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Old 01-27-2013, 11:23 AM   #1
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Lightbulb Yellowing White Plastic RV Parts

Hi to all from a balmy south central Texas,

This issue may not cross your minds if you live in the rainy, cloudy, northwest. But in sun soaked parts of the continent you may related to this thread.

Ever wonder why RV parts manufactures produce plastic parts that yellow after time in the sun? I do! My own 2012 Escape is showing signs of yellowing within 6 months of ownership. I have fought this issue for many years of ownership of RVs. It makes your trailer look old and tired. You would think that the plastics industry and the RV industry get together and would start building parts that hold up to sun exposure. I have all ready painted my outside stove vent and sewer hose container to keep things looking fresh. I know the compartment door clips and escape hatch will be next.

Yes.. I know I could or should keep my trailer covered when not in use. My city government will not allow a stucture and tarps and covers slowly tear up due to weather. I am too tight to pay off site covered storage plus I like my trailer nearby. I might need the mustard or just Escape in the back yard for a few moments.

We as consumers need a voice to say "Build RVs with different plastic." I for one will pay more for quality trailer components that can stay white with sun exposure.

This is my wine for the day. What say ye.

David
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Old 01-27-2013, 11:37 AM   #2
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The cable guy apologized for using black plastic clips to run the cable on the outside of the house ( white ). He told me that the white plastic clips don't last. So, seems to me paint is the way to go.
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Old 01-27-2013, 11:47 AM   #3
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There are plenty of plastics already developed for protection from UV light, the RV parts manufacturers are just not using them for many things.

Windows for homes come to mind, as they are made from uPVC, and hold their colour very true. With time there is a bit of oxidization that happens, but a bit of a polish can take care of this.

Along the line of windows and doors. Have you ever seen the plastic trims on door inserts that turn an ugly yellow over time. This is because they are meant to be painted, and the uPVC plastic does not take most paints very well, and many home owners don't bother to paint to protect.

So I think the onus should be placed on the manufacturer of these parts, to use a plastic that has UV protection built in. The technology is already there. Whether they are c heaping out or not, or just hoping you have to buy replacements, I don't know, but I agree that they do need to start building better components.

To some degree I think the blame lies with the consumer, who does not want to pay the costs of better quality components, and if they did, all trailers would start costing closer to what Airstreams cost. No different then how everyone knocks Chinese quality in items. It is not the fault of the Chinese, we are the ones that want these items at ridiculously cheap prices. They have the technology to build with top notch quality, it just costs way more to produce.
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Old 01-27-2013, 12:07 PM   #4
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Hi: daveandsandyclink... I found a good use for Brasso. Takes the yellow off clear plastic headlights on cars so why not white RV parts. Use with a healthy dollop of elbow grease!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie
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Old 01-27-2013, 02:08 PM   #5
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Once again I'm going to recommend 303 Aerospace Protectant. Try Googling it for product reviews, especially on Amazon. I've been using it for years on all manner of plastic products: rafts, bikes, tires, synthetic clothing, and lastly my 19. Since I keep it covered when not on the road, I can't honestly say if it's preventing yellowing or not. Still, after 3 1/2 years all the bits look new. Their sales motto is "SPF 40 for your stuff", and it's done a great job of UV and oxidization protection on everything I've put it on for over 12 years now.

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