Exterior washing in direct sunlight

**Crewdog135** · 06-03-2023, 01:28 PM

Hi All,

Have 2023 23LDE that I would like to wash the exterior. The owners manual says "DO NOT wash in direct sunlight" how critical is this can I just carefully power wash it for now and wait for a cloudy day to give a nice soap soapy bath? I can't store on my property and can only have it here for 48hrs a week.
I have tried to search this subject but I can't find anything relating to washing in direct sunlight.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Best,
Kevin

**WhittleBurner** · 06-03-2023, 03:20 PM

It's a typical gel coat exterior, right? Not sure why you can't wash it in the sun other than it'll dry fast and end up water spotted. We have washed our 303 in the sun and have not seen any damage. Not often a fully cloudy day doesn't contain rain.

Just out of curiosity call GD and ask why

**huntindog** · 06-03-2023, 04:44 PM

Originally Posted by Crewdog135

Hi All,

Have 2023 23LDE that I would like to wash the exterior. The owners manual says "DO NOT wash in direct sunlight" how critical is this can I just carefully power wash it for now and wait for a cloudy day to give a nice soap soapy bath? I can't store on my property and can only have it here for 48hrs a week.
I have tried to search this subject but I can't find anything relating to washing in direct sunlight.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Best,
Kevin

Minerals in the water is what causes water spots. They can be very difficult to remove. Do what the pros do. Get a water deionizer and rinse the rig with that water. No drying needed, and no water spots.

**DougW9876** · 06-03-2023, 04:50 PM

The only reason I can think of for not washing it in the sun is because the soap will dry on the surface quite quickly. If you were careful to rinse it frequently it should be fine.

**Second Chance** · 06-03-2023, 06:11 PM

Originally Posted by DougW9876

The only reason I can think of for not washing it in the sun is because the soap will dry on the surface quite quickly. If you were careful to rinse it frequently it should be fine.

Unless you're washing with distilled water, water drying on the finish will also leave water spots.

Rob

**traveldawg** · 06-03-2023, 06:55 PM

I agree with those that said water spots could form if the water dries on the surface but don't see a problem washing it in the sun. When we wash while traveling we keep the surface wet until we can dry it; we pretty much just wash one side/end at a time. At home I have a deionizer wash system so the rinse is with that - it dries spot free without wiping (gotta like that!).

I just switched to a foam sprayer to apply soap so no pre-wetting needed, then a quick brush and final rinse. We still have to do one side/end at a time. Things move along pretty quick. I got a pump sprayer (not cheap

) bit light enough to carry with us.

**trailrydr** · 06-03-2023, 08:41 PM

We've take our '19 295RL to a (covered) truck wash to wash only the sides to get dust, streaks, and bugs off. We use the foaming brush to do the cleaning and then rinse. Dont remember any spots from washing except maybe on windows. But the exterior color scheme of our '19 may not show the spots as newer models.

We have had our 5er polished with ceramic based polish..... but not the extreme ceramic coat treatment.

**huntindog** · 06-03-2023, 09:39 PM

Originally Posted by Second Chance

Unless you're washing with distilled water, water drying on the finish will also leave water spots.

Rob

I bought a Simple Chuck deionizer, and a cheap 2000PSI washer just for the RV, though we like it so much we are now washing the vehicles with it. You can wash with tap water, do not let it dry. Rinse with the deionized water and watch the water dry without leaving spots. No drying. It is like magic.The total setup with telescoping handles, sheep wool pads etc was about 700.00. It can be done cheaper, but this setup lets DW and myself do a profesional job in 45 minutes. It will pay off pretty fast.

**Crewdog135** · 06-04-2023, 07:50 PM

Thank you all for the advice! I was being over cautious new rig and all. Used a mild Dawn soap solution and washed on the shaded side to knock off the road dust and black streaks...worked fine. She will get a proper wash and wax when the opportunity arrives.
Again thank you all.

KevNol

**Second Chance** · 06-04-2023, 08:16 PM

Originally Posted by Crewdog135

Thank you all for the advice! I was being over cautious new rig and all. Used a mild Dawn soap solution and washed on the shaded side to knock off the road dust and black streaks...worked fine. She will get a proper wash and wax when the opportunity arrives.
Again thank you all.

KevNol

The experts advise against using dishwashing detergents as they tend to strip the wax. A car wash liquid intended for the purpose is best - or Wash Wax All like many of the old-timers/full-timers use.

Rob