Thanks Mike, for sharing your experience and guidance with the right tools and materials. Just bought my second motorhome and I can see the beauty under all that oxidation. The inside was immaculately cared for, so I'll be a very proud owner. As far as the uncensored comments from the worms, I'm sure a broken beer bottle across the mouth will make them look at how well you leg reflects your dignity and work ethic. Tim
@BisMaxx We used scaffolding and a Hijack lift. That's one of the issues when it comes to working on RV's is their height. One thing for sure, you want find a way to get to the high sections but do so in a safe way. -Mike
@autogeek exactly, that is great information to have, and eventhough the details of how you setup for such a "tall order" may be out of the realm of your videos, it would be awesome to catch a glimpse into it as well. I find that working on taller/wider vehicles is very difficult. Washing is not so much the problem, polishing, waxing, etc, is where things really get difficult! Thank you for responding!
An RV's Gel coat is twice as thick as a painted clear coat .Using a pressure is only dangerous in the wrong hands . If you are blowing seals(which i have never done ) then yes, the pressure washer is being miss used.Keeping the wand about 3-4 feet back is the safest bet and will give you the best angle for minimal use of water .
I have a forest river travel trailer that has fiberglass sides would this process work for the fiberglass as well or would you want to use a different polishing wax process.
Hello thank you for posting the video, well narrated and love the detailed steps especially folding the buffing rag so it goes further. How many buffing wheels for the polisher would it take to do a motor home that size for each step? Again thanks for the great video.
just thought I would put my 2 cents, when washing our RV or even our other vehicles we "never" go below the top of the wheel well in the same motion as the above portion. I always do the lower section after the top area is completed do to heavy concentration of dirt. Just say'n.
A extension bush pole will be useful, ( Shurldhold ). I washed a White RV roof so nasty, Spay 9, Grease off make it so easy, important this product do not streak marks Pressure Washer make it look ok, but time is critical, So rinse with garden hose did the job, I did wash the rest of the rv with heavy wash & wax shampoo works nice, finally waxed with NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0. Produces deep gloss, vibrant color and amazing shine! 6 hrs of labor! 2 People, that was fun.
I'm a Rv detailer and rule number one is DON'T USE A PRESSURE WASHER! Especially in the wrong hands a pressure washer will push and tear the silicone seals out and the water will get behind the paneling and like most people who have Rv's and motor coaches they tend to migrate toward the coastlines. The salt water which gets in the air will get behind those panels and could rust from inside out and if Its fiberglass or gel coat the pressure washer could split the finish.
I guess I'm looking for answers, I had my rv washed at one of those in a parking lot wash guys. I was on the road and my rv was dirty from the rain&road dirt. It looked good and clean so I paid and went my way. When I got home I had my grandson wash&wax it. This spring I noticed the clear coat coming off in big places and the black paint coming off on the door latches. Can someone tell me what's happening and what can I do to fix the peeling , it's a 2003 Discovery 39S Thanks
Large projects like these are done best by spreading the various task out over a day or two. Better to take your time and do the job right versus try to rush and hurry only to get mediocre results. The good news is Autogeek . NET has all the tools and products you need to get professional results the first time and every time! -Mike Phillips
I use to race V-drive Drag Boats and in 1986 my Sanger Drag Boat ran over me and the Doctor's couldn't save it so it was removed just above the knee. Do a Google Image Search for, 1970 Sanger Mike Phillips And you'll see pictures of my Sanger in all it's glory, it's bad! It's the Orange Sanger with the Black Stripe and the monstrous black scoop over the dual Holley Carbs. -Mike Phillips
I live in the Fl Keys and one of our competitors uses a pressure washer and he let one of his other employees use it and he destroyed the electronics on a Prevost which is a million plus motor coach.
robert cadiz That is a 6.5" Lake Country CCS White Foam Polishing Pad. This large size pad will work but smaller, thinner pads like the 5.5" CCS White Foam Polishing pad will rotate better. The more important thing to know is when doing a one-step process you want to use soft foam pads not foam cutting pads or the pad itself will leave marring. -Mike Phillips
WestCoast Trailer&Rv Washing Depends on how many guys you have on your team. The type of equipment is important too. For example scaffolding to reach the highest points. -Mike Phillips
Wow! Sorry to hear of this calamity! Seriouisly, without seeing it first hand and also knowing exactly what the car wash used it's kind of hard to say from here what happened. Best thing to do would be to find a qualified professional detailer to take a look at it. Join the AutogeekOnline . Net forum where I post and I'll try to help you find someone. I do this all the time. -Mike Phillips
Times that little section by the rest of the RV and you will be doing a wax job for the next 3 to 4 days min. Not to mention how much of the product you will use. That little section Mike soaped up used just about 1/2 the bottle.
Never ever use a pressure washer on the roof of an RV regardless of the material. The newer wash and wax products don't need a buffer machine and even Windex makes a hose sprayer with cleaner and spotless rinse that takes no time at all.
Good video but I could only use your process if I owned an RV I could never use this process for my business because it would take forever and I would never get anything done productively. I would be finished burned out and tired after one job the way you do it. There is a much more simple way now and you can do 3 or more RVs in one day.
