Cleaning a caravan roof

[@josephgoodman6506]

A quick tip to help get rid of the muck and water off the roof quicker as you are washing. Lift the rear steadies a few inches, wind up the jockey wheel a reasonable amount, re-steady, then wash from front to back, doing about 6 foot one side then 6 foot the other side, meeting in the middle, then rinse the cleaned section, and so on along the length of the caravan. As the water is running down the still dirty section it softens the dirt and it lifts off easier. Needless to say, after doing the roof, it is prudent to wash all sides at the same time to prevent streaking. I try to do mine when it's drizzling or raining, the dirt lifts off much quicker and the rain helps with the rinsing. :-) For newcomers to caravanning, try not to wash the van on a hot sunny day, or you may find yourself spending another half hour or so playing catchup getting rid of the streaks resulting from the shampoo drying before you could rinse it off. ;-)

[@glenhall8079]

Never use a pressure washer, big big mistake!!!! I stupidity used one and it got under the roof rail, about a week later my Mrs was polishing inside the bedroom and noticed water seeping down the walls, I now have a damp problem, my fault!!! Just a warning to all, learn by MY mistake!!

[@ronaldyardley8965]

Glad I'm not The Only One..Some People Think I'm Nuts Washing My Caravan ( Especially Roof) In The Rain! .. 👍

[@ukaypete]

If I can add something to this. The first thing I do is lift all the skylights and use a dish washing brush /toothbrush with warm water and car wash liquid soap and spend time cleaning the dirt from around the sky light openings from the inside using short step ladders, then from the outside on taller step ladders. Then close the skylights and attack the main roof.

[@jonnyandvonny]

Hi Dan. Really helpful video as always. We purchased a Maypole fitted cover for our van when we purchased it. I was sceptical at first having heard about damp and researching the causes, however we have never had any issues at all. I ensure the van is very clean after a trip away and put it on between trips all year. I have it down to a fine art now for putting it on myself in 15 minutes and the joy is that the van is perfect when we choose to go away. Best £120 I have ever spent! As a belt and braces, I have 2 of the Aero 360 damp tramps in the van, which work really well. Worth thinking about!

[@TheTrudgians]

Morning Jon, I'm creating a video on "winterisation" to cover off more topics etc - this was just the cleaning video etc. Good idea on the cover and damp traps. We tend not to cover the van as we try to use it throughout the winter months too. Look out for that video soon ! Thanks again Dan

[@jonnyandvonny]

Hi Dan. Yes we use ours in the winter as well and over the last couple of years have been really impressed in how it has kept the van so well. Now takes just 15 minutes to put on and off. This is why we use it all year round for that extra protection. Cheers Jon

[@anthonycook3292]

Jon Goodwin scorers Covers

[@BobMuk08]

The Generic covers are hopeless & quickly break down. a 'tailored' fitted cover may cost more, but lasts 7-10 years. Downside is the material attracts cats who love to sharpen their claws on it. Garden mesh esp on the corners keeps them off.

[@patriciahiggins6989]

I paid for a really good cover but it blew off in a high wind 😂

[@buxtonianvilla]

Another great informative video....I would love to see a future video on how you and fellow caravan enthusiasts tackle awning floor coverings...ie single or several layers, how to tackle muddy pitches, foam mats etc.👍🏻

[@martinkitchin6204]

Thanks Dan ! I LOVE a clean car so no doubt our new caravan will get the same treatment on the drive when it comes home from its storage barn. I'll make sure I keep the hose on low pressure around the vulnerable bits.

[@BobMuk08]

Ah.... the Beauty of a Cover! I only need to clean the roof once a year. When its washed I use a 'waterless' was wash & wax applied w product moistened microfibre cloth on a floor 'flat mop' then buff the same way with a dry microfibre cloth. My van is 2007 & looks like new. The interior is always wiped down with Anti-bac after every outing. fridge & loo cleaned too so that all is ready for the next outing. All that while the wife tackles the clothes washing. The Van has its own clothes, socks, undies shirts, etc so there is no need to pack for a trip. Just the fresh food - Hook up & run takes about 30 mins after getting home from church. my wife says I have 'house-burglars'. LOL. great Vid doing the roof is never fun.

