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Since most recreational vehicles have a fiberglass exterior, detailing these large behemoths can be somewhat different than your average car. While many washes, polishes, and waxes can be used on RVs and other vehicles, it pays to take some extra care with your product selection to avoid the staining or damaging the fiberglass surface. That's why we've taken the time to compile this guide for RV owners. It includes some of the best RV waxes that are safe for use on fiberglass exteriors.
Washing your RV and cleaning the interior are just the first steps to keeping your camper sparkling even after thousands of miles on the road. Much like you detail your car to keep it shining and protected from all kinds of road elements, you’ve got to do the same for your RV. And that includes applying an RV wax. With time and exposure to the sun, varying outdoor temperatures, dirt, and all kinds of debris on road trips, your RV’s fiberglass exterior can start to show wear like fading, loss of shine, and even cracks.
But with regular wax application, you can both restore your RV’s exterior appearance and keep it protected for the long term. Which waxes are the best bet? Opt for a highly-reputable brand and product that’s well-liked among frequent campers.
Meguiar's M6332 Premium Wax
TR Industries Gel-Gloss Wash and Wax
Meguiar's Marine/RV Fiberglass Restoration System
The RV waxes I’ve chosen are those that meet three key metrics: Ease of application, the ability to add shine to fiberglass exteriors, and protection against the outdoor elements. These waxes were chosen from the wide selection of options available online, both for cars and for RVs. I sought out those that were best suited for RV exteriors and compared them to one another in the kinds of protection offered and the level of gloss or shine achieved once applied. To get a sense of how long each wax lasted (and how easy they were to apply), I looked at users' reviews and use cases.
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
Don't let the picture of a sleek boat fool you: Meguiar's Premium Marine Wax goes on all things fiberglass, including large RVs. In fact, this wax adds an extra layer of water-repellant protection that rivals and beats many car waxes on the market today. Since it's specifically formulated for fiberglass exteriors, it’s also easy to apply to delicate surfaces without worrying about damage. Each bottle includes enough liquid to cover the surface area of most RVs. By far, the standout feature of this wax is the water-repellent capabilities it has. The protective coating sheds and beads water in rainy or snowy conditions. The wax buffs well (either by hand or power buffer) to a nice shine.
When it comes to working with the wax, application is relatively easy, but you may find it’s a bit sensitive to the surrounding environment. Like most waxes, application in direct sunlight isn't recommended. In fact, the wax's drying time greatly varies depending on the outside temperature; it has a sweet spot of around 60 degrees for a good, workable drying time. Anything higher makes it dry too fast; anything too low makes it difficult to apply and remove properly.
TR Industries' Gel-Gloss RV Wash and Wax works quickly, and you get a lot of value for a small price tag. The formula contains a fiberglass-friendly washing solution mixed with a carnauba-based wax. Combined with the 128-ounce bottle, this wash-and-wax combo gives you plenty of liquid to tackle most RVs, with some left over. As a wash-and-wax combo, the Gel-Gloss is all about speed and convenience. The liquid suds onto the fiberglass surface and can be rinsed off with water. There isn't much scrubbing required to get dirt and debris off of the surface. The finished coat decently protects the fiberglass against water UV radiation, and light oxidation.
While the results are good, it's no substitute for dedicated waxes that offer a better shine and longer life. You may notice some minor streaks and water spots in direct sunlight. It's labeled as a no-spot cleaner, but spots can develop in sunny conditions if you don't give it a hand in drying with a microfiber towel or cloth.
Meguiar's Fiberglass Restoration Kit is the type of combination product to choose when you need to give some TLC to your RV. The included cleaning products are designed to restore a fiberglass finish that can't be cured by water and soap alone. In total, the kit comes with three separate bottles: an oxidation remover, a polish, and Meguiar's Pure Wax. The 16-ounce bottle of liquid wax is fairly easy to apply to fiberglass surfaces and goes on quickly to cover the large surfaces of an RV. Suitable for hand or power tool applications, the wax doesn't leave much in terms of noticeable black streaks or spots when properly removed. The wax dries to a haze before removal, so a quick dry test (running your finger over it to see if it lifts off) will be necessary.
Combined with the other two 16-ounce bottles in the kit, the wax does a good job of restoring discolored and stained fiberglass surfaces, but it can be difficult to get the best results if the three steps aren't done correctly. The process is very time-consuming if done by hand, but it’s the best result; buffers or polishers don’t achieve the same finish.
CarGuys offers an all-in-one sealant that works to replace waxes and polishes. It's an easy solution that allows you to quickly clean and maintain your vehicle, whether it's a car or an RV. What makes this product stand out is its powerful and safe formula. The sealant can be applied to all surfaces, without streaks or residues. It spreads and wipes off easily, so you can finish the cleanup quickly. You'll notice glossy showroom results right after the application. Even more importantly, the protective coat will stay on for quite a while, keeping your vehicle safe from UV rays, dirt, water, and other harmful elements and substances.
What can be an issue with this product is the overall longevity. The sealant tends to lose the wet shine quickly, requiring frequent reapplication. The sealant also might leave some streaks on the glass, so make sure to wipe it off carefully after the application.
This is one of those handy wash kits that doesn't even require you to use water for the cleanups. It’s a rather versatile set you can use on all kinds of cars, RVs, boats, and other vehicles. The kit includes two bottles of Wash Wax ALL and four microfiber towels. It's specially designed to clean and protect the surfaces, leaving your vehicles with a glossy finish. The wash wax doesn't only remove water, dirt, and grime; it also leaves a protective coating. Another benefit is the water-based formula, free from alcohol and ammonia and safe for skin as well as car paint and glass. Furthermore, a little of the liquid goes a long way.