That's correct. If you "think" about it though... you'll realize that RVs like this are HUGE and most people don't have a garage large enough to wash their RV in. So most RVs are washed outside and this requires more technique. One thing you can do is start early in the morning. The sun might be out but temperatures are still low. -Mike Phillips
When I bought my house 6 years ago, a big selling point were the number of trees over the driveway which provide shade almost any time of day. This is a huge plus, especially when it's hot and sunny. We don't have nearly as much sun in MI as the Southwest does, but it's still nice to have.
you aren't polishing the paint, you are polishing the clear coat. If you put your compound on a plate or similar, you can prime your pad without using your finger. I would polish my wheels before cleaning the tires, unless I wanted to wash all that polish off the tires after I already cleaned them
Some people I know would use their prosthetic leg as their excuse for sitting on the couch and drawing disability pay. This guy is out here busting his ass more than some coworkers of mine.
Mike, good to see you have moved up to something big. Old friend, Sandy Mayer
Thanks Mike, for sharing your experience and guidance with the right tools and materials. Just bought my second motorhome and I can see the beauty under all that oxidation. The inside was immaculately cared for, so I'll be a very proud owner.
As far as the uncensored comments from the worms, I'm sure a broken beer bottle across the mouth will make them look at how well you leg reflects your dignity and work ethic.
Tim
@BisMaxx
We used scaffolding and a Hijack lift. That's one of the issues when it comes to working on RV's is their height. One thing for sure, you want find a way to get to the high sections but do so in a safe way.
-Mike
Love watching your videos Mike! Thanks for your tips and tricks of the trade!
@autogeek exactly, that is great information to have, and eventhough the details of how you setup for such a "tall order" may be out of the realm of your videos, it would be awesome to catch a glimpse into it as well. I find that working on taller/wider vehicles is very difficult. Washing is not so much the problem, polishing, waxing, etc, is where things really get difficult! Thank you for responding!
The brush he is using will scratch the heck out of that RV!!
An RV's Gel coat is twice as thick as a painted clear coat .Using a pressure is only dangerous in the wrong hands . If you are blowing seals(which i have never done ) then yes, the pressure washer is being miss used.Keeping the wand about 3-4 feet back is the safest bet and will give you the best angle for minimal use of water .
I didn't know you were missing a leg. You rock!!!!!!!!!!! Wow. U go boy!
I have a forest river travel trailer that has fiberglass sides would this process work for the fiberglass as well or would you want to use a different polishing wax process.
Hello thank you for posting the video, well narrated and love the detailed steps especially folding the buffing rag so it goes further. How many buffing wheels for the polisher would it take to do a motor home that size for each step? Again thanks for the great video.
just thought I would put my 2 cents, when washing our RV or even our other vehicles we "never" go below the top of the wheel well in the same motion as the above portion. I always do the lower section after the top area is completed do to
heavy concentration of dirt. Just say'n.
A extension bush pole will be useful, ( Shurldhold ). I washed a White RV roof so nasty, Spay 9, Grease off make it so easy, important this product do not streak marks Pressure Washer make it look ok, but time is critical, So rinse with garden hose did the job, I did wash the rest of the rv with heavy wash & wax shampoo works nice, finally waxed with NXT Generation Tech Wax 2.0.
Produces deep gloss, vibrant color and amazing shine! 6 hrs of labor! 2 People, that was fun.
Thank you so much for the informative video.
Great video about RV indusrtry. Looking forward to seeing more great videos from you...
I'm a Rv detailer and rule number one is DON'T USE A PRESSURE WASHER! Especially in the wrong hands a pressure washer will push and tear the silicone seals out and the water will get behind the paneling and like most people who have Rv's and motor coaches they tend to migrate toward the coastlines. The salt water which gets in the air will get behind those panels and could rust from inside out and if Its fiberglass or gel coat the pressure washer could split the finish.
Good point about the pole, at the time we shot this video we were not carrying Shurhold products but now we carry most of their line.
-Mike Phillips
I’m about to start my my mobile car wash detail. How much should one charge for washing one of these? I’m in California by the way?
I guess I'm looking for answers, I had my rv washed at one of those in a parking lot wash guys. I was on the road and my rv was dirty from the rain&road dirt. It looked good and clean so I paid and went my way. When I got home I had my grandson wash&wax it. This spring I noticed the clear coat coming off in big places and the black paint coming off on the door latches. Can someone tell me what's happening and what can I do to fix the peeling , it's a 2003 Discovery 39S Thanks
How long would it take to wash and spray wax a 44 foot RV
Large projects like these are done best by spreading the various task out over a day or two. Better to take your time and do the job right versus try to rush and hurry only to get mediocre results. The good news is Autogeek . NET has all the tools and products you need to get professional results the first time and every time! -Mike Phillips
I use a 6 point socket for a more positive grip in the jack
Also. How many gallons of water did this require?