[@HitchUpAndTow]

Thanks for the vid, some nice tips. 3 years of caravanning, maybe i'll clean the roof now.

[@TheTrudgians]

Excellent stuff Mark, good luck - and take your time ! Take care Dan

[@swwms1197]

The Trudgians a

[@alanpurvis55]

Mark Twaits I

[@johnboycash3225]

Would you advise a jet wash (karcher) on the caravan?

[@lover2dstars]

Great video DT it's hard when storage to get a good scrub, thanks again 🇬🇧

[@dianebonner8827]

Wondor if you'd help me I own static atlas lodge hvent been there for 2 years liking after my mum . I hv know returned to damp and a tide mark by the patio and behind the couch any help to get rid or do I hv to get atlas out many thanks

[@luciocancellara4995]

Hi there , have you tried wet & forget for the roof?

[@keithcowan1479]

Hi have you fitted a pageant 7 series awning grey skirt rail

[@DavidSmith-qk2wn]

Dan how do you clean under a solar panel. I just brought a three year bailey cabera. Its really dirty

[@sarahintheuk5928]

Should I clean my roof before every season? Thank you

[@24694104]

Cobblers to that! Lol. I store mine on a storage site but we are not allowed to wash our vans in situ.I normally take mine to a local hand car wash site when we come back from our trip away. I spoke to the owner and explained no high pressure hose . We came to an agreement and he only charges me a tenner for the caravan without the roof. I only have the roof done once a year when we come back from Spain.

[@dmaher2007]

This might be a silly question? but is the roof not designed to take the weight of a person so cleaning could be done faster, or was it just not accessible with the size of the ladder?, Love the videos, Cheers

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Dave, thanks for the question, and no its not a silly question. The roof on many caravans is not designed to take any weight. Some caravans are the exception to this, but this will need checking with your caravan manufacturer and model etc. Hope that helps. Dan

[@leemclaughlin3927]

yeah the bailey alu-tech vans u can but i wouldn't do it on standard construction (also poss the hobby vans but dont turn up with one of those on site especially if you drive a transit van lol)

[@Tdkboot72]

lee mclaughlin Why not? I use a Transit to pull mine.

[@tonyska]

Great video and advice. We have recently put our caravan on a storage site and our plot is directly under trees. I fear we will be cleaning the roof on a regular basis. I have considered a top cover but that would cover our solar panel.

[@cinny2222]

All Weather Caravan Cover while its Parked up?

[@randymch]

Which pump-up sprayer is this please?

[@susansmiles2242]

Dan why do you not put caravan cover on it when you have cleaned it, we have a protec cover made for the van and it seems to keep it clean over the winter.

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi John, thats a really easy answer - we use it more over winter than in Summer. it just would take too much time to put on, take off and store in another location while we use the caravan.

[@brianhughes8449]

Was planning to clean roof in similar state. Do you use anything from dry sparkle now or still same method? What was the cleaning agent which you added to water?

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Brian, with the roof i really keep it simple - so any car shampoo will do this job. If you suffer from really bad stains or marks, use a black streak remover on the areas, but do make sure you give it a good wash. Hope that helps. Dan

[@caravanalia4662]

One down, what another 50+ to go...lol. great video. Tip... if you have a Karcher Window vac it can come in handy to help remove excess dirty water as you clean.

[@TheTrudgians]

Now that is a top tip.. thank you !! Take care, Dan

[@tonykruck1798]

Good shout !!!

[@busterboy7505]

Anyone know weather a caravan cover would help to keep the caravan any cleaner? 👍.

[@glendadarling683]

Thanks for this I was just wondering why you wouldn't put a caravan cover over your van to protect it. Is there any reason you don't use one. Cheers Glenda from Australia

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Glenda, We don't cover the van simply because we use it right throughout the year. it just wouldn't be effective for us. We also have a solar panel in the front window, a cover would hide the panel thus making it completely useless. I hope that helps Dan

[@glendadarling683]

The Trudgians Makes sense not to cover. Appreciate your reply. I love your videos.

[@Brendan-sz9xp]

Hi dan just cleaned my caravan roof to day in preparation for fittings 150w solar panel next weekend. One thing I can’t understand what are them telescopic antennas for on the tv aerial if you can’t reach them ? Do you know 🙁

[@albertsmith1048]

Radio.

