Whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, decals are often an exterior feature of RVs. Most people understand that owning an RV requires a lot of responsibility and continual upkeep, but maintaining the decals is more important than you may realize. 

The swoops and swirls on your rig may have looked gorgeous when you first bought your RV. But after extended exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays and other environmental conditions, exterior RV decals can fade and peel. This can leave your rig looking tired and old well before it’s time.

Here are a few tips to help you keep your RV decals looking like new!

Forget the Abrasive Cleaners

Of course, regularly washing your RV is the first step to ensuring that it will look great for years to come. But you’ll want to avoid using abrasive cleaners, such as Comet or wire scrub sponges. Instead, opt for mild, non-abrasive cleaners that are specially formulated for your RV’s exterior material, such as vinyl or fiberglass. In addition, use microfiber cloths or soft sponges to wash and dry your rig. 

Use a Protectant

After you put in the time and effort to wash your rig, you don’t want to just call it a day. Applying a protectant to the exterior surface can help prevent UV rays and other things that can cause damage to RV decals. 303 Aerospace Protectant is recommended by professionals and requires a simple spray on-wipe off approach. 

Cover Your Rig

When your RV is not in use, it’s best to keep it covered to help prevent decal damage. Whether you cover it with an RV-specific cover or keep it in covered storage, taking this step is crucial to ensuring that your decals have a long lifespan.

Choose Shaded Places to Park 

You can’t cover your RV while it’s in use, but you can try to park in shaded areas as much as possible. Doing so will not only help your decals look better for longer, but will also prevent damage to plastic skylights and the roof. Bonus: Your RV’s interior will also be cooler when you park in the shade, helping to reduce strain on your air conditioning unit on hot days! 

Have you been able to keep your rig’s decals in tip-top shape? What methods have you used to keep them looking great? Let us know in the comments or contact us today!