Motorhome Detailing

[imported_mirrorfinishman]

I recently completed detailing this 32 foot long RV for one of my good customers. It's only a few years old and since I take care of it a couple of times a year, it's usually in very good condition. A job like this usually takes about ten hours to complete at a price of about $15 per foot.



When it comes to polishing and waxing a motorhome you'll want to consider the actual materials you're working with. In this case, it was basically almost all fiberglass gelcoat except for the two entrance doors. They were made of aluminum with a painted surface to match the rest of the RV.



After a thorough washing, for all of the fiberglass gelcoat surfaces I use Meguiar's #50 Cleaner Wax, applied by hand. The cleaner wax, made for boats and RVs, helps to polish out the surface and remove any unwanted streaks. All fiberglass then gets a top coat of #55 Polymer Sealant, also applied by hand. The painted aluminum doors on this unit usually get rather streaky as they do not have a clear coat finish. They require a cleaner polish, such as #2 Fine Cut Cleaner, applied by hand, followed by #50 and #55. The chrome wheels also get polished and waxed too.



RV Photos:



http://www.autopia.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9624&papass=&sort=1



http://www.autopia.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9625&papass=&sort=1



http://www.autopia.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=9626&papass=&sort=1

 

[RedondoV6]

Nice work Frank! The RV looks excellent :bow :xyxthumbs





Two quick questions: Did you work on the roof of the RV, any tips? And, do you price all your work per foot or just the larger stuff like RV's, tractor trailers, boats etc.

 

[imported_mirrorfinishman]

Mike,



Thanks for the good review! Actually the roof of this one looks to be made of a white rubber type material and I really didn't have to do anything to it. Also, I price most of the RVs and boats by the foot. Usually, Rvs are pretty basic as compared from one to another. It's usually just the length that varies. Boats are another story as they can come in all types of configurations, such as pleasure boats and fishing boats. From a business standpoint, the key to detailing RVs is to go after the ones that are relatively new and kept in very good condition. Because, as with boats, once the fiberglass gelcoat begins to oxidize and age they can be rather difficult, and a lot of work to get good results.