[@tomassmith1450]

Helpful video thanks 👍

[@TheTrudgians]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Cumbriahandyman]

Take delivery of my first ever caravan next week. I am 69 and SWMBO is 68. Tiny two birth Swift Basecamp. Any tips!

[@TheTrudgians]

Oh, any tips? well the first one must be to enjoy it. You will have a great time - the BaseCamp is a fab caravan and im sure you will have some amazing times away in it. Take care

[@peterrider3471]

The Trudgians ,

[@davidallen7540]

Great channel. Very interesting

[@davecunningham4393]

eh up pal ..i like your tips and i do some of them..for cleaning my roof i made a A frame tressle with a youngerman board so i can do the lenghth of the van without moving the step ladder,..tressles can be bought from ebay..

[@krissander1]

I am going to check if my aerial has the pull out sides I might be able to get a signal then!

[@patriciahiggins6989]

Very useful video 🎉

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you.

[@stuartdilbey678]

Hi Dan Please could you tell me if you seal your roof after you have washed it. I have watched your video using the Mellerud products and I have ordered some on your recommendation, but I won’t be able to polish the roof on the site ( caravan lives on a site 100 miles from home). Your thoughts would be appreciated. Regards Stuart

[@TheTrudgians]

HI Stuart, No generally we dont polish the roof, we simply clean it as much as we can, then dry it and thats it. I hope that helps. Dan

[@3577ep]

Excellent video, many thanks. Could I please ask what wax you use on your Caravan? We have only been Caravanning a year so a bit of a novice so I am open to any advice. We have a new Bailey Pegasus Rimini and we love it and I want to be able to look after it. Many thanks again.

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Michael, Thanks for your comment. We use the Maguires Tech wax on our caravan. it protects and reduces the risk of those black streaks. I hope that helps, have a look at our "Caravan Cleaning" video and you can see the products we use there. Take care Dan

[@3577ep]

Hi there Dan, many thanks for your very quick reply. I really appreciate it. I will indeed have a good look round your videos, Michael.

[@dawnallard6841]

Good vid again. Don't think the hubster turns his aerial up..I will pass that idea on. I still have to show him the windows vid. We are lucky we have ours at home, and it is one you can stand on roof. According to the sales blurb it can take a car! We use one of those rubber glass squeegee thingys to remove surplus water.

[@lensmanonline]

Great vid Dan, Our van is usual stored under cover in a barn and shares it winter home with pigeons who sit on the beams above and leave deposits all over the roof, and due to storage condition e.t.c we only wash our van when on holiday, so as you can imagine we get large piles of pigeon poo poo which is set like concrete, worst thing is if it's raining when we go out for the first time, well I'll leave it to your imagination as to how our van looks NOT A PRETTY SIGHT. Best wishes Jon

[@TheTrudgians]

Morning Jon, do you wax your roof at all ? and do you find the pigeon waste burns the paintwork at all ?

[@lensmanonline]

The Trudgians Good morning Dan, yes we do wax the roof along with the rest of the van on our last holiday of the year, we spend the final day washing polishing inside and out. The pigeon waste does most definitely mark the paintwork, I think it's the lime it contains that does the damage if I remember from my days as paint sprayer \panel beater, even on cars with high tech paint which is lacquered bird waste should be washed off a.s.a.p. as it will mark the paintwork. cheers Jon

[@krissander1]

shoot the pigeons!

[@deelee5664]

Hi. Wouldn't it be best to throw a tarpaulin over the van when in storage!

[@Cumbriahandyman]

How did you train Tom? Most teens would balk at the idea of helping dad, so tell the secret.

[@Gixer750pilot]

How do I clean under the solar panel ?

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi, i use a micro fibre cloth wrapped around a bamboo garden stick, then wash as much crud off with a hose. Obviously, on this caravan we didn't need to worry, but we have that exact problem on the Bailey.

[@Gixer750pilot]

The Trudgians thanks Dan . It’s obvious now you say it . When is the next CCC coming out ???

[@woodturnerbloke555]

Hi Dan, Interesting video. Do you ever walk on your roof??

