs and in maintaining the good look of it. Whether you’re preparing for summer road trips or winter storage, following a structured maintenance checklist can extend the life of your RV’s fiberglass and keep it looking great. In this guide, we provide a comprehensive seasonal checklist to help you maintain your RV’s fiberglass exterior all year round.
Spring Maintenance Checklist
Spring is the perfect time to open the curtains and see how your RV is doing after the winter. This way you get a chance to make the necessary repairs before the summer vacation. You can always take your ride to an RV Fiberglass Company so that the professionals do your job for you.
1. Thorough Inspection
- Look through the fiberglass for cracks, chips, or delamination.
- Look for watermarks and damages at the edges, roof, and sidewalls.
- Examine the gel coat to see if it is losing its color or if its texture is grainy and oxidized.
2. Deep Cleaning
- Wash your RV with a mild, RV-safe detergent that is designed specifically for the fiberglass exterior.
- Using a soft brush or a sponge may help to prevent scratches from accumulating on the surface.
- Rinse well with water and dry using a microfiber cloth to prevent any water spots from forming.
3. Gel Coat Protection
- Apply a high-quality fiberglass polish or restorer if there is evidence of oxidation on it.
- Use a UV-protectant wax to protect against sun damage and thus, keep it glossy. A UV protectant wax helps you shorten the time you spend on recreating the gloss.
4. Seal and Caulking Check
- Check the integrity of all seals, including windows, doors, and seams, as well as the caulking itself.
- Fill in the seams and cracks while taking care that no water gets in.
5. Tire and Undercarriage Maintenance
- Make sure to clean the tires thoroughly to identify any cracks or low tread wear.
- Check the bottom of the vehicle for any down-fallen debris or rust.
Summer Maintenance Checklist
The heat of summer and the problems that come with road travel open up your RV to UV rays, dirt, and mud. This is why you have to have the most basic activities of cleaning and protection covered.
1. Frequent Washing
- Wash your RV every 2-3 weeks to keep the battering of grime away from your vehicle before the grease gets through where it should not. Or you could always consult a motorhome cleaning service so you do not have to worry about anything.
- Use a waterless car wash spray for quick touch-ups between regular waxing. It is an easy way to clean between deep waxes and a way to have your RV always looking nice.
2. Protect Against UV Damage
- If you need UV protectant wax and the UV rays are overbearing, then reapply UV protection wax quietly and cover it with an RV cover
- Another good thing to do is to shade your vehicle; thus, the use of the RV cover is minimized, and also the car remains healthy, the longevity is preserved.
3. Monitor for New Damage
- Watch out for rock chips and scratches on your vehicle after a long road trip.
- Repair all minor fiberglass damage as soon as you see it to avoid a large problem in the future.
4. Keep Vents and Seals in Check
- Be sure that all of the seals on your vehicle are not damaged or broken and remain functional before and after you use the vehicle.
- Regulate the airflow by removing any debris from the air vents.
Fall Maintenance Checklist
When the travel season starts to close out, that is the time that your RV should be taken care of which is the preparation for the colder months.
1. Post-Summer Inspection
- Check if there is any damage, such as cracks or fading and if it is, then it should be fixed immediately.
- Examine the seam finishes and joints for any signs of wear and reseal when necessary.
- Since the roof takes most of the damage in summer you must inspect your roof thoroughly. In case of any implications, you can call our online RV roofing restoration services.
2. Thorough Cleaning
- Clean the RV at the time of restoring it to the storage.
- Eliminate any tar, bugs, and other impurities after the summertime.
3. Waxing and Protective Coating
- A new coat of wax should be applied after the vehicle is washed so that it will be safe from moisture that comes with the new season.
- Use a moisture-absorbent material on the car inside so the humidity in the car will be low thus damaging it.
4. Interior Preparation
- Be sure that all exterior accessories are clean and put away correctly to avoid damage caused during the winter.
- Cover the RV with a breathable cover to protect it from the elements.
Winter Maintenance Checklist
Winter makes people store and protect things to use in the summer. Maximize winter storage, and use your fiberglass units properly.
1. Store Properly
- In the best moment, put your RV in a garage or climate-controlled workplace.
- Exercise the RV with a cover that has good ventilation and also restricts the mold from growing.
2. Prevent Moisture Damage
- Verify the RV for excessive evaporation and utilize a dehumidifier if necessary.
- On the other hand, check the seals now and then, particularly in the snowy or rainy season.
3. Periodic Exterior Checkups
- Subsequently, if you are storing it outside, make sure to remove the additional snow and ice to avoid distortion.
- Identify the signals of the freezing issue or fractures that are emerging in the fiberglass plates.
Conclusion
The regular maintenance of your RV fiberglass is the most important factor for preventing the asphalt from melting during the summer months thus saving you from the costly repair expenses. Applying any of these tasks will maintain your RV both aesthetically and structurally fitting for the whole year through, it doesn’t matter if they are the adventure of the preparation of the storage. Do your proactive steps that keep your RV in tip-top shape and still, you can start any new trip without any concern about the RV condition even though you are still taking preventive measures. Thus, you’ll run on the highway with ease and no worries!