Here is my newest obsession of the day. Even though my newest acquisition is used, the vinyl graphics on it, along with the sidewalls, look just like new. I am assuming it was kept up cover, and I would like to keep them looking that way for resale in the future.

Anyone found anything that works on the vinyl? This is a Keystone product so the vinyl does't get more delicate than this.

Secondly, it has been pulled somewhere where the roads were being repaved and there very small dots of asphalt on the sides and front cap. I am not worried about getting it off the sides, but what would are your thoughts about removing it from the vinyl. I know not to use petroleum products on vinyl, just like rubber roofs, but maybe just a small amount with great care?

I know wax would remove it, but lots of sites say not to use wax on graphics, while others recommend it.

Steve

 

I keep my 5er covered app. 1/2 of the year totaled up. Graphics on the south side have still faded and discolored. The north side look like new. Both sides waxed. By the way Steve, the fridge is still going strong.

 

You really have to be careful with waxes. I have a half dozen different waxes at home and every one has a warning not to use on vinyl or decals.

Steve

 

asphalt. tar. only thing somewhat safe... is kerosene ...

petroleum is the only thing I know of that cuts petroleum .

bug & tar remover...Turtle Wax brand. try small area .. TEST. wait a day.. Look

best of luck. and congrats on the New to you Unit.

 

Thanks. My thought also was to test on a small area and see what happens. We have got to stop changing RVs so often. I keep forgetting how much work it is to make the change-out.

I am not going to try to sell our other fiver until next spring. Winter time prices are too low. Just going to tarp it and park it in the corner of our spare lot.

Steve

 

good plan on waiting till spring... I do the same with motorcycles..

Buy in winter, sell in summer

 

I've been using Mother's and like I said the north side looks new. The south side, sunny, took a beating even under the cover.

 

I think the real trick with these is to never expose them to the sun.

Steve

 

OR, trapped heat under RV covers.

Moon Light of any kind.

Air temperature over 85 degrees "F"....

and keep the Sun 94 million miles away ...

 

Our 03 has a decal problem on one side but not the other, the left side has had a lot more exposure to the sun. Ours is also old enough that it has the older style decals that aren't vinyl so they tend to last longer.

I've have always used WD-40 to remove tar from the trailer and truck excluding the decals. After our Alaska trip it took 3 cans to get it all off and then a good wax job.

Denny

 

During winter or long periods between runs we park ours in our 50X100 ft shed. Cover to keep bird droppings off.

 

I've see lots of RVs in our travels and I don't care how inexpensive or expensive they are if they have decal they will crack and peel, some sooner than others but it does happen. If I have time this summer I'm going to start removing them and paint them on.

Denny

 

The biggest issue with decals is the amount of UV stabilizers (or lack of) in the decal. Thickness also matters.

As they are exposed to uv light the stabilizers break down and cause the decals to shrink thus resulting in cracks as most rv graphics are pretty thin.

I'm not aware of a single effective post treatment other than removal (which almost looks worse due to different exposures of the base layer) or replacement.

 

What's the best wax to use on these trailers? I know Collinites is good for boats, but anyone have experience with any other type or brand? Thanks. And all of my decals are good except on the front cap.

 

I used Nu Finish for years but I found that it leaves to much buildup causing a dull finish. I changed to Maguire's Cleaner Wax and it does a better job but I'm always looking for something better.

Denny