[@TheTrudgians]

Morning, no i wouldn't. Many vans cannot support any weight on the roof, ours included. Some newer vans can support the weight of someone walking around, its best to check with your specific van if you are able to walk on it. Thanks Dan

[@woodturnerbloke555]

Thanks Dan :-)

[@deniswright5598]

Just noticed that you have the blinds down. This might cause the caravan windows to mist up The sun reflects back and heats up the windows and can damage them . It might be better to leave the fly screens down if you want privacy. Good idea of solar panels to top up the battery

[@TheTrudgians]

HI Denis, A valid point, however we have the tops of the blinds open, to allow any heat to escape from that thermo nuclear trap between the blinds and windows. I must cover this topic in a vlog ;-) Take care Dan

[@jasongallagher8336]

Great video again guys and great job on the caravan roof it's certainly not my favourite part of the caravan cleaning regime

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Jason, you're spot on. everything gets covered in muck. I hate it, but does need doing (more than we have done lol) Thanks for popping by. Dan

[@danielhendry8376]

Get a low pressure battery operated ‘jet wash’ no where near the same pressure as a plug in one but much easier to clean away the excess dirt.

[@DenSol-xk4sd]

Dan ever tried wet and forget ??

[@TheTrudgians]

I tried it once, on the lunar I’ll be honest I didn’t like the results and never shared it. I found putting in the work gave best results for cleanliness and longevity. 👍

[@DenSol-xk4sd]

@@TheTrudgians cheers Dan. Going away soon and our Ridgeway needs a scrub. I’ll use your cleaning caravan roof vid 👌👌👌

[@Caravannery]

Great video and really helpful as I bought a caravan last weekend and am giving it a full clean tomorrow. I have just subscribed to your channel and I wonder what are your thoughts on caravan covers, the dealer we bought our caravan from strongly recommended getting one but none of the vans (aside from 1) in our storage site have covers on. Is it a case of regularly cleaning and waxing will do the job?

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Gareth, We don't use covers, but many do. The point is from what i have seen at our storage site, is if you do use a cover, check it regularly. Once loose or ripped they really come undone quite quickly and not only could damage your 'van but also your neighbours van too. We just keep our caravan as clean as possible and it also makes it easier to pull out at the moments notice for a spontaneous break away. I hope that helps. Take care Dan

[@stevechurchman1824]

Another good video. Don't forget to put your aerial down again after you have finished.

[@TheTrudgians]

Good point ! Dan

[@clonkaclaire80]

I’m really worried about scratching it with a brush?

[@BILLY-yv5eo]

I have never seen two people buy and use so much equipment, and make a simple job so time consuming, I guess some people like to do things the hard way. I can only assume that they have never heard of "Greased Lightning"showroom shine. I have cleaned and polished all of my twin axle caravans roof in under 3 hours, on my own with no mess, no water and little effort.(No need to wash your caravan first) All that is needed is a bottle of "Greased Lighting" showroom shine and half a dozen quality micro fiber cloths (which can be washed afterwards). The results are amazing. The following day I cleaned all four sides of the caravan, I also use it all over my Audi Allroad tow car including all the glass. One bottle covers all your cleaning problems

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Billy, thanks for your comment - please do film the Greased Lightening being used, I'm pretty sure lots of caravan & motorhome people will be really interested in seeing how this works out, me included. Thanks for popping by.

[@windsurfer49]

WILLIAMS" waterless wash"wax. "as used by WILLIAMS racing, always good deals on tv shopping channels,(Ideal World, always have a great demo") comes in 1ltre spray top bottles, can do a large car in 20mins" spray on panel wipe on with micro fibre cloth, wipe off "done" move to next panel, no need to wash first"lotion picks up dirt without scratching as you wipe on" leaving a shiny surface coated in "Carnauba Wax" .reading the bottle in protects against corrosion and UV discolouration , also great for plastic double glazing , gets all dirt off, cloths get dirty but being water based you can wash them , great for wheels , spray on, leave. clean break dust even comes off , NO need for water, great stuff""

[@clonkaclaire80]

I’d love to see a video too from someone so knowledgeable!!

[@schosh]

Waterless washing!!! The work of the devil. Ask any professional detailer what they think of this method of cleaning a vehicle, caravan etc. If your happy with a scratch haze finish then use away.

[@84hoover]

great vids watched a few now. 1st caravan had it a year now thanks

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you, Glad our videos are helpful. Take care Dan

[@peterjackson8084]

84hoover i

[@alanjackson4646]

Love your videos by the way.

