Having a good waxing product to hand is an important step in keeping your RV in the best possible condition. After all, the weather and environments we travel in are just a couple of the factors that can take their toll on your rig if it’s not protected. Knowing how to choose the right wax can be easier said than done though – after all, there are a wide variety of options on the market. That’s where our guide to the best RV wax comes in.
After spending out on an RV, it’s understandable that you’re going to want to look after it as best you can, to ensure you have a rig that is ready for making happy memories. It also has the added benefit of helping to preserve its value, should you decide to sell it on down the line. The best RV wax will be able to preserve the surface of your rig from external factors like UV rays, as well as help to prevent any fading and even cracking from occuring. The end result will be a protected rig with a glossy exterior.
As a result, a good RV wax is going to be an important part of the maintenance process.
If you’re after a cleaner for the top of your ‘van too, be sure to check out our RV roof cleaner guide.
How do I choose the best RV wax?
The most important buying factor will be making sure you check on the label that the product is suitable for your rig’s exterior before buying and applying it. This means ensuring the wax can be used on the surfaces of your RV, including on paint, fiberglass or gel coating, as well as plastic, rubber or metal.
We’re focusing on two types of product in this guide – a dedicated wax, such as Meguiar’s Premium Marine Wax, and a two-in-one wash and wax product, such as Star Brite Wash & Wax, with the latter also featuring in our best RV cleaner guide.
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What is the best wax to use on my RV?
Meguiar’s M5032 Cleaner Wax
Star Brite Premium RV One Step Cleaner Wax
RejeX 61002
Meguiar’s Premium Marine Wax
Meguiar’s M5616 Marine/ RV Pure Wax Carnauba Blend
Chemical Guys WAC21516 Banana Spray
Gel Gloss RV Wash and Wax
Star Brite Wash & Wax
The best RV wax – our top picks are:
Meguiar’s M5032 Cleaner Wax
Sizes: 16oz, 32oz, 128oz
Reason to buy:
- Restores color and gloss, can be applied in a number of ways
Meguiar’s is a well-known name in the RV cleaning sphere, providing products that can be relied upon.
This One-Step Cleaner Wax is no different – it’s a non-abrasive option that offers an effective way of polishing and protecting your ‘van. It can be used to combat any swirls, haze, minor scratches or light oxidation that have occurred, and we like how it’s able to give your RV a bit of protection against the sun’s UV rays.
It can even restore color and gloss to fiberglass gel coat surfaces, getting your RV back to its best. We also appreciate that it comes in a variety of sizes as well, so you can choose the one that’s ideal for your needs. The wax also offers further versatility by being suitable for application by hand, with a DA Polisher or a Rotary Buffer.
To apply, simply work one section at a time, let it dry to a haze, and then wipe it off. The brand warns to keep it away from cloth, rubber and vinyl surfaces though.
Star Brite Premium RV One Step Cleaner Wax
Sizes: 32oz
Reason to buy:
- Combats fading, one application should last a year
We think there’s a lot to like about this Star Brite product. For instance, there are the UV inhibitors it contains, allowing the RV wax to combat fading. Then there’s the way it can revitalise fiberglass and painted surfaces, restoring both the shine and color to your vehicle. As well as that, this wax can be used to clear off scuff marks, oxidation, dead paint and road film.
The brand also advises that a single application should last all year too. With the option of applying it either by hand or with a buffer, the end result should be a refreshed and protected RV.
RejeX 61002
Size: 16oz
Reason to buy:
- Suitable for use on a wide variety of surfaces, seals and protects
Providing a high gloss polymer finish, RejeX 61002 can be used on a wide variety of surfaces, including painted surfaces, gel coats, plastics and metal. What we like about this in particular is how it seals and protects after application, offering protection from UV rays, dust, bird deposits, tree sap and much more.
The brand advises it should last for a minimum of six months after it’s been applied too, meaning while you may get through a bottle each time, it’s going to give you some long-lasting protection as well as ensuring your RV’s exterior has a glossy appearance.
