An RV is a hugely exciting investment…but it is just that. An investment. If you take care of it well, it can last through years of family fun or impromptu road trips over thousands of miles. But all that trekking does take its toll on the exterior of your motorhome. You’ll want to make sure you do routine maintenance and care, and that you protect the outside of your RV with the best RV wax for your vehicle.

Best RV Wax 

So what’s the best wax for your RV? Well, as with many RV decisions, you have plenty of great options. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the very best choices for camper wax for your rig.

What is RV Wax?

While you can use a car wax on your RV if it’s painted, if it has parts that are fiberglass or have a gel coating, you’ll want to use a special RV wax. Not using the correct wax can result in oxidation which leaves fiberglass looking chalky or dull.

Waxing your RV will also give it a good layer of protection against weather and wear and tear. Wax guards against water, dirt, and sun damage to your motorhome. When you’re choosing a wax, check the label to see if it’s formulated to repel water or if it has a UV protectant.

Different Types of RV Wax?

There are a few types of motorhome wax, and you may want to keep more than one on-hand to use at different times.

Liquid

Liquid wax is the most popular RV fiberglass wax. This wax comes in large bottles, an amount that’s much better suited for a big RV. It’s pretty easy to apply over a big surface, and can be used for both a hand or power application to your rig.

Paste

Paste waxes are a lot more time-consuming to apply. They aren’t used as commonly on RVs, but some people like to use a paste once a year or so for a very careful wax job and an easier wax like the liquid the rest of the time. The advantage to this is that you get a chance to really go over your RV from top to bottom and inspect it while waxing.

Spray-On

Spray-on waxes are the easiest to apply, but RV spray wax is the least common type of wax people use. Spray wax comes in small bottles (the size of a household glass cleaner), and because of the nature of spraying, you can waste a lot of wax. Generally, you may want a bottle or two of spray wax for some spot cleaning and buffing, but don’t plan on using it for your entire rig.

Best Wax for RV

There are good reasons for having some of each of the waxes mentioned above, but if you have to pick one, your best bet will be to go with the liquid wax.

Here are some of the best waxes for RVs.

1.) Meguiar M5616 RV Wax

This wax can be applied either by hand or machine, and protects against sun damage from UV rays. It’s safe to use on all fiberglass and gel coatings. It blends Brazilian carnauba wax with polymers and resins for a gloss and shine that promises to last a long time. You should note that it comes in 16-oz bottles, so you may want to order several when you get ready to wax your RV.
Price: $14.80 for 16 oz

2.) Gel-Gloss RV Wash and Wax 

Wash and wax your rig all in one step with this cleaner. Soap up your rig and just wash it clean with the hose when you’re finished. This wax gets great marks for being easy and giving you a shiny RV when you’re done. However, be aware that it can form spots if you just air dry it after rather than drying it off.
Price: $20.05 for 128 oz

3.) Turtle Wax T-477R ICE RV Wax

The Turtle Wax is made to work on a variety of surfaces. You can use it on your motorhome, but it would work just as well on your car or motorcycle. It can also be used on rubber trim, outside plastics, and lots of other materials. This is an RV spray wax, so it will take a while to cover the entire vehicle, and some users say the sprayer can get clogged on occasion. However, if you want to go with a spray wax, Turtle Wax is generally considered the cream of the crop.
Price: $8.24 for 20 oz

4.) CorrosionX 61002 Rejex RV Wax

The CorrosionX Rejex wax has a thin-film polymer coating that protects against the usual wear and tear on an RV, as well as against hazards like bird droppings, sap, dust, and other dirt and grime. This wax gives a great shine to your vehicle, but will not cause headlight glare so if you do a lot of night driving this may be a great option for you. It also helps prevent oxidation which keeps your RV in better shape for longer.
Price: $22.68 for 16 oz

5.) 303 Aerospace Protectant RV Wax

This wax gets 5 stars on Amazon with more than 1,000 ratings, and is generally regarded as the best RV wax with UV protection. The sun protection guards against fading, discoloration, and cracking, and the protectant keeps dirt, droppings, and other messes off your vehicle. The wax is also rinse-free so you can just apply…and that’s it! You can purchase the protectant with or without a sprayer, depending on how you plan to apply it.
Price: $53.84 for 128 oz

6.) 3M Marine Restorer & RV Wax

This restorer and wax gets rid of a lot of signs of oxidation, rust, and skid marks. It also protects against these in the future, as well as guarding against dirt, grime, and other hazards of the road. It’s residue-free and works well on a variety of surfaces.
Price: $42.99 for 32 oz

7.) Meguiar M5032 RV Wax

This best RV wax for fiberglass easily removes signs of oxidation and is great for vehicles that have had moderate use. It’s non-abrasive so it won’t scratch your finish, and can be applied by hand or with a polisher or buffer.
Price: $24.49 for 32 oz

Pros of Using RV Wax

So why would you want to put the time into using RV polish and wax? Well, for one thing, once you’ve done the work, the protective coating of the wax repels dirt and sometimes even water, which means you can go longer without needing to wash your vehicle or wax it again. Fiberglass wax for RVs can also protect your rig from damage and help keep it nicer for much longer, adding to the value of your vehicle. And – not necessarily last on the list – it’s one of those little details that just makes your entire motorhome look really good.

How to apply RV Wax

The first step to waxing your RV is to get rid of any existing dirt, grease, and other debris. If you aren’t using a combination wash and wax product, you’ll want to use a soap made for RVs rather than an all-purpose soap that could strip away the finish. Wash from the roof of your vehicle down, let it dry, then apply the wax. Let the wax come to a haze and wipe it off with a microfiber towel.

When you’re waxing, plan on covering about two feet at a time, working in small areas instead of trying to cover one whole side all at once. You can also take this opportunity to clean your tires, windows, and other areas of the RV.

How often should you apply RV Wax?

Your wax should hold for several months before you need to do the job again. Generally, plan on washing and waxing your RV every three to six months. This could go up or down, depending on how often you’re using your RV and whether you’re driving through mud, snow, or other messy conditions. Some waxes will even last a year, and you can check the package of your product to find one that does.

How much is RV Wax?

Fiberglass wax for RVs can come in a range of prices, usually depending on how much you’re purchasing. A small bottle of spray wax can be as low as $7.50 or so, while a 1 gallon container of liquid wax can be just over $50.

It may seem like hard work to wash and wax your RV, but the occasional maintenance you do can save you time and money in the long run.

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