It has been a unique winter. Most of us have had our RVs in storage and are looking forward to hitting the road again. The first thing we should do is to give our RVs a good spring cleaning. RV tank cleaning may not be the most pleasant task, but sooner or later, it has to be done. If your RV has a built-in flush system, use it every time you empty your tanks. You also must treat the black water tank with chemicals to help break down solids and keep odors down. Use an enzyme-based treatment designed for black water tanks.
Regular cleaning of the exterior is important for maintaining the look and value of your RV. If you store your RV in a storage facility, I recommend that once a month you take it to a do-it-yourself truck/car wash. These facilities have two things going for them: First, high-pressure washing, and second, liquid rinse and wax. If you have access to a high-pressure washer, start in the engine or generator compartments. Keeping these areas clean cuts down on smells and the chance of oil fires. If you wash your RV at home, use an auto cleanser. Do not use dish soap. The chemicals in dish soap are very hard on auto and RV finishes. And never use a sponge. Dirt and sand particles become trapped in the sponge and scratch the surface of the vehicle. When you wash, add about 1/3-cup of plain white vinegar to your wash bucket. The vinegar helps prevent water spotting and boosts the cleanser as well. It is best to wash the roof first and rinse thoroughly with clean water before starting on the sidewalls and end caps. This will help eliminate black streaks on the sidewalls after a night of heavy dew. If it’s possible, follow up any wash with a liquid wax. Any kind will do. The object is to protect the paint and slow down the oxidation process. Everything oxidizes when it comes in direct contact with air. Paint breaks down into fine particles, dulling the surface. Waxes and paint sealers provide a barrier between the paint and the air. Next month we’ll take on the inside of the RV.
Be safe and enjoy the RV life.
Final Touch Coach Works is located at 28532 Livingston Avenue in Valencia. For more information, please call 661-775-8375 and visit online at www.finaltouchrv.com.