6 Easy Steps to a Spotless Custom Off-Road Caravan

After all the hard work that went into creating your own custom caravan, keeping it spotless is a joy to behold! Maintaining a clean caravan isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about enhancing its longevity, maintaining resale value and ensuring every adventure feels as fresh as the first. 

Dust roads, tree leaves and bird droppings can damage surfaces and lead to premature wear and tear. Here are six easy steps to keep your Wonderland RV shining bright and ready for all of your adventures. 

1. Avoid Direct Sunlight 

Before you grab that bucket and sponge, consider the timing. Choose a day and time when the sun isn’t blazing over your head.   

Direct sunlight can cause soap to dry too quickly, leaving streaks and water spots. So, clean your custom off-road caravan on a cloudy day or during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon). 

Also ensure you’re parked in an area with good drainage, so water doesn’t pool around your caravan.

2. Rinse Before You Wash 

Start by rinsing your caravan thoroughly to remove loose dirt and debris. Use a hose or pressure washer set to a low pressure. Don’t put the nozzle too close to your panels (safe distance of 1-2 metres) as it can damage your caravan’s paint or seals. A gentle mist is the ideal way to pre-rinse and rinse off your caravan. 

Be also careful not to apply too much pressure on your decals. These are just affixed with adhesive and excess pressure will allow water to get under them and make them peel off. 

3. Don’t Water Sensitive Areas

Avoid directing your hose directly into your caravan vents. Whilst you can apply water above vents and allow it to run down over them, watering your vent from a lower point will send water directly into your caravan. 

Don’t aim at the rubber seals of your entry door, windows or service doors as water can get inside these crevices too. 

4. Wash Top to Bottom, Panel by Panel 

Always work from the top down. Why? Gravity is your ally. As you wash each panel, gravity pulls the dirt downward, preventing soap from drying prematurely.  

Apply your chosen soap with care. A little goes a long way! Use soft brushes on checkerplate, and sponges on panels and windows to gently scrub your caravan in sections. This makes sure the soap never dries on a panel. Still, rinse promptly. 

Although a telescopic brush is handy for hard-to-reach areas such as the roof, solar panels, checkerplate panel, chassis, wheels and tyres, we still recommend the old-fashioned sponge for washing painted panels and acrylic windows – the same treatment you would use for a luxury car.

Bowden’s Nanolicious Soap, being pH neutral and biodegradable, is Wonderland RV’s top choice for a gentle yet effective clean. 

• It does not harm the paint 
• It repels water to prevent water spots, so drying is a breeze
• It enhances shine by leaving a protective layer 
• It is safe on custom off-road caravans with ceramic coating, maintaining its protective properties 
  
  

5. Dry Thoroughly 

After your comprehensive wash, it’s time to dry your caravan. Grab a clean chamoisor or a quality microfiber cloth. Don’t forget to wipe around the door, windows and service door seals for a nicer finish.  

Leave all the hatches, doors, and windows open to allow for maximum air circulation. This will help prevent moisture buildup inside the caravan. 

After drying, perform a final inspection to catch any missed spots or residual dirt. This step ensures your caravan is truly spotless and ready for its next journey.

6. Add-ons to Your Cleaning Arsenal  

Having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s a list of other essentials you might also need: 

• Telescopic brush for those hard-to-reach areas of the roof, solar panels and checkerplate. 
• Bucket for mixing cleaning solutions and rinsing cloths. 
• Acrylic window cleaner for a streak-free shine on acrylic windows, or even a clean chamois will give a nice finish. 
• Vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and debris from interiors and upholstery. 
• Rubber gloves to protects your hands from cleaning solutions and avoid being dirty.

The Extra Mile: Caravan Armour 

Wonderland RV knows custom off-road caravans like no other, so we’ve partnered with Caravan Armour Australia, a tough, anti-bacterial ceramic coating that can shield your caravan from UV rays, oxidation, scratches, chemical stains, tree saps, bird droppings, and other elements. 

Investing in ceramic coating is a smart decision for your investment. Fully protecting the van’s exterior and interiors with ceramic coating can make it easier to maintain. Caravan Armour’s advanced treatment minimises wear and tear, keeping your caravan looking spotless for longer. Plus, the service includes a cleaning pack and over $1000 worth of free product refills! 

Get in touch with us to include this service before your caravan handover. 

Caravan Customer Love 

Wonderland RV caravans are built to last, but our commitment to quality doesn’t end at purchase. We offer a comprehensive warranty and exceptional after-sales service, often praised by our satisfied customers. Whether you need advice on maintenance or help with any questions, our team is here to support you. But don’t just take our word for it – here’s what Wonderlanders have to say about us:

“Customer service has been amazing and certainly does not end after picking up your van.”

Rachel, Greater Melbourne (Outer), VIC

“100 out of 10 for service.  After-sales service is like nothing I’ve ever experienced.”

John Milne