The main drawback of this product is it requires some extra elbow grease. You'll probably have to use some extra effort to buff it clean, especially on the glass. It might leave an oily residue on windows, so you might need to wipe them several times for flawless results.
Collinite offers an efficient and durable wax for all types of vehicles. Thanks to the powerful yet safe formula, you can apply it to different surfaces without worrying about damage. Even better, you'll achieve a wet, glossy finish with this wax and take pride in the aesthetic of your vehicle. The Collinite wax is easy to apply and wipe off. You can use it to quickly wax RVs and other large vehicles. The wax is super efficient in removing dirt, dust, water, and all kinds of stains from vehicle surfaces. It even leaves a durable protective coat that repels UV rays, rain, snow, dust, grime, and more. All in all, the Collinite lasts.
However, the thick formula might come as a drawback as well. Although it should liquify in the sun or a tub of warm water, some users had difficulties with that. They noticed the product stays thick and is difficult to wipe off. Also, depending on the paint color, the wax might leave behind some residue.
The 3M Marine restorer and wax is one of those versatile products you can use on all kinds of surfaces and achieve showroom results. Although mainly designed for boats and RVs, the product can be used on cars, trucks, and ATVs as well. What makes this product stand out is a unique formula that contains a rubbing compound and a wax. Thanks to this mixture, you can use it to clean, polish, and wax the surface, enhancing shine and paint. It also works to remove heavy oxidation, which is especially important for those storing RVs. The 3M Marine restorer and wax also leaves a durable protective coat on your vehicle's surface.
However, the main issue with this product is the price. The wax comes in 16- and 32-ounce bottles that prove to be rather expensive. If you're looking for an inexpensive cleaning option, this is not an ideal choice. Another minor inconvenience could be the fact that the liquid is sometimes difficult to pour out of the bottle.
The Star Brite cleaner is specially formulated for fiberglass, metals, and painted surfaces. It's ideal for RVs as well as for other vehicle types. You can use it not only for general cleaning, but also for maintaining and protecting surfaces. The product restores shine and paint and cleans and protects the surface in just one step. It resolves dirt, debris, and stubborn stains. It can also repel water, UV rays, and other harmful elements in the long run. Additionally, the product proves to be rather efficient in preventing fading and oxidation. It's also important to mention that the product is easy to use. All you need to do is to spray and wipe off the liquid, making the surface very shiny.
However, keep in mind that it’s not ideal for cleaning heavy oxidation. It's primarily a maintenance product that will prevent further damage. Also, you might need to reapply frequently because the glossy effect doesn't last for very long.
If you're looking for a heavy-duty cleaner that will help you remove persistent stains and residue, you might want to check out this wax. It's a highly efficient product that removes scratches, oxidation, and other buildups. You also get to use it on all kinds of vehicles, including RVs, boats, trucks, and more. The product contains carnauba wax and polymer sealers that not only clean, but also protect the surface from water, UV rays, and oxidation, making it shiny and good-looking all over again. Furthermore, you can use the wax on fiberglass, chrome, aluminum, and many other materials.
The main drawback of this product might be the application. Although it's easy to spread the liquid on the surface, it might be challenging to wipe it off. The wax is also a little pricey, especially considering the fact you'll need to use more liquid for a thorough cleanup.
When it comes to top-tier RV wax, you can’t go wrong with Meguiar's M6332 Premium Wax. This product delivers solid shine while also imparting lasting protection against all kinds of outdoor dirt, weather, and debris. If value is your biggest priority, TR Industries Gel-Gloss Wash and Wax is another top product pick. This dual-purpose wash and wax cleans while maintaining your RV’s exterior.
Before you break out any old wax hanging out in your garage, here’s what you need to look for in a top-tier product. Use these details to find a wax that’ll protect your RV’s exterior and restore its former gloss and shine.
Liquid waxes make up the bulk of most RV fiberglass waxes. Coming in large bottles, liquid wax is fairly easy to apply in controlled amounts over large surface areas. They also tend to respond well to both hand and power applications, making this type extremely versatile in matching your personal preferences on waxing your RV.
Paste waxes sit on the opposite end of the waxing spectrum compared to liquid types. Pastes, especially carnauba waxes, are harder and can be more difficult to apply by hand. For RV use, they are less common but remain a good choice if you prefer to avoid liquid and spray-on solutions.
The least common type of wax for RV use, spray-on waxes are generally the most convenient to apply. Since bottle sizes tend to be small, and the spray-on action leads to a lot of overspray and wasted wax, they aren't the most economical when it comes to waxing an RV. In other words, expect to buy a few extra bottles of spray if you want to use this type of wax.
You can find small, budget-friendly RV waxes for under $20. They aren’t the shiniest or most protective, but they do the trick. If you’re looking for higher-quality wax, you can expect to spend between $20 and $45. And if you want to buy a good wax in bulk so you have enough for multiple coats, you’ll spend $50 or more.
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
A: Because most RV exteriors feature fiberglass, you’ll want to choose a wax that’s less abrasive. Look for gentle formulas, whether you’re going for a paste or liquid, that promise glossy shine and protection. You can treat the exterior of your RV like you would your car, but it’s better to skip any wax that includes potentially abrasive ingredients.
A: Try to wax your RV twice each year, or every six months.
A: While marine wax and wax for an RV are both great for fiberglass exteriors, there are key differences that may make RV waxes better for RVs and marine waxes better for boats. In general, marine waxes are formulated to offer protection against water and other marine elements, while RV and auto waxes are formulated to protect against UV rays, dirt, and other road issues.
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