[@TheTrudgians]

Thank you Alan, thats very kind. Take care Dan

[@davidk3729]

Wet and Forget. Use garden spray all over in Autumn. That’s it. Come back in spring and there will be no green moss, lichen, slime. On offer at Costco at present. £20 for five litres, makes 30 litres solution with water. No effort, uses little product. Also cleans paving, awnings, tent fabric, timber fencing. Used on mohair convertible roof too.

[@davidk3729]

It does. Just leave it. If it's really moss stained will take months.

[@GINGERDAVID90]

Hi dan brilliant video as normal I really think it helps others. just to let you know you have a typo in the description box

[@TheTrudgians]

Ahh - Thank you, sorted now.

[@neildance329]

that explains why our vans roof is always green, we have are van in storage also near trees to that reminds me ours needs cleaning

[@woobiewoo5405]

Good vid 👍

[@crobinson1977]

The person next to you good use a bit of these cleaning things 😂

[@arndale1957]

has the bloke in the next caravan seen this video?

[@TheTrudgians]

John Baxendale hi, yes I expect they have and fully understand why they haven't cleaned their van for some time Thanks Dan

[@tigertruckerman]

Thats belongs to Stevie wonder

[@BingbangoRicardo]

This is not the way to gain access. Ladder should protrude well above roofline

[@LS-ck3bt]

well done guys :-)

[@alanjackson4646]

Just checking !!

[@taichpaul]

Someone needs a longer ladder :-)

[@davesouthall3834]

Bit late to this but. Never use a mains powered pressure washer on your caravan it can and will push your aluminium panels away from your seals. You will damage your van.!!!!!!!!

[@johnmayberry7669]

Why don't you invest in a winter cover if your van sits near trees and you won't have a messy roof.... £80 well spent

[@TheTrudgians]

very simple, we use the caravan alot. every 3 - 4 weeks its out, adding a cover simply wouldnt work for us. and even with a cover, the roof will still get dirty, allbeit not as quick.

[@alanjackson4646]

If you had opened the skylights you could have cleaned the whole van.

[@TheTrudgians]

ha, we did clean the skylights (and under the lips to) i just didn't record that at the time Take care Dan

[@kevineast2079]

I put the wife actually on the roof she does a lot better job than me. We haven’t done ours for 18 months now.

[@anthonybowers1126]

what do you mean she is still on the roof ?

[@sl_eep_0859]

then you should take tour coat off

[@staceyroberts6044]

Who knew their are ariel;s in the TV antenna LOL

[@abraminanntroveropiuemieif4138]

Ma cosa dici lavoro io 80 anni ammalata. Nn cammino cuasi piu mi e morto io figlio grade dispiacere. Ma dai cosa mi dici

[@abraminanntroveropiuemieif4138]

Bellissimo

[@deanmacartney7111]

Wouldn't want my van parked by someone splashing about & up side van with ladders

[@frankmaartens2868]

Never hold up your sunglasses!

[@colinlindsay3262]

No way he cleans that every 3 months! That roof hasnt been done in years!

[@TheTrudgians]

it was 3 months and 5 days exactly (i know this because of events at home & date of recording ;-) . But, you raise a really good point - It was one of the reasons why we moved away from this storage site, we used to get a heck of alot of debris and growth from the trees and other pretty dirty caravans in close proximity to our caravan that used to blow over. Since moving - we havnt had to be so thorough. Hope that helps

[@jayrichardson6872]

Hi guys. So sorry please don’t think I’m being rude. But just can’t understand why you don’t get a cover I know that I’m probably pointing out the obvious But. I was just saying sorry fellow caravaners.😜

[@TheTrudgians]

HI Jay, no its a good question. many do get a cover, we however opt not to - as we (until this pandemic) use the caravan at least once a month, maybe twice. So adding a cover makes it more difficult when nipping away, Hope that helps

[@inniscloete7242]

How sad are those British caravans looking....

[@johndunraven390]

I clean my van roof every fortnight and it's spotless, your roof is very dirty to say the least.

[@veronical.lianmaseras4543]

Why does he clean like Posh Spice?

[@TheTrudgians]

Nope, completely don’t understand this comment.