I use to race V-drive Drag Boats and in 1986 my Sanger Drag Boat ran over me and the Doctor's couldn't save it so it was removed just above the knee. Do a Google Image Search for,
1970 Sanger Mike Phillips
And you'll see pictures of my Sanger in all it's glory, it's bad! It's the Orange Sanger with the Black Stripe and the monstrous black scoop over the dual Holley Carbs.
-Mike Phillips
What is the tune playing throughout the video?
I just spent 40 man hours doing this to mine. unreal how much area there is to cover. used the whole bottle of cleaner wax before I even finished.
I live in the Fl Keys and one of our competitors uses a pressure washer and he let one of his other employees use it and he destroyed the electronics on a Prevost which is a million plus motor coach.
Question guys, what pad is used in the video to apply pinnacle 360? Thanks for your help... Rob
robert cadiz That is a 6.5" Lake Country CCS White Foam Polishing Pad. This large size pad will work but smaller, thinner pads like the 5.5" CCS White Foam Polishing pad will rotate better. The more important thing to know is when doing a one-step process you want to use soft foam pads not foam cutting pads or the pad itself will leave marring. -Mike Phillips
If a 21mm 6” was ever needed it’s for that beast. 😀
Was hoping to see tips on how to actually reach the tall parts of the vehicle when polishing, sealing, etc. :0(
A ladder.
So where do you find these products?
Great video thanks!
seriously that process will take a year to do a whole rv. how many hours in the sun.?
It takes me and my partner 8-9 hrs for a 40-45’ RV or 5th wheel. We also charge $15/ft so it pays pretty good.
Correct and well said. -Mike Philips
How long would it take to buff a 32ft travel trailer
WestCoast Trailer&Rv Washing Depends on how many guys you have on your team. The type of equipment is important too. For example scaffolding to reach the highest points. -Mike Phillips
+WestCoast Trailer&Rv Washing probably long enough to make you wish you had a much smaller rv...:-)
super duper like. nice keep it up.
A horsehair brush?! Isn't horsehair stiff and quite abrasive? Wouldn't that scratch the finish?
Wow! Sorry to hear of this calamity! Seriouisly, without seeing it first hand and also knowing exactly what the car wash used it's kind of hard to say from here what happened. Best thing to do would be to find a qualified professional detailer to take a look at it. Join the AutogeekOnline . Net forum where I post and I'll try to help you find someone. I do this all the time. -Mike Phillips
How long would it take to wash and use spray wax on a 44 foot RV?
Good stuff, thank you!
Hey snowman4407, thanks for the kind words!
-Mike Phillips
What happened to his leg?
Times that little section by the rest of the RV and you will be doing a wax job for the next 3 to 4 days min. Not to mention how much of the product you will use. That little section Mike soaped up used just about 1/2 the bottle.
Never ever use a pressure washer on the roof of an RV regardless of the material. The newer wash and wax products don't need a buffer machine and even Windex makes a hose sprayer with cleaner and spotless rinse that takes no time at all.
I hope you have a couple weeks of time when you start this project 😂. LOL
Porter cable is not strong enough to 3stage it. it's only good for light polish and applying wax
This is 5 years ago lol
Good video but I could only use your process if I owned an RV I could never use this process for my business because it would take forever and I would never get anything done productively. I would be finished burned out and tired after one job the way you do it. There is a much more simple way now and you can do 3 or more RVs in one day.
I always read that washing in direct sunlight is a bad idea, because the water acts like a magnifying glass for the UV rays and damages paint.
That's correct.
If you "think" about it though... you'll realize that RVs like this are HUGE and most people don't have a garage large enough to wash their RV in.
So most RVs are washed outside and this requires more technique.
One thing you can do is start early in the morning. The sun might be out but temperatures are still low.
-Mike Phillips
When I bought my house 6 years ago, a big selling point were the number of trees over the driveway which provide shade almost any time of day. This is a huge plus, especially when it's hot and sunny. We don't have nearly as much sun in MI as the Southwest does, but it's still nice to have.
great video also haha
you aren't polishing the paint, you are polishing the clear coat. If you put your compound on a plate or similar, you can prime your pad without using your finger. I would polish my wheels before cleaning the tires, unless I wanted to wash all that polish off the tires after I already cleaned them
Clearcoat paint is paint without pigment. So it's still paint.
-Mike Phillips
Dont be so anal.....clear coat is a paint.
Some people I know would use their prosthetic leg as their excuse for sitting on the couch and drawing disability pay. This guy is out here busting his ass more than some coworkers of mine.
What happened to Mike Philips' leg?
that has to be a full two day project...
I am just curious what happened
nvm I read the comments sorry that happened to you man
you almost need another leg to stand on to get the top parts of the sides.
You can tell he is a EXPERT in POLISHING, JUST look at that SHINY LEG of HIS! WOW SPARKLING from a DISTANCE!
+Mike Smith Dude...? seriously?!
Mike Smith moron
Fucking idiot! I swear some people’s parents should not be allowed to breed!
you missed a spot.. lol
what happened Mike not to be rude tho
My husband uses these plans from Stodoys plans and is very happy with them. However. I love yours!
he only has one leg