Make sure the touring coach’s surface temperature is not too hot, under 90°F, and not in direct sunlight. A shady area is ideal for washing your vehicle, as direct sunlight causes water and soap to evaporate too fast, resulting in water spotting. Use a mild soap or detergent.
Most auto care stores carry a car wash shampoo. Try to avoid combination wash-n-wax products as these waxes cause buildup and are designed for smaller surfaces. Have two dedicated sponges or wax mitts: one for the paint finish and one for the wheels and under carriage. Brushes or wash mitts that have plastic bristles are acceptable for use on tires and wheel wells, but are not intended for use on the paint finish. Avoid using such items on painted surfaces, as they will damage the touring coach paint and finish.
Wash from the top and work your way down, frequently rinsing to minimize grit abrasion. Follow with a final rinse of water. This process will remove most contamination from the touring coach’s surface. For stubborn stains such as road tar, use an ammonia-based glass cleaner or a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a damp cloth immediately followed by warm soapy water and rinse with clean water. This may not dissolve the road tar, but will loosen tar and bug stains and remove them from the surface. Do not use solvent-based cleaners on bird droppings or tree sap as these are water-based stains and will eventually dissolve using an ammonia-based glass cleaner, warm soapy water and a little “elbow grease”. Once again, after removing stubborn stains immediately rinse with clean water.
Drying the touring coach is just as important as washing your vehicle as today’s tap water and well water contain many chemicals that could water stain your touring coach’s finish. We suggest using a damp natural or synthetic chamois, however, there are other drying products such as lint free micro-fiber towels that work just as well.