Waxing an aluminum Jay Flight

[Jayco Journey]

Please share your experience with waxing the aluminum siding on a Jay Flight trailer. What do you use and why? I'm looking for some product that will last longer than standard car wax. Thanks.

[Iraqvet05]

In the 5 years we had our 26BH, I think I waxed it twice...just twice. I used Meguiar's M5016 wax. When we traded it in, one of the service techs commented on how well we maintained the TT. Glad I didn't buy into the dealer's sales pitch for cloth and paint protection because $15 worth of wax seemed to do fine.

[jaycojay]

Liquid Glass ...... it lasts! Sadly to say, can't get it here in Canada anymore. Put it on, wipe it off, than let the sun bake it into the finish. I used to tell the kids after i waxed it..... " smooth as a baby's butt"

[Parcany]

Used Meguires Cleaner wax on both the Jayflight 33rlds and the Bungalow. After waxing both looked like brand new. Even the decals, and both were 2011 and in Arizona

[jloco]

I wax my 2016 aluminum sided Jay Flight 38FDDS with Meguiars liquid cleaning wax every fall. My rig doesn't move so it really doesn't get that dirty but I protect the finish non the less. It goes on and off very easily and leaves a beautiful shine. My 38 foot box is a bear to wax just because of the size, but I'm always happy once it's done.

[LuckyDuck]

Originally Posted by Parcany

Used Meguires Cleaner wax on both the Jayflight 33rlds and the Bungalow. After waxing both looked like brand new. Even the decals, and both were 2011 and in Arizona

I use the same — it is for a RVs and boats. I wax at the beginning and end of the summer. Still get those nasty black streaks when it rains, but they wipe off easily with the aluminum waxed well. (This is after a summer with more than 70 days over 100*).

[Tiguan Tow r]

I use Meguiars Ultimate Liquid Wax. It is synthetic base and seems to last longer than others I have used. It lasts 6 months on our car. First time I used it I first used a clay bar mitt to clean the aluminum. With wax applied it was sooooo smooth.

[Finally Able]

Reviving this thread rather than starting a new one. We have a 2021SLX8 287 with aluminum siding; picked it up last August, and we love it. The owner's manual recommends waxing it a couple times a year, but doesn't suggest a type (other than avoiding combo wash/wax products.) I see many posts in various forum threads about people waxing their rigs, and a few folks on some of the posts above mention Meguiars Cleaning Wax.

I actually enjoy washing vehicles and trailers -- I'm not lazy, and this is our pride and joy -- but I hate waxing, or at least the laborious buffing process. Just thinking of doing it twice a year makes my shoulders ache.

I assume a liquid product would be easier than a paste, but then again, the manual says to avoid wax on weatherstripping and black-painted surfaces, so maybe a paste is easier to control. There seem to be a lot of choices out there, so I'm looking for recommendations -- both in terms of products and application means.

Is a power buffer in my future?


Thank you in advance.

[LuckyDuck]

While it’s not at the top of my “fun” list, waxing the TT and seeing it gleam does give a certain pleasure. I’ll do it at the start of the season for protection, as we spend quite a bit of time at the coast. If I’m energetic, I’ll do it again in the fall before throwing the cover on it.

I wash it with a diluted automotive cleaner, then use Meguiar’s one-step cleaner wax for RVs and just buff it off by hand. (I’ve not seen a Jayco warning not to use cleaner-wax.) Goes on and wipes off easily. I’ve been applying it over the decals, too, and they are still good as new. I use an applicator pad and don’t get it on the weatherstripping or black plastic “fenders.”

For the TPO roof, I wash it only with a mild diluted bucket of Dawn detergent and use a very soft pole brush.

For me, I prefer the aluminum-sided rig. Waxing it is easier than dealing with fiberglass/gel coat. The sailboat gives me enough of that.

[Finally Able]

Originally Posted by LuckyDuck

While it’s not at the top of my “fun” list, waxing the TT and seeing it gleam does give a certain pleasure. I’ll do it at the start of the season for protection, as we spend quite a bit of time at the coast. If I’m energetic, I’ll do it again in the fall before throwing the cover on it.

I wash it with a diluted automotive cleaner, then use Meguiar’s one-step cleaner wax for RVs and just buff it off by hand. (I’ve not seen a Jayco warning not to use cleaner-wax.) Goes on and wipes off easily. I’ve been applying it over the decals, too, and they are still good as new. I use an applicator pad and don’t get it on the weatherstripping or black plastic “fenders.”

For the TPO roof, I wash it only with a mild diluted bucket of Dawn detergent and use a very soft pole brush.

For me, I prefer the aluminum-sided rig. Waxing it is easier than dealing with fiberglass/gel coat. The sailboat gives me enough of that.

My Jayco owner's manual says not to use the "one-step" type products:

"Try to avoid combination wash-n-wax products as these waxes can cause build up and are designed for smaller surfaces." I believe these may cause spotting if not wiped off before drying, as well.

Thanks!

[Marcm157]

Another vote here for Meguiars Cleaner / Wax. I do my trailer every March before the full season starts for us here in NY. I try to do it again around June but don't always pull that one off. I do wash it at least monthly using a foam cannon and brushes.

[Finally Able]

Originally Posted by Marcm157

Another vote here for Meguiars Cleaner / Wax. I do my trailer every March before the full season starts for us here in NY. I try to do it again around June but don't always pull that one off. I do wash it at least monthly using a foam cannon and brushes.

(To all):

I'm a little bewildered by the recommendations for "Meguiars Cleaner Wax", as, looking on Amazon, there are at least 5 types with that name:

A1216 (red bottle)
M5001 (blue jug, a 1-step product)
M5032 (blue bottle, "Marine/RV, says for gel coat)
M0616 (beige bottle, Mirror glaze)
M6133 (black bottle, Flagship premium)

Clarification? Thanks.

[CAG]

Rejex. It was developed originally for aircraft. Can’t get more aluminum than that. Look at Rejex.com and search it here. You will find it recommended often.

[LuckyDuck]

Originally Posted by Finally Able

(To all):

I'm a little bewildered by the recommendations for "Meguiars Cleaner Wax", as, looking on Amazon, there are at least 5 types with that name:

A1216 (red bottle)
M5001 (blue jug, a 1-step product)
M5032 (blue bottle, "Marine/RV, says for gel coat)
M0616 (beige bottle, Mirror glaze)
M6133 (black bottle, Flagship premium)

Clarification? Thanks.

Granted, I’ve had mine for quite a while, so maybe they’ve changed the packaging and/or formulation. But this is it. The info on the back specifically recommends for painted and metal surfaces on RVs and trailers. I can’t argue with the results.

[Parcany]

Finally Able the cleaner wax I was talking about is in a can, red in color It is a paste and you put it on and then get some soft cloths and wipe it off comes out super nice