Oxidation Removal

[Wunfiddy]

Possibly a dumb questions: Is there a reason the trailers can not be painted or something similar right off the get go, to avoid the oxidization issue?

[gbaglo]

I maintain my trailer by using Simonize Wash N Wax regularly ( maybe 6 times a year ) and by waxing it about once a year.
Paint also oxidizes if it's not maintained.

[Wunfiddy]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I maintain my trailer by using Simonize Wash N Wax regularly ( maybe 6 times a year ) and by waxing it about once a year.
Paint also oxidizes if it's not maintained.

Yes. But my experiences with automotive paint are that it does not oxidize as quickly as the impression I am getting here.

[KarenH]

Originally Posted by Wunfiddy

Yes. But my experiences with automotive paint are that it does not oxidize as quickly as the impression I am getting here.

But check out the shine on the eight-year-old Escape in Post #3. I don't believe it's stored under cover either but could be wrong.

[gbaglo]

Well, I got my trailer in July 2008 and I don't have a problem. I do need to wax it soon.
Years ago, someone suggested using Line-X to protect the wheel wells. I responded, that I will consider that if the wheel wells become so pitted as to be unsightly. I still haven't used Line-X and I drive a lot of gravel.

I think painting a new trailer is like having all your teeth extracted and replaced with dentures because you will likely get cavities over the years.

[Tin]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I think painting a new trailer is like having all your teeth extracted and replaced with dentures because you will likely get cavities over the years.

gbaglo,
That has to be the best line I've heard in a long time. I do know with proper care and a nice rv port or garage your trailer will last a very long time and look like new.

[padlin]

The roof of the 5.0TA was pretty bad last year and noticed the upper part of the front oxidizing this year, this with a once a year coat of Star Brite Polish. Took a lot of work to get it off the front using the DA. The best I can do is get it somewhat better on the roof. After reading the article I can see I need to g to a buffer and a compound as opposed to just a cleaner.

I imaging for those with non fifth wheels won't see the oxidation like I can on the up facing front of mine and the roof only matters to some. On our 4th year, the sides still look great. Cleaner and polish have been sufficient.

Thanks for the link to the article.

[Chapitre]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Well, I got my trailer in July 2008 and I don't have a problem. I do need to wax it soon.
Years ago, someone suggested using Line-X to protect the wheel wells. I responded, that I will consider that if the wheel wells become so pitted as to be unsightly. I still haven't used Line-X and I drive a lot of gravel.

I think painting a new trailer is like having all your teeth extracted and replaced with dentures because you will likely get cavities over the years.

Glen,
How often over that time has it needed some type
of " compound" and buffing rather than just wax? Just wondering, maybe Starbrite is the answer?

[gbaglo]

Twice I've used a polish, but only on the top, front edge, above the awning.
Son-in-law has polished the whole trailer once.

[thiggins]

Do you think ETI would mind me waxing during the orientation? };^)


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[thoer]

Originally Posted by thiggins

Do you think ETI would mind me waxing during the orientation? };^)

Funny you should say that. I waxed the front of our 17 in the RV campground right after picking it up. Mary said I was nuts, but then she says that often anyway.

[Fox hunt]

i thought you did not need to wax for a while after pick up because of the wax on the mold -that it was protected- i was not planning on waxing mine until spring. I thought i heard that from someone on the forum- maybe my wishful thinking!

[thoer]

Originally Posted by Fox hunt

i thought you did not need to wax for a while after pick up because of the wax on the mold -that it was protected- i was not planning on waxing mine until spring. I thought i heard that from someone on the forum- maybe my wishful thinking!

Well, like I said, Mary said I was nuts! But those bugs sure came off easily when we got home

[thiggins]

I see myself taking some wax to Chilliwack...ha ha


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[cpaharley2008]

The bugs would have come off easily regardless of the wax with the new shine on a new trailer.
I would think new fiberglass, like new automotive paint needs curing and most do not recommend anything other than washing the first 6 months to a year.

[KarenH]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

...most do not recommend anything other than washing the first 6 months to a year.

I'm pretty certain that Reace has said that numerous times.

[thoer]

Originally Posted by KarenH

I'm pretty certain that Reace has said that numerous times.

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

The bugs would have come off easily regardless of the wax with the new shine on a new trailer.
I would think new fiberglass, like new automotive paint needs curing and most do not recommend anything other than washing the first 6 months to a year.

I asked in 2010 when we picked up our 17 and Tammy said it could be washed and waxed anytime. Seems curious if Reace and Tammy were saying different things? And I think that it has been decades that the paint on cars has been baked on as part of the process, so that they too can be waxed anytime.?

This time when we picked up the 21, I asked Reace if there was still wax left on from the mold release they use. He said that they have moved on to a longer lasting, newer type of mold release that does not have to be reapplied as often. But because of that, the fiberglass does not have nearly as much of it left on when it comes out of the molds. Older mold release products acted very much like left over wax, but my understanding of what he was saying was that the newer stuff does not, or at least not nearly as much.

[thiggins]

I think once gelcoat cooks, it's pretty much done. No aging required.


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[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Wunfiddy

... Is there a reason the trailers can not be painted or something similar right off the get go, to avoid the oxidization issue?

Although paint is a better finish than gelcoat, painting adds substantial cost, and that's the main reason it is usually not done. There's also the minor issue that a scratch through paint is more visible and more of a potential issue than a scratch in gelcoat (which doesn't reveal a different colour unless it's right through the relatively thick gelcoat).

Eventually even a painted surface will need some work. Since paint is very thin, major repair of the finish often means re-painting, but gelcoat is so thick that it can take a lot of abrasive removal of the damaged surface before you run out of gelcoat.

If a trailer is painted, it is best done during construction and before any windows or other fitting are added. If done later in life, a proper paint job would require removing all of those things. If you paint immediately after the trailer is built (without taking stuff off first) you save effort in maintenance of the finish, but eventually flaws around windows and other fittings will likely become apparent.

Painting is necessary to meet the expectations of the automotive industry (e.g. Corvettes, which have always been fiberglass and have always been painted), but the as-moulded gelcoat is generally considered suitable for RVs.

[float5]

Paint our beautiful trailer?? Last I could look when the roof was clean, it still looked great but maybe I have not looked closely enough. Will see on next washing.

I wonder if the 5.0 has more of a problem at the front roof area and perhaps needs more attention?