So, you purchased or are looking to purchase a used RV. Now what? In order to get your RV or camper in tip-top, road-ready shape, you’ll want to give it a thorough, top-to-bottom look over to ensure that all cracks are sealed, any wood rot issues are corrected, and that the exterior and interior surfaces are clean and shiny like-new. RVbyLIFE makes this process a little easier, with our top-of-the-line products including RV sealants, RV cleaners, and RV waxes. Here is our list of the best RV restoration products to have on hand.
Don’t forget, we also offer free shipping within the continental U.S. for orders over $150.
The Best RV Restoration Products to Have on Hand
We’ve rounded up our top RV restoration products to have on hand by category for your shopping convenience. Check out our full product catalog online or order a paper catalog.
RV Sealants
If you need to do any RV caulking, there are our best picks for RV sealants. To select the best RV sealant for your job, read our blogs on Silicone and Hybrid Sealants and Polysulfide vs. Polyurethane. Before you embark on an RV caulking job, however, be sure to properly prep your surfaces by cleaning them with RVbyLIFE’s Solvent & Cleaner. You’ll also want to purchase our Sealant Stick for leveling your caulk job, or for the removal of protective films like Diamond Shield. Our Super Slick Sealant Remover is also good to have on hand as it helps with the removal of sealant from hands and fingers.
- Life-Calk® Polysulfide Sealant – Life-Calk is our signature polysulfide sealant. It is long-lasting, permanently flexible, and can bond to fiberglass, wood, metal, glass, and even itself. It is sandable and paintable once cured but be sure to do a paint test beforehand to ensure compatibility. It is non-shrinking, non-corroding, and can be applied to damp surfaces.
- Life Seal® Silicone/Polyurethane Sealant – By contrast, Life Seal is a silicone polyurethane sealant that will not crack or dry out once applied. Fast curing, it has low odors, high adhesion, and is non-shrinking, non-sagging, non-yellowing, and non-corrosive. The mildew resistant formula is tenacious yet removable and is safe for use on plastics. Since it is acid-free, it won’t leave black streaks.
- Silicone Rubber Sealant – Silicone Rubber Sealant is a good all-purpose RV sealant that will not corrode metal. Since it is acid free and non-corrosive, it won’t leave behind black streaks yet will cure to a permanently flexible adhesion. Non-yellowing and mildew resistant, it will also adhere to itself.
RV Cleaners
There is a highly saturated RV cleaner market, so here are our top picks of the best RV fiberglass cleaners available.
- Suds – RVbyLIFE’s Suds is an all-purpose cleaner for general washing of your fiberglass RV. It is safe to use on painted and gel coat surfaces, rubber roofs, tires and rims. Environmentally friendly, phosphate-free, and biodegradable, Suds is a gentle cleanser yet tough enough to cut through black streaks, bugs, and grime.
- Fiberglass Powder Cleaner & Stain Remover – For a stronger RV cleaner, our Fiberglass Powder Cleaner & Stain Remover removes tough stains from your RV’s fiberglass with a non-scratching formula. Use with just water and a scrubber, and let the product do its job of the heavy lifting of stains. It easily rinses off with fresh water and leaves behind a clean fiberglass surface primed for waxing.
- Fiberglass Rubbing Compound – Fiberglass Rubbing Compound is a finely ground paste that brings back the shine of your fiberglass finish. It replesnishes the loss of the gel coat and removes oxidative stains, leaving your surface ready for RV wax application.
- Graphix Wax® – If you have vinyl graphics on your RV, be sure to use a product that is specifically formulated to recondition them properly. Our Graphix Wax does just that, with built in UV protection and a solvent free formula that will not deteriorate your vinyl graphics like solvent-based cleaners.
- VinyLIFE® Vinyl Cleaner & Protectant – Clean your interior and exterior vinyl easily with VinyLIFE Vinyl Cleaner & Protectant. This cleaner is specifically for upholstery, vinyl seats and awnings. With built-in UV protectants, this solvent-free cleaner is abrasive-free as it cleans while it protects, removing dirt, grime, and stains.
- Mildew Remover– This chlorine-free and acid-free product removes mildew with ease. Simply spray Mildew Remover on the surface and it’ll do the trick to remove mildew and control odors. It is even safe for fabrics, too. Check out our blog post on Tips for Preventing Mildew During Winter RV Season for more inspiration.
- Stainless Steel Cleaner – For any stainless steel fixtures, Stainless Steel Cleaner easily removes fingerprints, grease, and stains. Simply spray on, wipe off, and you’re done.
RV Waxes
Here are some of our favorite RV waxes. For more inspiration, check out our blog post on RV Waxes and Polishes.
- PolyShine® Premium Fiberglass & Composite Polish – Use PolyShine on your newly cleaned RV fiberglass to shine and protect. With UV inhibitors, this product acts like a glaze to the fiberglass, and prevents yellowing. It is safe to use on all chrome and stainless steel fixtures. Simply rub on by hand or machine.
- Life Wax – Our long-lasting carnauba paste, Life Wax, protects RV fiberglass finishes, even in extremely warm, tropical climates. It also delivers UV protection with its superior sun filters. Used in conjunction with PolyShine, the wax will last up to three years.
Wood Rot Repair
Wood rot is inevitable, so it is important to identify it and correct it before it becomes a major problem. That’s why we’ve created a product specifically for dry rot repair.
- “Git”-Rot® – This revolutionary product is a two-part liquid epoxy that binds rotted wood fibers and restores strength. Simply inject the rotted wood with the mixed “Git”-Rot epoxy and it will cure overnight. You will be left with sandable, paintable, fully strengthened wood that can be drilled or screwed. This is a great product for RVs with wood cores and features like wooden entrance steps, side walls, floors, and roof areas.
RV Restoration Final Thoughts
RV restoration is a commitment, but it doesn’t have to be rocket science, or even break the bank. Before you commit to a purchase of a used RV, be sure to read our blog post on Tips for a Successful Used RV Purchase to ensure your transaction goes smoothly. Owning an RV takes perseverance and regular maintenance and care, but the extraordinary benefits of RV travel outweigh all of the hard work that goes into properly maintaining your RV.
About Life Industries Corporation
Founded by Mr. Edwin Kehrt on Long Island, New York in 1959, Life Industries Corporation formulates, compounds, labels, packages, and ships various chemical compounds. Parent company to BoatLIFE, RVbyLIFE, and AeroLIFE, the organization relocated to its present home in North Charleston, South Carolina in 1995. Grace L. Schmidt, Mr. Kehrt’s daughter, has been president since 1987. This year marks the company’s 65th anniversary.