how to clean front cap on our Greyhawk?

3fivers · 06-21-2016, 04:02 PM

We just got our Class C this spring and now we have bugs on the front cap. Does anyone have any good, easy, safe ways of cleaning that cap? We have found it hard to reach across to get to the middle (need longer arms?) Any suggestions would be appreciated -

**JFlightRisk** · 06-21-2016, 04:12 PM

I've seen several brushes that have an telescopic handle for tall, or hard to reach areas. You can also spray on Bug and Black Streak remover to soften them up first, brush the area, and hose it off. If you need to, you can get closer to the front with a step ladder, but it's best to have someone spot you.

Griswald One · 06-21-2016, 04:29 PM

How clean the cap gets depends on my energy level... Doing it properly is a two step process for me. I use a soft bristle brush and start from up on the roof and brush down the cap. Then I get my ladder and work the bottom half.

I use a wash and wax product... I am sure seperate products would do a better job but I don't see any safe way to do a proper wax and buff job on that cap.

My last TT had Diamond Coat on it.... I really miss that finish!!!

3fivers · 06-21-2016, 05:03 PM

Thanks for the ideas - a spray bug cleaner would be something to look for, we have used bug cleaner on our previous 5er that is poured onto a rag and rubbed on. Also, finding a wash and wax combo would be a time and work saver!

DumpStation · 06-21-2016, 09:42 PM

I Use soft scrub for the bugs and oxidation and then gave it a good waxing and buff for shine. I was able to reach all areas on my with a six foot ladder.

Griswald One · 06-21-2016, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DumpStation

I Use soft scrub for the bugs and oxidation and then gave it a good waxing and buff for shine. I was able to reach all areas on my with a six foot ladder.

Great that you can pull it off, but that is some serious gymnastics my friend. Unless you are incredibly tall I have to assume to stand on the top rung???... I have fallen off a ladder once cleaning an RV... Not a mistake I intend to replicate.

Just trying to envision the logistics... Are you coming at it from the sides or reaching over the hood of the truck? Heck I can't even reach the entire windshield let alone buff the end cap.

DumpStation · 06-21-2016, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Griswald One

Great that you can pull it off, but that is some serious gymnastics my friend. Unless you are incredibly tall I have to assume to stand on the top rung???... I have fallen off a ladder once cleaning an RV... Not a mistake I intend to replicate.

Just trying to envision the logistics... Are you coming at it from the sides or reaching over the hood of the truck? Heck I can't even reach the entire windshield let alone buff the end cap.

I'm actually short, 5'6" but very nimble and my Greyhawk is an 09 and has more of a box shaped overhead cab design than yours so it's easier to reach from a 6' step ladder side angled from the 2nd highest rug.

For your type of cabover I would use two 6' steps side to side and build a scaffold using a new 2X10x8 or two of these boards screwed together if over 200lbs. I'd position it 6" away from the tip of the cab. This way you wouldn't have to lean too far over, compromising the stability of the scaffold. If stability is a concern, I would screw or mount the far side leg bottoms, or feet of the ladders each to a piece 2x6x4 laying it flat, extending the extra length of the boards away from the front of the rig. This will eleminate any tipping concerns. I built a setup like this year's ago when I rehabbed the cabover on my older 1st rig that suffered delamination from water damage.

UpstateNY-31FS · 06-22-2016, 08:08 AM

I use a swifer with spray9 reliable cleaner, then use their spray wax and the swiffer to buff it. Works good from the ground

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jimp · 06-22-2016, 07:55 PM

I have an 08 GH 31ss, and use a 6' step ladder turned sideways (front & rear ladder legs against bumper) and climb up, then put one foot lightly on the black strip where the wipers are located and the other foot close to the ladder leg closest to the bumper. Wife holds the ladder for me, and I can reach the top of the front cap/clearance lights. I do have to move the ladder as I'm careful not to over reach in this position, but it works for me. I'm 6' tall, 210#, I've not heard the black strip crack or make a sound while standing like this.

I can scrub the bugs off, even apply wax and use a buffer in this position, just need to be careful and not over reach.

cschiller · 06-22-2016, 07:56 PM

Or one of those HD ladder units that folds into a scaffold. Very sturdy but pricey. I use the long brush and goo stepladder from both sides and a step stool for the center front. I get some from the roof during roof cleaning and wax as much as possible.

CarlB · 06-23-2016, 01:29 AM

I do two additional tasks at most fuel stops, clean the windshield and clean the front cap. I pull my soft bristle brush from the rear bay, extend it, drop it in the window cleaner bunch and go to town.

SousaInn · 07-13-2016, 06:45 PM

Okay I have done this a few times on my last Tioga, but its not very safe

. I park it next to a solid 6 foot fence. Put an 8' ladder on opposite side of MH. Than I put a 2 x 8 to span across at the 6 foot height. This puts you over the hood area able to reach the upper cap to clean and wax.

TimHolt · 07-17-2016, 06:32 PM

I decided that since it costs about $40 a pop to wash my Grayhawk at the local truck wash, I would invest in a powerwasher. For about $200 (the cost of 5 washes) I got myself an electric one that has about a 2000 psi output, which I found was pretty much enough to blow the bugs off the front cap, the front headlights, the doors, the mirrors, everything. Not much bug glue can withstand a 2000 psi blast of wter, although some put up a good fight.

I started by washing with a soapy mix , brushed it down, then went to a spraying! I had to work pretty fast here in Texas, as it was about 103 outside and the water was evaporating pretty fast, but it did the job.

Griswald One · 07-17-2016, 06:35 PM

Just a word of caution to Pressure Washer users... Unless you invested in full body paint... Be very careful! I did not supervise the kids while pressure washing my old TT... The decals did not survive!

GrayHawk · 05-10-2017, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Griswald One

Great that you can pull it off, but that is some serious gymnastics my friend. Unless you are incredibly tall I have to assume to stand on the top rung???... I have fallen off a ladder once cleaning an RV... Not a mistake I intend to replicate.

Just trying to envision the logistics... Are you coming at it from the sides or reaching over the hood of the truck? Heck I can't even reach the entire windshield let alone buff the end cap.

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I did a tumble from the top of a ladder when washing my Class A....... now l have. Class C and it is just as tall and l agree, not going to do that act again, l use a extension pole now.

landinj · 05-10-2017, 08:03 PM

I use an extension ladder lying against the cap with split pool noodles on the ladder to protect from scratches.

tom463219 · 05-11-2017, 09:51 AM

I use this, it works well for me getting the bugs off.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

UpstateNY-31FS · 05-11-2017, 12:59 PM

I use a swifer and simple green, works for me, just double up the pads.

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ed4ster · 05-11-2017, 01:27 PM

I built a scaffold from an aluminum extension ladder I had setting around, added a few c-clamps to keep it secure while I am on it. I set the height then drive our Seneca up to it with the DW spotting for me. The picture shows it in the lower position, but it can be raised it up so I can easily clean and apply a coat of Rejex to the upper area of the cap.

Mnwelsh · 05-11-2017, 02:38 PM

I also wax with ReJex. With a coat of that on your rv the bugs come off much easier. You can buy it on Amazon. I've used it for years, easy on, easy off.

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