Honestly, the easiest way is going to be with a dual action buffer. Yes you can apply it by hand, and it will work fantastically, but that’s a long day of wiping on and wiping off. DA buffers are extremely safe to use. Combine that with the fact that today’s gel coats and clear coats are extremely durable and you really can’t mess it up with just wax.
If you are willing to foray into the world of machine application, I highly recommend the Adam’s Swirl Killer 21mm Long Throw dual action orbital polisher. The long throw makes short work of large surfaces like those found on RVs. It’s affordable, reliable, and quiet. It just flat works.
Combine that with a red Lake Country waxing/finishing flat pad and you’re ready to rock.
Beyond that, you’ll have to consult the directions on the bottle of wax or sealant that you buy. Most will require applying the wax or sealant to a surface with a soft cloth or applicator, letting it sit and dry to a haze, and then buffing it off with a soft towel. I go over this in more detail in my Ultimate Guide to Car Wax .
These days most polished metal found on RVs and motor homes is clear coated or clear powder coated. When this is the case the steps for cleaning and protection will be same as for the rest of the RV. It’s only when it’s bare metal that special steps need to be taken.
How to determine if RV or motor home wheels are polished and not clear coated?
Take a small dab of metal polish, any kind will do, and rub it into an inconspicuous area with a soft cloth. If the cloth turns black after a short while, then it is bare metal. If it doesn’t then it’s clear coated.
When it comes to bare metal, I prefer to use Mothers Mag and Aluminum Polish on a quality microfiber towel (learn more about microfiber in my Ultimate Guide to Microfiber) or buffing ball
Polishing metal with this polish is very simple. Rub the polish into the metal until the towel turns black. Turn to a clean part of the towel and wipe the polish off. Repeat.
Once you’re finished polishing, you can protect the polished surface with the same wax or sealant you used on the body.
After taking the time to clean, wax, and shine your vehicle it’s important to keep it looking great. The easiest way for your RV to start accumulating dust and dirt is to keep it uncovered when storing your vehicle.
Getting a cover that guards against UV and the elements will cut down on the maintenance you need to do as well. There won’t be any dirt or dust accumulation if you keep a high quality cover on it. Newer covers also have moisture control which helps prevent mildew from growing.
While a cover won’t stop the need for all maintenance it will certainly cut down on the time needed to get your RV ready for your next trip, whether you use your camper monthly or yearly, it’s an easy investment to prolong the life of your vehicle.
Tires are an often overlooked aspect of RV ownership from a maintenance perspective. This is shame because poorly maintained tires reduces their life and we all know how dangerous a tire failure while piloting an RV or motorhome can be!
A tires worst enemy is the ozone and UV rays. Tires do contain ozone and UV restive chemicals but these chemicals can only work their way to the surface of the tire when the tires is used. As we all know, most RV tires sit for a majority of their life.
The best thing you can do for you tires is keep them shielded from UV. You can accomplish this by applying a protectant such as 303 Aerospace Protectant for Vinyl, Plastic, and Rubber.
This is different than most tire “dressings.” This protectant is water based, contains UV inhibitors, and drys to a matte “new tire” finish. You have to be careful of most tire “dressings” because they contain silicones, petroleum distillates, alcohols, and other solvents that actually damage the tires.
So, you have the opportunity to detail an RV and you’re wondering how to set your RV detailing prices. Due to the size and nature of RVs, they require time-consuming work done by hand to clean and restore them. For that reason, some detailing professionals choose to specialize in offering an RV cleaning service exclusively. There are also those who offer mobile RV detailing services. Either way, the return for someone who offers RV detailing services can be high.
The average RV detailing service starts at around $5 per foot for a basic clean of the exterior only. But for a more thorough job, including the interior, your RV detailing cost per foot is going to be $25+.
RV detailing and polishing in PhoenixBut just like auto detailing, there are a number of variables that should be factored into your RV detailing service cost. Keep reading to learn how to set your RV detailing prices, so you’re charging the right amount for your time.
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Setting your RV detailing prices is complex, so it can be tempting to offer menu-style pricing to keep it simple. And when the only variable is the RV’s size, then a price-per-foot method can work well. Especially when we’re thinking about only the exterior of the RV.
So, as an example, you could offer a basic exterior clean starting at $5 per foot. Then a premium exterior detail, which includes a high gloss compound and wax, might start at $20 per foot. The bigger the vehicle, the higher the RV detailing cost will be. That makes sense.
But what about when size isn’t the only variable? Think about this scenario. A customer comes to you with a large RV that has heavy oxidation and a dirty interior. Also, it hasn’t been cleaned in years. Obviously, an RV detailing cost-per-foot pricing strategy is going to leave you grossly underpaid.
Flat menu pricing doesn’t account for all the variables that go into your work. And that means that you could be leaving dollars on the table and under-valuing your time.
When setting your RV detailing prices, you should think about all the variables it will take to get the RV back to looking like new. This is why you should consider implementing variable-based pricing. Think about variables such as the type of RV, the level of oxidation, stains, wear-and-tear, or the last time the RV has been cleaned. Instead of thinking about the RV’s size, you should be taking into account the time it will take you to do the job.
When setting your RV detailing prices, you should think about all the variables it will take to get the RV back to looking like new. This is why you should consider implementing variable-based pricing. Think about variables such as the type of RV, the level of oxidation, stains, wear-and-tear, or the last time the RV has been cleaned. Instead of thinking about the RV’s size, you should be taking into account the time it will take you to do the job.
If you start using variable-based pricing, you’ll start charging what your time is actually worth. But how do you come up with high-value detailing prices?
An RV detailing price list with every item itemized could get complicated for both you and your customer. We recommend starting with base packages and then allow for add-ons based on a select number of variables to charge more for your extra time.
Type of Cladding: The techniques and products you use for the exterior will be dependent on the type of cladding. An aluminum-clad RV requires specialist knowledge to clean properly without causing damage. You can’t use chlorine-based products and should avoid wiping against the grain. A fiberglass RV would need an initial clean, followed by an application of fiberglass polish and wax.
Roof Cleaning: It’s worth deciding at the beginning whether you will include roof cleaning in your packages. You can expect to charge an additional $1 to $3 per foot to power wash the roof. Then you can offer specialist add-ons depending on the type of roof, such as rubber conditioner and UV protectant for rubber roofs.
Level of Oxidation and/or Sun Damage: One common variable you’ll want to consider is the level of oxidation and sun damage on the RV’s exterior. If it’s heavily oxidized and sun-faded, then it will need to be buffed with a specialist compound to remove rust and restore shine.
Bugs and Tar Removal: Depending on the RV’s condition, you might add $2 to $5 per foot to include bug and tar removal.
Level of Cleanliness: There is also the far more complex task of pricing the RV detailing prices for the interior. The condition and cleanliness of the RV’s interior is going to vary greatly depending on a number of factors. If it’s not been cleaned for a while, your RV detailing prices will be higher than if it’s regularly maintained.
By taking time to create flexible price packages and thinking about your add-ons, you can then ensure you’re making the most out of every job. Price packages can cover the more common requirements at a price per foot and then you can offer add-ons to deal with the more complex variables.
In addition to the size and condition of the RV, the other big variable to consider is your time. That’s because, like any detailing job that involves work by hand, your RV detailing prices should factor the value of your time.
