To Ceramic Coat or Not

[AMeadEPTx]

I’m considering ceramic coating my new 20ft Caravel. Who all out there has done this? Was it worth the steep cost? I have someone who will wash, clay bar, and apply the ceramic coating with a 5 year warranty for $1750 out the door. Does that seem fair? Let me know what you guys think or if it’s just a gimmick and I’m better off doing it the old fashioned way with wax and elbow grease.

[Acheron2010]

that seems like a good price. I had my 2015 Silverado ceramic coated almost three years ago...looks brand new even today. One of the best investments I ever made.

[2012FB]

In my second season with the ceramic coating. It has been a good investment. Most surfaces are holding up significantly better with ceramic coating protection. I now feel comfortable just taking it to the commercial car wash foam brushing, washing, rinsing, streak-free rinse, and then driving it to dry. Comes out great. In the past I would carefully hand wash, hand rinse, then hand dry.

[NutmegsCamper]

I had my ‘23 23FBT ceramic coated for $2100 with a 7 year warranty.

[Tyler2you]

I'm probably in the minority, but I don't think it's worth the price. I had it done on 2 vehicles and the paint correction they did prior to application was the biggest benefit. They removed every swirl and minor scratch and made it look fantastic. As far as the continuing benefit of the coating, the vehicle still gets dirty and it doesn't really seem any easier to clean to me. It does bead water and last much longer than a regular wax or other coating. Mine kept beading water for almost 2 years after I had it done.

[Crackerman]

How are they offering warranty periods that long?
Are you required to have an annual touch up? I have worked with several ceramic companies, and one of the best in the business is a 2 year manufacturer backed warranty. But that's it, unless you have a yearly service plan ..

[Life is a Highway]

You could call Glare Polish and let Perry explain the attributes of it and save yourself 1500.00.

It’s been a very good product for our vehicles and even glass stove tops. It will not burn at temps up to 600 degrees. Glasplexin is the chemical in Glare.

[bel73]

Go out in the garage and look at your lawn mower. Is it full of dead grass? Blades as sharp as spoons? Needs an oil change...BAD? You could probably benefit from ceramic coating.

If the mower is clean, blades are sharp and oil is up to date you'll do just fine maintaining the camper yourself.

[AMeadEPTx]

Originally Posted by bel73

Go out in the garage and look at your lawn mower. Is it full of dead grass? Blades as sharp as spoons? Needs an oil change...BAD? You could probably benefit from ceramic coating.

If the mower is clean, blades are sharp and oil is up to date you'll do just fine maintaining the camper yourself.

Everything I own is meticulously maintained. My main concern is after the 4th of July trip we pressure washed the Airstream and due to the heat and west Texas sun water spots immediately formed. It took me over two hours in 105 degree temperatures to get them removed. If Ceramic coating will save me time I believe it’s well worth it. Every 6 months I will have to have a ceramic booster applied to maintain the warranty but that includes a wash and a dry for $170.

[Tyler2you]

Originally Posted by AMeadEPTx

My main concern is after the 4th of July trip we pressure washed the Airstream and due to the heat and west Texas sun water spots immediately formed. It took me over two hours in 105 degree temperatures to get them removed.

Ceramic coating won't help with water spots--in fact, it will make them worse. Ceramic coatings create lots of tiny beads, so any water with mineral content that dries on the trailer is going to make lots of tiny spots if it's not removed first.

Rainwater usually isn't an issue unless the trailer has a light coating of dust/dirt and it just rains enough to wet the trailer without washing away the dust. Anything that comes out of a hose/sprinkler will leave a mess if not removed before it dries--ceramic coating or not.

[Mollysdad]

All you have to do is go through any car care products aisle and see that "Ceramic" is the new buzz word. Be careful what you're getting.
IMO, it depends on how long you plan to keep your trailer, if you think you might sell in two years, then no.
Also I'd only consider the real ceramic from Vinnie's East Bay or his partner in Tallahassee.

[bel73]

Try using a soap that is pH balanced. That will help with spotting. My two favorites are from Chemical Guys. Mr. Pink and Honeydew. The Honeydew actually has a water softener in it to help with spotting. When drying I use Griots spray wax. Great lubricant and will also help clean up spots.

[KCurtis]

Just an fyi…. I spoke with Vinnie at the Airstream Rally and he gave me a quote of $5200 for my 2023 Airstream 30 Foot Classic. I think I will just keep it waxed for now.

[DCPAS]

I was tempted by ceramic coating, but decided that it was not as permanent as suggested and, therefore, not worth it. To me, anyway. Now, I am glad. I use a spray product, Turtle Wax Ice Seal N Shine Hybrid Sealant Spray Wax, which is really easy to apply. Inexpensive yet very good. There are many competing similar products. So little effort for a very good surface..

[Atwebs]

We bought a new Chevy that had been parked outside for a year (long story, at least it was cheap). They recommended a ceramic coating to restore the new look, and we did it. Then we did our truck, then we did our Lexus and finally we sprung for the Airstream.

The coatings have made all our vehicles rinse and dry. No mess, no fuss, and it doesn't seem to matter what we get on them...it rinses right off.

Be sure you have someone who understands the Aluminum Exterior do the work, one knee in the wrong place on the roof and you've got a dent!