Gel-Coat..how well does it hold up

[Tress]

How long has some of you maintained a good looking exterior if it is a gel-coat with decals? I currently store my fith wheel 6-8 months out of the year under cover. I like to seal, wash and wax in the spring and fall. So I would continue that regime. Looking at a Riverstone only problem it has gel-coat and sticker graphics. If it was not for that I would already have it..Trying to decide.

[Winger1]

Gelcoat will hold up fine it you keep up the maintenance and waxing.

[A32Deuce]

X2! I use a product just for it. Decals,are the,only thing that fades with time. If you let the gelcoat go too long, then you have to buff it out.

[Tress]

Thanks for the replies☺

[spock123]

Originally Posted by Tress

How long has some of you maintained a good looking exterior if it is a gel-coat with decals? I currently store my fith wheel 6-8 months out of the year under cover. I like to seal, wash and wax in the spring and fall. So I would continue that regime. Looking at a Riverstone only problem it has gel-coat and sticker graphics. If it was not for that I would already have it..Trying to decide.

You can get full body paint, about $10,000.00

[Tress]

Thanks Spock123, I was thinking the same thing☺

[Philkaty]

I use Aero Cosmetics Wash and wax on the whole RV

[poppytoymaker]

My Forester will be 5 years old Dec 31. I went through an Addco designer used 3 times for 3 months at a time and Elements premium used 2 times for 3 months each, and wasted the money for the insurance because I have a brand new replacement in the box that I'm not going to use. Just got back from a 3 week trip after sitting in storage for 5 months in the hot Florida sun where I live. I wash the body with Thetford Wash and Wax and Liquid Glass on the cab. I'm not so much into manual labor anymore and [ knock on wood ] my gel coat and decals held up well. One blemish on the right rear where I bumped an orange construction cone on I 10 about 3 years ago and it's only noticeable at certain angles.

[Riccochet]

I only use Pro-Tec products on my trailer and boat. Apply Sealant Polish once a year and wash it with Wash and Gloss 3-4 times throughout the year. Trailer looks better than the day I bought it new in 2015. Years of owning bass boats I've found that sealant protects better and last considerably longer than wax.

If you really want to add protection that is going to last a few years you can look in to 9H ceramic coating. Might cost a few grand to have it done, but you won't have to wax or seal for a good 3 years. Washing will be very easy as well.

[Jakieboy]

Agree with comments on decals fading faster than the gel coat. We have had several trailers with gel-coat sides, and routine washing and waxing with good products will keep them looking new for many years. Now that I am in my 70's, DW and I have decided to hire a professional "detailer" to come twice a year to perform the washing and waxing ritual. Worth every penny to keep our now 3-year old Cardinal looking like new.

[tomrob1161]

I've got a 2013 Rockwood Signature Ultralight, 8315BSS, apply Shurhold's ProPolish (A polymer, not a wax) 1 time a year and it still looks great. I wash it with turtle Wax Wash/Wax.

[dsjohns71]

Anyone know how to get bleach streaks out of gel coat?.. I used some soap and bleach to clean my awning real good and got some on the gel coat, rinsed it off right away but now it has light colored streaks down it that won’t just buff out with wax, or rubbing compound.

[BandJCarm]

Mineral spirits. If not working, try Naptha. Not on decals. Elbow grease.

[dsjohns71]

Mineral spirits huh? Never thought of it.. funny thing is my decals were not affected, only the gel coat

[dsjohns71]

What else might work? I will try a small section but man I really don’t feel comfortable doing the whole side of a 36’ camper..

[BandJCarm]

I use both. I keep it off of the decals though. It still takes elbow grease. Regular cleaners just won't get some stuff off, I've tried them all. I don't use those things unless I have to, though. Gel coat just doesn't shine. I wish I'd have gotten full body paint.

[spock123]

I wonder what a full body paint job would cost now on the camper I now own