For most people, an RV will be the second largest purchase of their lifetime, after a house. For many of our customers here at California RV Specialists, their RV is their home. Whether you have a million-dollar unit or an entry-level rig, our message to you will be the same: It needs to be maintained. Today, we are doing an exterior evaluation on this 2018 Grand Design Reflection 303RLS. Our Exterior Evaluation series was created to help guide you when inspecting your own unit for routine maintenance. So let’s take a look in the video below.
Grand Design RV Exterior Evaluation
Inspecting insert moldings
Insert moldings have a tendency to shrink and crack over time. This allows dirt and water to get behind them and can cause unseen water damage over time. Depending on use and where your unit is stored, we recommend insert moldings be removed and replaced every 3–5 years. Insert moldings are offered in multiple colors; however, the most popular are white and black. More on maintaining and replacing insert molding here.
- Heavy Duty Vinyl Insert Trim, 1 inch Wide, 100 foot Roll, Black
- Heavy Duty Vinyl Insert Trim, 1 inch Wide, 100 foot Roll, White
- Insert Molding Setting Tool – Pack of 5
- Kent Auto Body Degreaser/Solvent Cleaner 20 Oz Can
Inspecting RV exterior body sealants
Exterior body sealants should routinely be inspected for any cracks or voids. Whether it was missed by the factory or simply needs to be touched up due to weather and time, keeping up with the body sealants prevents water damage throughout the body of the unit. There are several brands and colors available. Our seasoned technicians favor BOSS 378 in the “color” black. Applying body sealants can be a work of art, and clear is forgiving!
- Pro Flex RV Flexible Sealant – Clear
- Pro Flex RV Flexible Sealant – White
- Pro Flex RV Flexible Sealant – Black
- Silicone Scraper Tool – Pack of 5
- Kent Auto Body Degreaser/Solvent Cleaner 20 Oz Can
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The mega-protector!
303 Aerospace Protectant has been on the market for years, and for good reason! Putting this product on anything plastic or vinyl is like putting sunscreen on you and me. It prevents items from shrinking, cracking and fading in color. This product is perfect to extend the life of your awning, fender skirts, decals, vents, vent covers … the list is endless!
Inspecting your RV’s roof
Your RV is only as good as its roof. Roof sealants should be inspected, cleaned and touched up often. Self-Leveling Lap Sealant by Dicor should be used on any flat surface, while Non-sag is used on corners and side seams.
- Self-Leveling Lap Sealant-10.3 Oz. Tube, White
- Non-Sag Sealant-10.3 Oz. Tube, White
- Kent Auto Body Degreaser/Solvent Cleaner 20 Oz Can
Attic vent
The attic vent shown in the video above is a popular version used on Grand Design units. These are an easy fix when broken and are offered in white and black.
Whether your unit is 20 years old or brand-new, we hope you take the time to conduct an RV exterior evaluation to inspect and protect your investment! Subscribe to our channel to see what else is going on in the shop!
More from Dustin
Read more of Dustin’s articles here.
Dustin owns and operates California RV Specialists, an independent RV repair shop located in Lodi, CA. He thrives on sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm of RV repair and maintenance with his team, customers, and virtual friends.
Be sure to check out his YouTube channel where he shares what’s going on in the shop and the product offerings in the store. Dustin is also very active on Facebook. Join his group, RV Repairs and Tips – What’s in the shop!
Dustin proudly operates the business alongside his wife, Ashley; but the true pair that run the show are their Boston Terriers, Arvie and Hitch.