Cruisers Forum
Main Forum => Tips and Tricks => Topic started by: Bruce on May 26, 2013, 10:18:21 pm
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How do you clean/polish the front part of the roof from where it slopes down to the windshield?
I've been using a long handled mop to wash dirt, etc. from there, but don't think that will work for bug splatter we'll likely get this summer.
Bruce
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This may sound stupid or crazy, but last week I cleaned that area and waxed by laying on my belly from the roof to fo the top half and step ladder for the bottom half. :)
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Denny, Laying on my belly on the roof to clean as much as I can reach is what I always did with our previous RV, so I don't think that is stupid or crazy--just making sure we don't try to go too far. A ladder for the vertical front portion is what I did before because I could get the ladder up close to the Class A coach. The Ford chassis makes this seem impossible for me to reach all the way to the center section without standing on the hood (I'm only 5'6" tall). I'd love to have a picture of you doing this. :) Maybe it would take a ladder on each side with a plank across to make a scaffold--that does sound crazy!
Bruce
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It is simply requires a circus act.....very hard for me. I place a step ladder to a zero clearence to the van with towel in between to protect the paintwork, and lean over. Eventually I will be too old and limited to do it safely.
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Bruce, I was in Rockford, I'll where I don't think anyone knows me any longer. :lol
But like your thread as it sure is a struggle which ever way one tries it. I'm also height challenged and a ladder is my good friend. But this job requires more ideas.
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Sharon has always claimed that climbing ladders is my favorite hobby because we own so many! :)
Now that I've almost reached 73, she's worrying even more that I'll do something too stupid up there. I'm happy to hear at least two other 2350 owners understand my dilemma . tymote
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Tell you not how to do. I started at the top and worked my way down. This worked well until I slid off the, so smooooth.
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(exactly) (exactly)Hey! Actually that sounds like fun. We could call it "The PC Slide!" Or, "How to Have Fun While You're Washing & Waxing Your PC."
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Leaning over the water slide once a year at most, I understand this topic very well.
What would work well and look decent is a short handicap grab bar sold at Home Depot in white or stainless. Mount it top dead center, just rear of the aero-cap . It would be much cheaper than a new hood and ambulance ride. My Winegard antenna serves this purpose much better than it's intended use, but I would rather have a grab bar.
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I just came in from washing the front of my PC. I used a brush on an 8 foot pole. I used wash and wax. The bottom half of the top has the 3M plastic protector on it, so it does not need waxing. For the top half wash and wax will have to do. :-D
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Folks:
I agree with everything you all have said in regards to the pain cleaning the front is.....but I would like to ask if you all wax the Diamond Shield? I have been told to not wax it since it will turn it yellow in short order? The liquid that PC sends with every new unit is the only stuff you are suppose to use on Diamond Shield product...I am sure it is just like any other Armor All. Has anyone else heard to not use wax or at least and oil based wax? Thanks, Ron
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Ron
I've been using 303 Protectant on our PC'S since 2010.
Beau at Diamondshield recommended using Meguiars Flagship Premium Wax #6316 on the Coach. Then use 303 Protectant over the wax. I use the 303 Protectant on all the Diamondshield before leaving on a trip. 303 Protectant makes cleaning off bugs easy.
George
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Gradygal:
Thanks for the info!! Will now utilize the approach as you have described. Ron
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Ready to clean the front of our PC over the cab area. Safety first, rubber gloves and eye protection.
The rope is used in conjunction with a pulley system. Works great especially for a light weight kid. lol roflol
Barry
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Our problem would be getting the little grand-monkey to come back down. She'd be hooting and hollering and hosing everyone in sight. So just a word to the wise, choose carefully the seeds you plant in a young, adventurous child's mind... Meanwhile, I'm looking for my rope and a sturdy branch. Don't tell her mother.
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Here is what retiree does to get o the front. I have a large block of 4" foam rubber that i put across the top of hood. I place one foot on the foam and keep one on a strudy 12 foot ladder. It give me just enough movement to easiliy get the entire front. The foam will not slip and it prevents damage to the what is ever under my foot.
I use what i have used on the sail boat i owned for 28 years, Astroshield, from a company in Ocala Florida (this guy bought the original Astroshield, which was developed for the Space Industry) keeps a shine without causing the surface to oxidize.
http://www.mfsperformance.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1
Greg Matthews 2010
2551S
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Greg, Thanks for your reply. I'd love to see a photo of you at work on the ladder and foam rubber! :lol
--Bruce
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I found my solution to cleaning the Bubble. Home Depot had this scaffold on sale, and they were demonstrating it in their parking lot. It allows me to wash and wax the Bubble safely, and to wash the roof with a long handled brush. Storing was the only problem, once it is disassembled it fits perfectly in my shed.
Bill G :-D
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would love to have some scaffolding but How can you reach the top and middle of the front cap,, I don't see much difference in using a ladder except your very sturdy
sparky
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Reaching the top and middle is no problem when the scaffold is positioned along the side from the front with mirrors folded in. When I do the front it has to be positioned on an angle crossing the hood allowing access to both middle and bottom of the Bubble. I'll have to take a few pictures to show it at work. Last week when I used it for the first time it made it so much easier to get that big Bump clean. Poles and brushes were not getting the stubborn insects of Delaware and Virginia off.
Bill G :-D
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I have had good success with extendable handles to remove Wisconsin bugs (and we do have bugs here), here using just some good old bug /tar remover from Walmart or wherever. If u have a ladder on your unit, and your in good physical health, no problem doing the roof!
Denny & Barb
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Do not know if you read the roof project I did. It's in tips. I have used the RV ladder, however I would recommend not using the ladder unless it's an emergency. your out camping. Using an extension ladder seems more prudent and lessens the stress on the RV ladder. When I did this project many of the guys commented on doing the same in regards to getting up and down on their roof. Maybe it depends upon your weight haha... I weigh 210 and can feel the stress on the RV ladder when I do use it. Also some of the guys talked about like I did getting on the roof and doing a belly flop to really get the front end cap cleaned and waxed. Like you I have a extender pole that I use when I'm traveling or just want to do a quick clean up.
David Sparks
2008 PC 2350
Houston
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I do have the ladder on the back but I used it once in 5 years. To go on the roof I use my 10' step ladder. Since I bought the scaffold I feel better cleaning the roof and the front of the MH, its very secure. Tomorrow I'll be waxing the front so I'll get a few photos to post.
Bill G (balloons)
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It took my awhile to get the PC waxed but the new scaffold made the job easier. No bugs on the bubble anymore. heartshower
BillG
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good pics,,, Now I see what you mean,,, were about the same svelte size hehe,, would save a lot time and moving the ladder etc,,, I am going to put the scaffolding on my list,,, I have a lot of things I put on there for future projects and purchases,,,, thanks for the pics
sparky
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You're looking professional up there Bill!!Can I bring mine by for detailing ! :)(:
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I got a message from Home Depot today, the scaffolding BillG mentioned is on sale at HD for 179.00 if interested, of course that's down here in Houston. If your not at home could always order on-line I do that all the time, using discover save extra 5%
sparky