Driving your RV around all the beautiful locations in Sonoma County can be fun, that is, until you start noticing that its once vibrant exterior looks a bit faded or portions are warping. While these can be caused by many things, the culprit is usually sunlight. This post will explore why the sun is an RV’s nemesis and how you can prevent and fix sun damage.

How the Sun Damages Your RV

This blazing star can cause significant problems for your RV. Some include:

  • Exterior cracks
  • Faded paint
  • Shrinking caulking
  • Poor tire pressure

3 Ways to Minimize RV Sun Damage

Use Protective Covers: One of the best methods for preventing RV sun damage is to keep your RV covered. While this can’t always be done, it’s important to be diligent about doing it when you can. For instance, if your RV is sitting exposed in your driveway, it’s probably a good idea to put a cover over it. This simple piece of fabric will guard the vehicle against weather elements and strong UV rays.

Do Consistent Inspections: It’s crucial to do regular inspections of the vehicle. This way, you can quickly catch and fix problems. Some areas to pay particular attention to include the roof, fiberglass shell, tires, and exterior trim.

Wax It: Another way to stop UV damage is to wax your RV. This substance will form a thick barrier around the exterior as a way to thwart rain, dirt, and other particles. Most also have anti-UV-ray barriers. For best results, make sure to wax your RV twice a year.

How to Fix Existing Issues

If your RV is already suffering from UV damage, there are a few options you can use to fix it. One is to visit an autobody shop that works on larger vehicles like RVs like Downtown Autobody. They have high-tech tools that can quickly mend potential problems.

Another thing to do is apply a resin gel on its fiberglass exterior. This can help brighten up its colors so it looks almost new.

If you notice rusting or warping components, remove and replace them. However, if the damage is widespread, it’s better to have a RV autobody expert do so.

While you can’t fully keep your RV out of the sun, you can use preventive measures to stop its rays from causing significant problems. If you’d like to have an inspection done before you head out with your RV, Downtown Autobody in Rohnert Park can help. Our technicians will carefully examine your vehicle to ensure it’s safe to drive.