Sunshine, warm weather and the open road…what could be better? One of the greatest joys of RV life is the freedom to visit sunny climates and bask in warm weather. But without preventive maintenance, all that fun in the sun can take a heavy toll on your vehicle’s condition.
Over time, UV radiation from the sun degrades your RV’s surfaces, which can lead to expensive repair work down the road. The good news is that you can prevent and mitigate most sun damage with a few simple precautions.
Read on to learn how to protect your vehicle from UV radiation inside and out.
Table of Contents
2. UV Protection for RV Exteriors
3. UV Protection for RV Interiors
4. Easy UV Protection Tips for Your RV
5. Why Smart RV Owners Love Poli Glow®
Understanding UV Damage
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of electromagnetic energy emitted by the sun. While it’s completely natural, UV radiation is a major source of damage to recreational vehicles.
Prolonged sun exposure can degrade your RV’s gelcoat, aluminum siding, rubber seals, roof material, tires and other components. UV rays can also cause paint and decals to fade. (The next time you drive through a desert area, take a look at some older RVs and you’ll see what we mean.)
In the short term, UV radiation mainly affects your vehicle’s aesthetics. You may notice your RV looking old, “worn out”, dull or deteriorated. Over time, however, sun damage can build up to the point where it impacts the structural integrity of your vehicle.
For example, a sun-damaged RV roof may develop cracks and leaks. Degraded seals may stop functioning correctly and need to be replaced. A gelcoat may lose its protective seal, leaving the RV susceptible to oxidation, staining, and mildew.
Repair costs for these structural issues can add up very quickly, so it’s important to take proactive steps to protect your vehicle from UV damage.
UV Protection for RV Exteriors
When the sun is shining, your RV is baking—but the right products can block most of those harmful UV rays.
We love using thePoli Glow® RV Restoration Kit to get our rigs ready for summer. It contains all the essentials you need to restore, protect, and seal your RV’s exterior:
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Poli Glow® RV Polish with UV inhibitors
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Poli Prep™ cleaning formula
Poli Glow® works to deflect sun damage by restoring your RV’s fiberglass or aluminum finish. It gives your RV that high-gloss, “factory-floor” shine that is sure to turn heads wherever you go.
More importantly, Poli Glow® provides long-lasting protection from UV radiation, fading, stains, water damage and grime. You can expect the results to last for 5-6 years with an annual touch-up.
How To Protect Your RV With Poli Glow®
Shielding your RV’s exterior from the damaging effects of the sun is a simple two-part process: prepare your vehicle and then seal the gelcoat with a targeted UV protectant.
Part One: Prep the Surfaces
- Protect your hands with disposable gloves.
- Cover any ink-printed or silk-screen decals or graphics with plastic and tape.
- Wet the exterior surface of your RV with clean water from a bucket or hose.
- In a spray bottle, dilute the Poli Prep™ solution at a ratio of 3 parts water to 1 part product.
- Spray the diluted solution onto the surface and scrub vigorously with the non-abrasive scrub pad, then rinse well with water.
- Repeat Step 5 as necessary until all oxidation has been removed. UsePoli Ox™ to treat areas of moderate to heavy oxidation, if needed.
- The surface should look uniformly dull without color changes or blotches. Some of the colors will still appear bleached until Poli Glow® has been applied.
- Let your RV air dry or buff it dry with our550 GSM Microfiber Towel.
Part Two: Seal and Shine
- Moisten the Poli-Mitt™ Applicator with water and wring it out so that it’s damp (not soaked).
- Shake the Poli Glow® bottle and drizzle several lines onto the Applicator. Wring the mitt gently to evenly distribute the product. Do not saturate.
- Working in four to six foot sections, apply Poli Glow® to your RV in vertical or horizontal strokes (not circles).
- Apply several thin coats, allowing each coat to dry between applications. The surface is ready for the next coat when it doesn’t feel wet or tacky, after about 1-2 minutes.
- Allow Poli Glow® to cure for 48 hours, then get back to chasing sunshine!
