5 Common Mistakes Fiberglass Travel Trailer Owners Make (and How to Avoid Them)
- CGI Detailing
- Jul 17
- 4 min read
By CGI Detailing – Professional Ceramic Coatings
Owning a fiberglass travel trailer comes with freedom, adventure… and a few surprises
when it comes to keeping that beautiful gelcoat finish looking new.
Whether you tow an Escape, Casita, Oliver, Bigfoot, or Scamp, all fiberglass trailers share one important trait: they’re finished with gelcoat — not automotive paint — and that means they need special care.
Over the years, we've worked with hundreds of fiberglass trailer owners, and we see the same problems pop up again and again. Here are the five most common mistakes people make — and how to avoid them to protect your trailer’s finish for the long haul, but first we have one quick announcement.
CGI is coming to Texas / The South Western US! (Including California) October 2025.
If you're interested in having us come to you, visit our travel schedule page to see exactly where we're going! The best part of it, we do it at your house, wherever you are! So all you have to do is sit back and relax!
⚠️ Mistake #1: Using Dish Soap or Degreasers to Wash
This one’s everywhere. It might seem harmless to grab the dish soap or a degreaser when washing your trailer — but these harsh cleaners strip away any wax or sealant and can dry out the gelcoat. Over time, this leads to:
Loss of shine
Premature oxidation
Chalky or streaky finish
✅ What to do instead:Always use a pH-neutral, gelcoat-safe wash soap. If your trailer is ceramic coated, avoid soaps with wax or gloss enhancers — they interfere with the coating's performance.
A great option is our CGI Detailing Polymer-Infused Soap — it’s gentle on coatings, safe for gelcoat, and helps preserve the finish between washes.
⚠️ Mistake #2: Letting Black Streaks Sit Too Long
Black streaks form from runoff — often from window seals, roof edges, or trim. But the longer they sit, the more they bake into the gelcoat, becoming harder to remove and causing permanent staining.
✅ What to do instead: Wash your trailer regularly, especially after rain. Use soft brushes and microfiber towels, and treat black streaks early with a ceramic-safe wash.
If you're staying on top of your wash routine and have properly protected the gelcoat with a wax or ceramic coating, you’ll likely never need a black streak remover at all — water and mild soap will usually be enough to keep your trailer clean.
⚠️ Mistake #3: Not Protecting the Gelcoat (or Using the Wrong Products)
Waxing a fiberglass trailer is better than nothing — but it won’t last long. Most RV waxes break down within 1–2 months in full sun, leaving your gelcoat exposed to UV rays, oxidation, and grime.
Even worse: some owners apply automotive ceramic coatings designed for clear coat paint. On gelcoat, they don’t bond correctly or provide long-term protection.
✅ What to do instead: Protect your trailer with a gelcoat-specific ceramic coating, like Glidecoat, which is engineered for marine and RV use. It bonds to porous fiberglass surfaces and lasts 2+ years, making washes easier and preventing oxidation.
⚠️ Mistake #4: Applying Wax or Coating Over Oxidation
Trying to wax or ceramic coat a surface that’s already oxidized is like painting over rust — you’re sealing in the problem. This leads to uneven results and makes the trailer harder to correct later.
✅ What to do instead:Always remove oxidation before applying any protection. That means polishing the surface properly to restore clarity, then using an IPA wipe to prep it for wax or ceramic coating.
⚠️ Mistake #5: Thinking All Ceramic Coatings Are the Same
Ceramic coating is one of the best things you can do for your fiberglass trailer — but not all coatings are equal. Many coatings are made for cars, and they don’t hold up on gelcoat. Others contain low levels of active ingredients, meaning they won’t last more than a year.
✅ What to do instead:Use a marine-grade ceramic coating with a high concentration of SiO₂ and proven durability on gelcoat. We exclusively use Glidecoat, ceramic coatings designed specifically for RVs and boats — with two layers applied by hand for maximum coverage.
🧭 Final Thoughts: Keep Your Trailer Looking New — and Spend Less Time Washing
Fiberglass trailers are built to last, but gelcoat doesn’t take care of itself. With the right products and techniques, you can:
Prevent chalking, fading, and black streaks
Make washes faster and easier
Protect your trailer’s finish for the long haul
If you'd rather leave the polishing and ceramic coating to a professional, CGI Detailing specializes in oxidation removal and gelcoat protection for all fiberglass trailers. We're based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and we work with owners across the region.
📞 Contact us here if you'd like to learn more or schedule an appointment.
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