Rv exterior detail

tpr1634

tpr1634

New member
Joined
Apr 23, 2012
Messages
1,160
Reaction score
0
I have never done a RV, come spring I will have a 30ish footer to do. What aio product can you guys recommend for fiberglass RV. If any of you have done them which I'm sure, do you price by the foot if so how about a ball park number.:buffing: thanks Tim
 
Fiberglass, Aluminum, what type of material ?. Oxidation ?

Dave
 
I charged by the foot when I didnt know any better a few years ago lol..... Id say go look at it, estimate fixed and variable costs then estimate how much time it will take you and charge what you are worth. When it comes to rvs and boats, 30 ft could mean MANY things..... there are some that are way taller than others, some that are all gelcoat (AIO won't cut it on gel), some that are painted with clear (cake walk), some more intricate than others, some have the aluminum waved siding (pain in the butt), etc. Do they want the roof cleaned and sealed? Is it a rubber roof or fiberglass roof? Tons of questions to ask and know before coming up with a price.
 
Bates Detailing said:
I charged by the foot when I didnt know any better a few years ago lol..... Id say go look at it, estimate fixed and variable costs then estimate how much time it will take you and charge what you are worth. When it comes to rvs and boats, 30 ft could mean MANY things..... there are some that are way taller than others, some that are all gelcoat (AIO won't cut it on gel), some that are painted with clear (cake walk), some more intricate than others, some have the aluminum waved siding (pain in the butt), etc. Do they want the roof cleaned and sealed? Is it a rubber roof or fiberglass roof? Tons of questions to ask and know before coming up with a price.
Click to expand...

Thanks I will look it over, I don't he wants any special detailed more or a less a wash and wax that's why I'm thinking a polish/wax combo one pass done.:buffing:
 
Most Fiberglass RV's will be oxidized to some extent. If very light the AIO a wool pad and a rotary may work. Other than that it will need compounding then waxed or sealed. My 5th wheel is approx. 900 square feet of fiberglass, it is 32' long. Needless to say if it needs to be washed then compounded then sealed it is a few weekends of work for one person. I personally use DG products that work well and longevity is very good. If someone else were to do the job I am sure the price would be far more than I could/would want to pay. It definately turns out nice in the end but it is a lot of time and effort to get there.

Dave
 
I've also been doing some homework on this. As a recent new used RV owner I will be detailing mine in the spring. My guess if someone is going to pay you to detail their RV, they expect the roof to be detailed as well, double check on that so you can calculate that into your price. From what I've found on the net Décor products seem to be some of the best for the roof (they also make most of the rubber roofs out there). Plan to spend near $60 for products $30 each for cleaner and protectant.

Additionally, if you price by the foot, or take that into consideration, measure the RV yourself. 5th wheels are very misleading on size. Many pull type RVs are numbered by length i.e. a 29 RLS would be 29' long. 5th wheels are not like that at all. I have a 291 that is 35.5', my parents have a 305 (same manufacturer and line, 2 years newer) that is 34'. Also, if you go off the manufacturers numbers for length, they measure from the back to the king pin, depending on the style, you might have another 1-2' out in front.
 
Never detailed an RV myself so can't help :(

Not to hijack your thread but someone brought something up I thought was intresting.
Charging by the foot.

Reason I bring it up I may have a Boat to polish out, gel coat.
I was thinking $30.00 a foot, is that a fair price for both parties ?
The last time I buffed out a boat must have been 20 years ago, didn't charge for it being it belonged to my brother.
 
Off season is usually lower priced than peak season.
$30/ft is reasonable, but research prices in your market.
Hate to see you lose out.
 
I would recommend an hourly rate. With rvs and boat there are alot of unknowns. A thorough explanation to customer of work involved to achieve their goal.The per foot rule can get you into trouble.I would give a guesstimate of 8-12 hours @ an hourly rate you are happy with. When you've done several you can give a per foot price. I have done approximately 75 rvs and still do hourly rates. Thats what works for me and has kept me out of underestimating a job.Almost all trades charge an hourly and for good reason.
 
STPETEDALE said:
I would recommend an hourly rate. With rvs and boat there are alot of unknowns. A thorough explanation to customer of work involved to achieve their goal The per foot rule can get you into trouble.I would give a guesstimate of 8-12 hours @ an hourly rate you are happy with. When you've done several you can give a per foot price. I have done approximately 75 rvs and still do hourly rates. Thats what works for me and has kept me out of underestimating a job.Almost all trades charge an hourly and for good reason.
Click to expand...

How often are you turning down/passing on RV details?
 
I would guesstimate 70/30 on those who book and don't. Oddly enough I get 70% of work from word of mouth and 30% from advertising. I do pick my battles and always pass on turds. So I would imagine rv owners talk and tell each other what they were charged and my rates are comparable to others all said and done.I have several snowbirds I give discounts to because of exchange rates. I do approximately 50% auto, 30% boats, 20% rvs. An ac guy showed up charged $150to change a $5 plug and play part in 10 minutes.Compared to him I should charge a $1000an hour.
 
The hourly rate is the way to go. Gelcoat takes a long time to get right. If it is aluminum, can you nooks and crannies. Plus there is ladder work involved unless you rent a skyjacker zoom boom. Duragloss products work well and so do Menzerna. I use Hydro2 as the LSP as it is easy to put on, creates a gloss finish, and lasts quite a while.
 
Kevin Cullen said:
The hourly rate is the way to go. Gelcoat takes a long time to get right. If it is aluminum, can you nooks and crannies. Plus there is ladder work involved unless you rent a skyjacker zoom boom. Duragloss products work well and so do Menzerna. I use Hydro2 as the LSP as it is easy to put on, creates a gloss finish, and lasts quite a while.
Click to expand...

I can vouch for the Duragloss products first hand in cost, finish and durability.

Dave
 
STPETEDALE said:
I would guesstimate 70/30 on those who book and don't. Oddly enough I get 70% of work from word of mouth and 30% from advertising. I do pick my battles and always pass on turds. So I would imagine rv owners talk and tell each other what they were charged and my rates are comparable to others all said and done.I have several snowbirds I give discounts to because of exchange rates. I do approximately 50% auto, 30% boats, 20% rvs. An ac guy showed up charged $150to change a $5 plug and play part in 10 minutes.Compared to him I should charge a $1000an hour.
Click to expand...

Well said. That's what I look for in face to face conversations with detailers in this arena.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top