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Old 05-08-2019, 04:00 PM   #1
knapper42
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Waxing the Montana

We have a 2018 3560RL and finished washing it today and tomorrow will do the wax job but how the heck do you wax it without getting wax on the decals. there are stripes and swirls everywhere. Do you wax your whole rig or piece meal it around the stripes and swirls. I'm sure those are decals as you can feel the raised edges.
 
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Old 05-08-2019, 04:52 PM   #2
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Haven’t done the traditional “wax” job but today I just finished applying a ceramic coating on the entire unit. Took me 4 days to do, I’m sure those with a good back can get it done in a few hours. I have used a lot of coatings for my cars and trucks several ceramic coatings but the one I like the best I just used for the Monty is by meguiars. Cost is about 14$. The first application is slightly more labor intensive but after that it’s quick to redo.

I went right over the graphics, the skirts, the windows to include the front window. Pretty good stuff
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Old 05-08-2019, 05:42 PM   #3
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Wax right over those decals. They can use the UV protection as well.
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Old 05-08-2019, 05:54 PM   #4
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Wax right over the stripes!
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Old 05-08-2019, 06:50 PM   #5
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you can wax a Montana????
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Old 05-08-2019, 08:17 PM   #6
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Agree you can wax over the stripes with no problem. The only thing I don't wax is the fender skirts. I waxed the nose twice as this seems to get the most wear and tear. It took me 3 days and I was using an orbital machine but only after taking the bulk of the wax off by hand. The next time I am at a rally and they want to do it for 300 bucks they can have at it. In fact I would probably pay a little more. Very labor intensive. I am glad I have mine in an completely enclosed building or I would need to do this every year.
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Old 05-08-2019, 08:50 PM   #7
druryg
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Be careful, depending on what wax you use and silicon content. Like my 69 Barracuda I usually do not apply wax or detail spray directly on the vinyl decals unless a product is approved for such. May be part of the reason why our 2008 decals failed. I used Rain-ex spray wax on it early on and may have caused some of the deterioration issue.
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Old 05-08-2019, 11:42 PM   #8
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I use the mequiar's liquid wax. Easy on and easy off. The only problem is there is a lot of square feet to wax.
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Old 05-09-2019, 06:15 AM   #9
Dave W
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Over 45 years worth of RV, have waxed over decals with never a problem. On the fenders, I will use one of those specialty products for pices on vehicles that aren't smooth such as Meguire's Ultimate Black though most don't last long enough.
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Old 05-13-2019, 08:43 PM   #10
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Waxing Your Montana

When I was in Yuma, Az I hired a outfit to come to the RV Park and wash and wax . They did a great job. They had 3 guys working and it went pretty fast. About 3 hours to do the wash and wax. I asked what wax they used and they use Mequiar Mirror Glaze 66. I ordered a gallon of it on Amazon for about $25. It does a good job of removing oxidation. Goes on easy and comes off easy. I try and keep a lot of wax on my front and rear cap. I put the wax right over the decals and it does a good job of cleaning up the decals and protecting the decals.

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Old 05-14-2019, 09:35 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Last2Die View Post
Haven’t done the traditional “wax” job but today I just finished applying a ceramic coating on the entire unit. Took me 4 days to do, I’m sure those with a good back can get it done in a few hours. I have used a lot of coatings for my cars and trucks several ceramic coatings but the one I like the best I just used for the Monty is by meguiars. Cost is about 14$. The first application is slightly more labor intensive but after that it’s quick to redo.

I went right over the graphics, the skirts, the windows to include the front window. Pretty good stuff


I too use the meguiars, very easy stuff to apply and clean up and gives a nice coating as well. I used to do my rigs 1x a year but with the salt and debris going to Florida I now put two applications in it every six months, looks good and easy to wash off road grime
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Old 05-14-2019, 11:14 AM   #12
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I do a good wash about 2 or 3 times a year and a wax every spring. Well if truth be told my check book dose all that I just watch.
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Old 05-14-2019, 11:58 AM   #13
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I just washed and waxed my Ram this weekend. The 5er is next if the weather holds out. we just got back from a 2 week trip at the Ocean and rinsed the salt air off it.
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Old 05-14-2019, 12:35 PM   #14
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As far as the decals go, I don't try to avoid them, but don't necessarily cover them. My decals are looking a little rough now, up close anyway.
I wax on with elbow grease, with Mequiars regularly. Removal, an orbital buffer is your friend.
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Old 05-15-2019, 04:10 PM   #15
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Smile Waxing and Cleaning

I just finished waxing our 2007 3400RL AFTER a thorough cleaning and decal removal. Our decals were peeling badly, especially the front one, and decided last year to remove/replace the decal. But after removing the front decal, DW and i liked the plain look so much we left it that way.

With good weather the past 2 weeks, I decided to remove all the decals (except the "Montana" on the rear sides and back cap). It was not too bad getting the decals off, and the adhesive off, but then I cleaned the entire trailer with Awsome cleaner (from the Dollar Store) and used a soft fingernail scrub brush. That left a clean but dull finish except where the decals were, which was nice and shiny.

Then I buffed the entire trailer using Mothers Rubbing Compound and that really brought out the shine. Finally I waxed it and the trailer looks terrific.

After i reduce my picture sizes, I'll try and upload some pix so you can see the results - a rather naked looking trailer?
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Old 05-15-2019, 05:40 PM   #16
Mark N.
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Originally Posted by Montana Man View Post
Wax right over those decals. They can use the UV protection as well.
I wax over mine, but only for the shine. The UV protection offered to decals by a coat of wax is minuscule at best.
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Old 05-15-2019, 06:15 PM   #17
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Just how old are all you guys that are doing this very physical labor? I am 67 and did this last year and it is very labor intensive so I don't think I will do this anymore and just hire someone.
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Old 05-15-2019, 06:33 PM   #18
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Me I am 76 and I did mine last year myself. But both shoulders were very no very very very sore.

So I decided to let my check book do it this year as it dose not have shoulders.
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Old 05-16-2019, 02:52 PM   #19
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Cleaning and Age

I am 73 with 2 torn rotator cuffs and yes it is hard work and the shoulders do take a toll when doing the cleaning and waxing. the buffing was the hardest, but it was the process that made all four sides shine. I took a couple Tylenol before I started and a couple Ibuprofen when I was finished for the day (it took several days). The Scotch tasted much better after the hard days work!
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Old 05-16-2019, 03:02 PM   #20
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Decals Off - Clean Unit

Relative to Post #15 above, I now have some pictures.

First picture is after a thorough washing, cleaning, buffing and wax job. Second picture is the passenger side. The “Montana” decal at the back is peeling quite badly and may get removed sometime this year too.

We have not been out on the road with the decals off, so it will be interesting to hear comments about the “naked” trailer.
Attached Thumbnails
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ID:	3775   Click image for larger version

Name:	No Decal PS sm.jpg
Views:	86
Size:	156.1 KB
ID:	3776  
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