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Paint Protection intermediate 3 min read

Essential Caravan Wash & Protection Checklist

A bad wash technique doesn't just leave water spots—it grinds dirt into your paint, creating swirl marks that cost hundreds to fix.

Getting the van ready after a big trip or prepping it for storage? Here is exactly what you need to clear off that stubborn red dust and protect the gelcoat from the Aussie sun.

D"M
Dave "Davo" Mitchell Off-Road & 4WD Specialist
| Updated: 4 March 2026
Essential Caravan Wash & Protection Checklist

Aussie Conditions

Our intense UV breaks down waxes faster than overseas. Ceramic coatings last longer, but even they need topped up more frequently here.
Quick Summary

Look, I have spent way too many hours scrubbing red dust off Jaycos to tell you that a bucket of soapy water isn't enough. Between the salt air if you have been coastal and the brutal UV we get in March, your van's exterior takes a beating. This checklist is for the weekend warriors who want to keep their rig looking mint without spending three days on it. (I once saw a bloke try to use a scourer on his van's window, don't be that guy.)

01

The Gear You Actually Need

What You'll Need

0/8
Extended Wash Pole & Soft Brush — Get the Boar's Hair one if you can afford it; your back will thank you.
Snow Foam Cannon — Honestly, don't bother without one. It's the only way to shift red dust without scratching.
Bowden's Own Nanolicious Wash — My go-to because it has some decent UV inhibitors for our sun.
Non-Acidic Wheel Cleaner — Specific for those off-road alloys.
Microfibre Drying Towel (The big ones) — You'll need at least three for a full-sized caravan.
Gtechniq C2 Liquid Crystal — Best sealant for campers. Easy to chuck on and lasts months.
Rubber Seal Conditioner — Keep your window and door seals from cracking in the 40-degree heat.
Step Ladder — Stable one, please. I've seen too many blokes end up in the ER over a slippery roof.
02

Pre-Start Checklist

What You'll Need

0/4
Check all windows & hatches — Double check the roof hatches! I once soaked a customer's bed because a latch was loose.
Seal Integrity — Look for cracked sealant around the solar panels before hitting it with water.
Electrical Covers — Make sure the 240v inlet and fridge vents are clear but protected from direct high pressure.
Move out of direct sun — If you wash a van in 35-degree sun, the soap will dry before you can rinse. It's a nightmare.
03

The Cleaning Process

Tap each step to mark complete
01

Underbody Flush

Get under there first. Blast out the red dust and salt from the chassis and suspension components before you wash the body.

02

Snow Foam & Dwell

Coat the whole thing in foam. Let it sit for 5 minutes (don't let it dry!) to lift the grit and bird droppings away from the paint.

03

The Top-Down Wash

Start at the roof. Use your pole brush and a two-bucket method. Use light pressure, let the soap do the heavy lifting.

04

Window Care

Be gentle on acrylic windows. No harsh chemicals here or they'll go cloudy. Use plenty of water and a clean microfibre mitt.

05

Rinse & Dry

Rinse thoroughly from top to bottom. Dry it quickly with the big towels to prevent those nasty Aussie hard-water spots.

06

Apply Sealant

Spray your sealant (like C2) panel by panel. It adds a sacrificial layer against UV and makes the next wash ten times easier.

04

Final Inspection

What You'll Need

0/3
Check the Solar Panels — Are they streak-free? Dust on panels can drop your charging efficiency by 20%.
Awning Check — Open it up. Is it dry? Never roll it up wet or you'll get a science experiment of mould.
Tyre Dressing — Apply a UV protectant to the sidewalls. Caravan tyres usually rot before they wear out.

A Few Truths

Look, I've tried the 'cheap' caravan washes from the servo. Most of them are just glorified dish soap that strips any wax you've got. If you've been up the beach, spend the extra 20 minutes on the chassis. Salt is the silent killer of Aussie campers.

Watch Out

NEVER use a high-pressure washer close to the decals or seals. It will peel them right off (learned that the expensive way on a brand new Lotus). Also, keep the pressure away from fridge vents, you don't want water in the gas burner.

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