Back in 2021, we documented the exterior maintenance of a 2018 Grand Design Reflection at California RV Specialists. This serves as a reminder for all Grand Design (GD) owners—and all RV owners in general—to regularly inspect and maintain their RV’s exterior to protect their investment.
Roof Cleaning and Treatment
Your RV roof is one of the most exposed and vulnerable areas. At California RV Specialists, we recommend:
- Cleaning and treating the roof every 3-4 months
- Scrubbing both roof sealants and the roof membrane using only RV-approved cleaners and treatments
Protecting Roof Components
Plastic components on the roof such as AC covers, vent lids, skylights, TV antennas, awning motor covers, slide-out topper fabrics, plumbing vents, and attic vents are prone to UV damage and color fading. To protect these:
- Apply 303 UV protectant on all plastic and fiberglass items
- This helps preserve color, prevent cracking, and prolong the life of roof accessories
Insert Moldings and Screw Covers
- Replace insert moldings or screw covers every 3-4 years to compensate for shrinkage
- This prevents water intrusion and maintains a neat exterior finish
Exterior Sealant Inspections
- Inspect all exterior body sealants every 90 days
- Pay attention to windows, doors, slide-outs, gutters, trim, and roof-to-wall seams
- Repair or reseal any gaps, cracks, or separation to prevent water intrusion and wall damage
Additional Tips for RV Owners
- Keep gutters, rain channels, and slide-out wiper seals clear and properly sealed
- Check awning fabrics, slide-out toppers, and rubber seals for wear
- Document your maintenance with photos to track changes over time
- When in doubt, ask questions or send photos to a trusted RV service professional
Protect Your Investment
Exterior maintenance is critical to maintaining your RV’s value and avoiding costly water damage. By staying on top of roof treatments, sealant inspections, and plastic component care, you can ensure your RV remains safe, watertight, and beautiful for years to come.
At California RV Specialists, we are happy to help guide owners through maintenance, inspections, and repairs to keep your RV in top condition.
Reminders for RV Owners
- Clean and treat the roof every 3-4 months
- Use only RV-approved cleaners and treatments
- Apply 303 UV protectant to all roof plastics and fabrics
- Replace insert moldings and screw covers every 3-4 years
- Inspect exterior sealants every 90 days
- Keep gutters, slide-out wipers, and trim sealed
- Document maintenance and address issues early
California RV Specialists
200 S. Cherokee Lane
Lodi, CA 95240
Phone: 209-263-7040
Website: www.calrvspecialists.com
Open Monday–Friday
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Serving RV owners with professional inspections and repairs since 2003.