UV Protection for RV Interiors
While UV radiation is especially hard on RV exteriors, it can harm your vehicle’s interior surfaces as well. The inside of an RV often gets exposed to much more intense sunlight than the inside of a typical home. Without the right sun protection, this can cause your interior walls, floors, dashboard and furniture to fade or crack. Not a good look.
Protecting your RV interior from the sun is a simple one-two punch. Use window shades and films to deflect harsh sunlight, and opt for a cleaning product with UV protection.
Cover Your Windows
Many newer RVs come with tinted windows, but tinted glass doesn’t usually block UV rays. Consider applying window tinting film (a specialized thin polyester coating) to the inside of your windows. Some films can block up to 99% of UV radiation. This will help keep you and your family safe from the sun as well!
Exterior sun shades and interior blinds or window covers are also great options for blocking sun. Keep in mind that darker colors provide the most UV protection.
Pick a Protective Detailer
Cleaning your RV is a big part of life on the road… so why not do double duty with a product that offers built-in UV protection? OurPoli Interior Detailer™ for RVs is formulated with UV scavengers to safeguard your vehicle’s interior against sun damage.
This water-based cleaner works on nearly all interior surfaces (including glass, carpet and upholstery) so you can be sure that every part of your RV is protected. You can also usePoli Leather & Vinyl Pro™ to keep your leather and vinyl seats spotlessly clean, soft and shielded from UV damage.
Easy UV Protection Tips for Your RV
When it comes to protecting your RV from harmful UV rays, a few small steps can make a huge difference. Prevention is always better than paying for pricey repairs after the damage is done! These simple RV maintenance tips will keep your rig looking (and performing) its best, even on those blazing summer days.
Wash, Wax, and Win the Day
You can extend the longevity of your Poli Glow® RV restoration by keeping up with cleaning, waxing and other routine maintenance jobs.
We recommend usingPoli Wash™ Biodegradable RV Soap to get the gunk off without stripping your vehicle’s protective gelcoat. Follow this withPoli Slick Seal™ Ceramic RV Coating, which contains UV inhibitors for an added layer of protection.
Park in the Shade
It’s not always practical, but try to find shady spots to park your rig wherever possible. On the road, look for campgrounds with tree coverage. At home, make sure to park your RV under a carport or pavilion. You could also keep your RV in a covered storage facility when not in use.
Use RV Covers and Shades
RV covers come in all materials, shapes and sizes, but they have one basic function: to protect your rig from the elements, including high heat. Some RV owners opt for custom covers that go over the entire vehicle.
If you don’t want to deal with that, you can also find smaller covers for your windshield, roof and tires. The roof is often the first part of an RV to show signs of UV damage since it’s exposed to the most direct sunlight. Pop the cover(s) on whenever your vehicle is stationary for more than a few hours to provide an extra layer of protection.
Stay on Top of Seasonal Maintenance
Once a year, take the time to touch up your RV’s Poli Glow® polish and do a thorough inspection of your vehicle. If you notice any cracked sealant or caulking, damaged seals or other minor issues, now is the time to fix them before they turn into serious problems.
Why Smart RV Owners Love Poli Glow®
Poli Glow® was founded by passionate RV (and boat) owners who know what it takes to keep our vehicles clean, protected and looking good.
Don’t take our word for it– check out these incredible before-and-after pics and testimonials from real RVers like you:
Is Your RV Sun-Safe?
RVs are designed for use in the Great Outdoors…but extreme temperatures and UV rays can cause serious damage to your vehicle. It pays to take a few extra steps, such as covering your RV and using UV protectants, to keep your rig safe in the sun.
Think of this as “sunscreen” for your rig. It’s always better to wear a hat and sunscreen on a hot day rather than deal with a nasty sunburn. The same goes for your rolling home!
A good sun protection routine will keep your rig functional and looking good for many miles to come. You can find the products you need to shield, protect and polish your vehicle in ourPoli Glow® RV lineup.
Here’s to less stress and more sunshine for the road ahead!
