Cleaning exterior without damaging clearcoat

[acelafond]

We have just welcomed a 1996 sovereign into the family. It has some clearcoat peeling already and we are planning on having it redone in a season or two. My big question is how to clean the rest of the unit without doing further damage, but getting good results. Thanks

[cwf]

Welcome.. Pics...?

[acelafond]

Thanks for the welcome!!

I've attached pics, let me know your thoughts...

[polarlyse]

Looks pretty darn good to me. I can't see you doing any harm by using a soft cloth or brush and a quality car wash solution. I'd first get up and take a close look at the roof openings, vents and AC and inspect the caulking to see if anything really jumps out at you. Then go ahead and wash away. I don't use any but you can find sealers, waxes to use also. Check around and see what people find that they like.

[acelafond]

I took some great pictures, but there are patches all over where the clear coat (?) has been worn off. I'll try and post that now... This one shows the patchiness that is found all across our new-ish Sovereign. Advice for cleaning? (we do hope to have the clear coat re-done in the next couple of years, but need interim maintenance advice)

[polarlyse]

I don't think there's much to be done with it. From what I read here it is X-pensive to have one of these clearcoated. I don't think attempts to do patchwork repairs to the clear coat have been very successful. Our former trailer was an '81 Excella with some spots of clear coat worn off. I had no problem living with it but if you decide you want to restore the finish I'm sure you will find good advice here from those that have done it. Now, if you want to remove the clearcoat and polish that's a whole different ballpark. Lots of reading on that so go for it.

[Pubtym]

I saw this product at Sanders RV. Bio-Kleen Super Suds. Available at Wal-Mart and Amazon. Bought a gallon of it. Used one cup in a one gallon jug. Added mixture to soap container on pressure washer. Sprayed on soap mixture using low pressure suds setting and light extended RV wash brush to remove slime and dirt coating under both awnings. Let suds soap drip down sides. Rinsed all with low pressure clear water. Applied remainder of suds mixture to the rest of the outside skin and washed well with clear water. I does dry clean and leave a polymer coating that shines. Great product.