Meguiar’s Premium Marine Wax
Size: 320z
Reason to buy:
- Premium product that promises effective performance
The second Meguiar’s product to make it into our best RV waxes round-up is a premium offering from the brand that we reckon should be up to the challenge of getting rid of any fine scratches, swirls and light oxidation on the exterior of your RV.
The simple-to-apply product can be relied upon to provide some deep gloss to fiberglass and gel coat surfaces but should be kept away from rubber and similarly soft, porous surfaces.
When the waxing product is used, it should enhance the color, giving it that extra hand to bring the richness of tone to the fore. Whether you choose to apply it by hand or with a dual-action polisher, the brand says to ensure the surface is cool before applying the liquid wax.
You should end up with an RV that has some durable protection, as well as a glossy and shiny color.
Meguiar’s M5616 Marine/ RV Pure Wax Carnauba Blend
Sizes: 16oz
Reason to buy:
- Contains Carnauba Wax, provides glossy finish, available in a set
The third product from Meguiar’s to feature in our best wax for an RV guide has one big difference to the other two from the brand, in that it contains pure Brazilian Carnauba Wax.
The Carnauba Wax has been blended with both resins and polymers to create a product that we think will give your RV some good protection. Particularly effective on dark colors and clear-coated metal flake finishes, it should protect from those harmful UV rays.
Like the other Meguiar’s products that we’ve picked out in our best RV wax guide, this can be applied either by hand or with a machine, with the end result being depth and shine to your paintwork. However, the brand warns to not use it on vinyl or rubber. While this is available as a single product, we’d say it’s worth thinking about buying it in the Meguiar’s Fiberglass Restoration System set, where it comes alongside Oxidation Remover and High Gloss Polish.
Chemical Guys Blazin’ Banana Spray Wax
Sizes: 16oz
Reason to buy:
- Provides protection from UV rays, can be sprayed on
This wax for an RV from Chemical Guys should be an ideal product for achieving a deep finish on something like a panel van conversions, or the cab area of a coachbuilt.
Blazin’ Banana provides that Carnauba finish, and we like how the sprayable wax is suitable for a variety of surfaces, including paintwork, glass, metal, and more. As well as a glossy finish, the wax should also protect your vehicle from UV rays, contamination, water spots and pollution. We like that it’s sprayable, giving you an easier way of applying it too.
Gel Gloss RV Wash and Wax
- Size: 32oz, 128oz
Reason to buy:
- Budget-friendly, contains Carnauba wax, wash and wax
What we particularly like about a wash and wax product is it can be an efficient way of combining two jobs, making it a good choice for those pushed for time.
That’s the case with this Gel Gloss RV Wash and Wax, a two-in-one wash and wax that a offers one-step process to achieving a clean and protected RV. The biodegradable product should not only give your vehicle’s paintwork some extra protection but also avoids removing previously applied wax.
For added versatility, it’s safe for use on all RV surfaces, unlike some of the dedicated waxes in our guide. Don’t forget that it will need rinsing off if you don’t want a streaky finish on your rig though – the brand recommends drying it off carefully with a towel too.
We’d say that if you’re looking for a budget-friendly and time-efficient way of cleaning and waxing your rig, this could be the best RV wax for you.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Star Brite Wash & Wax
Size: 320z
Reason to buy:
- Economical, cleans and protects
We’ve already discussed the merits of another Star Brite product, the Premium RV One Step Cleaner Wax. However, the Wash & Wax here is a better option if you’re looking for a two-in-one option that can be a better choice for those who want a more time-efficient way of waxing their rig.
Coming with a non-toxic formula, this is safe for all exterior surfaces, like the Gel Gloss RV Wash and Wax from TR Industries that appears above. What we like about this is that it means you can use it on fiberglass, glass, decals and more, without having to worry about accidentally causing damage. The Polymers will provide some protection from UV rays too.
The wash and wax is available in two different sizes, and also gives you the peace of mind that it isn’t going to remove previously applied protective coatings either. Instead, you can use this economical cleaner (the brand advises that only four capfuls should be needed per use) without worry.
- Once you’ve got your rig protected, it’s time to set off on your next adventure! See how John Sootheran got on as he planned his RV trip to Yosemite National Park.
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