New to Grand Design...Few questions

Gheath2

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Oct 26, 2023
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Hi all,
My name is Georgia, and I am new to this forum and to owning a 2023 315RLTS Reflection Travel Trailer.
My husband and I just purchased our first camper in August and recently traveled to Florida for the winter. We have lots of bug splatter that needs cleaning.
We would like to protect our investment and have read a bunch of articles about how to wash and protect the exterior.
I am wondering if the camper's finish is clear coat or gel? Also, what material is the roof made of in the event we need to seal anything?
Any recommendations on what type of products we should use to clean the roof and sides? My husband doesn't want to use anything that might damage the seals and rubber.
Also, any recommendations for cleaning the awnings?
 
I don't have this brand trailer (yet) but on my current trailer I wash the roof a couple times a year although it's stored inside. I use a premixed solution from Camco that cleans and supposedly conditions the rubber roof. I use a bucket with smooth bottom and corners (so it doesn't damage the roof) plus a sponge/wash mitt type ting on an extendable handle. Some people also use dishwashing detergent. Tree sap is the hardest to get off. Make sure you only do a small area at a time and don't let the cleaning dry on the roof or sides. Usually there is enough soap suds washing off of the roof to do a sufficient job on the top of the awning. You can sub the bottom of the awning in the same fashion as the roof just make sure you wear eye protection. We have taken ours to the Gulf coast three times in the last year and a half. I always wash it thoroughly when we get back to get the salt residue off. As to the bugs, use an automotive bug sponge on the front cap, soap and elbow grease. There are specific cleaners for campers/RVs to protect the fiberglass. As to the seals I lubricate my slide seal once a year with spray sillicone. takes about one can per seal, make sure you pull it back and get the inner part. I also carefully apply it the interior side of the seal. Lastly the caulking on the roof requires self-leveling caulk for repairs/replacement. You take care of the camper and it will take care of you.
 
Hi all,
My name is Georgia, and I am new to this forum and to owning a 2023 315RLTS Reflection Travel Trailer.
My husband and I just purchased our first camper in August and recently traveled to Florida for the winter. We have lots of bug splatter that needs cleaning.
We would like to protect our investment and have read a bunch of articles about how to wash and protect the exterior.
I am wondering if the camper's finish is clear coat or gel? Also, what material is the roof made of in the event we need to seal anything?
Any recommendations on what type of products we should use to clean the roof and sides? My husband doesn't want to use anything that might damage the seals and rubber.
Also, any recommendations for cleaning the awnings?

Hi Georgia,

Congrats on your rig and welcome to the forum! Lots of great people and experience here willing to help.

So first great minds think alike, we have the same rig in 2020 vintage. We love it.

The finish of a gel coat.
The roof material is TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin).

To wash and clean the sides we use a Meguires Wash and Wax. Did put a good coat of Meguires Ceramic first after it was squeaky clean.

For the roof we just use soap and water with a mild bristle brush.

We wash it with slides in.

For bugs we use 3D bug remover, does not hurt the wax. You could also use a damp dryer sheet, it does help.

For the awnings also just use soap and water.

Our rig is going on 4 years old (took possession in Nov 2019) and still looking sharp.

Bill
 
Last edited:
Hi Georgia,

Congrats on your rig and welcome to the forum! Lots of great people and experience here willing to help.

So first great minds think alike, we have the same rig in 2020 vintage. We love it.

The finish of a gel coat.
The roof material is TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin).

To wash and clean the sides we use a Meguires Wash and Wax. Did put a good coat of Meguires Ceramic first after it was squeaky clean.

For the roof we just use soap and water with a mild bristle brush.

We wash it with slides in.

For bugs we use 3D bug remover, does not hurt the wax. You could also use a damp dryer sheet, it does help.

For the awnings also just use soap and water.

Our rig is going on 4 years old (took possession in Nov 2019) and still looking sharp.

Bill

Thank you, Bill, for this information. This is very helpful! We recently looked into having a ceramic coat applied to our camper, but the company that provided me the quote wanted $5000 to clean and apply the ceramic coating. I think for now we will just clean it with the products suggested.
 
Thank you, Bill, for this information. This is very helpful! We recently looked into having a ceramic coat applied to our camper, but the company that provided me the quote wanted $5000 to clean and apply the ceramic coating. I think for now we will just clean it with the products suggested.

There are ceramic coatings you can apply yourself for way less than $5k. There are differing opinions here on the forum on ceramic coatings. BTW, welcome to the forum. Let us know what else we can help with.
 
I use Awesome cleaner (dollar store) for the roof, and a good brand of wash and wax. I have Meguires ceramic that I will apply when (and if) we go south. 16 here last night and that is a bit to cold to be out and about.
 
Another welcome from a 315 RLTS owner. Our 2022 had the ceramic coating on it from the dealer. Bugs wash off pretty easily. I've gone out right after a rain and used a long-handled brush to get the high ones off. We bought a Wash All kit at the Midwest Rally in September and I'm going to us that one of these days (as soon as I get several pressing projects done).
 

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