As a custom boatbuilder I recommend a good boatwash and a UV protectant type wax.

That almost sounded like a commerical there..

Most of the new car washes are good to. Your gelcoat has some uv protection built into it but a good wax or Aerospace 303 twice a year will keep it looking great for a long time..

If you keep your RV waxed at least once a year you shouldn't have to worry about your decals and what soap is used. The wax will protect the fiberglas and decals so all you're doing is washing off the dirt and grime. I use Turtle Wax Car Wash on all of my vehcles.

I've used Murphys Oil soap on the inside of a couple of 50's RVs with real wood paneling it worked well to get rid of the years of nicotine build up. Never thought of using it on the outside or car. I'll have to give it a try.

 

-- Edited by The Bear II on Friday 22nd of June 2012 10:45:24 AM

Petroleum distillates are bad for decals since they break down the glues and plastics. Petroleum distillates are also bad for rubber gaskets and tires. Many products will clean fiberglass and paint well, but will mess up decals over time including many waxes since they have distillates in them. Read the labels, you will be surprised.

Bill - I checked the label and no warnings of Petroleum distillates - it is bio-degradable and listed "pure vegetable oil" as the "oil ingredient" It does not list fiberglass as one of its applications but does list autos. So I will error on the side of caution and not use it on my RV.
I'll go the good was route -thanks for you input.

Rvpainter;

I also use only Turtle Wax or Simonize car wash soap.  Harsh household detergents will remove any wax that is on the vehicle.

As for protectant, I recently tried out the new Polymer technology wax from Meguiar's.  It is called NXT Tech Wax 2.0.  Have only used it once but it is really holding up.  The hype says it's the stuff you only have to use twice a year....we'll see.

Vance