Keep Your Camper Shell Glass Sparkling Clean

Keeping your camper van clean is essential, especially the front camper shell glass. The glass can get dirty over time, and it can be challenging to clean due to the tight space between the cab and the shell. Various methods can be used to clean the glass, such as using a pressure washer, a small window squeegee on a long handle, or taping a sponge to a long stick. Some camper shells have a window that folds down or rotates up, making it easier to clean. Others may need to be unbolted and slid back or completely removed for effective cleaning.

Using a pressure washer

Preparation:

• Ensure you have the right equipment: a pressure washer with adjustable settings, a garden hose with a spray nozzle, soft and stiff bristle brushes, and glass cleaning solutions.
• Before using a pressure washer, it is essential to understand your camper's construction and the type of glass it has. This will help you choose the appropriate cleaning agents and techniques.
• Keep a safe distance: Always maintain a distance of at least 18–24 inches between the pressure washer wand and the glass surface. This will prevent direct high-pressure water contact, reducing the risk of damage to the glass and surrounding components.

Cleaning Process:

• Start by sweeping or rinsing away any loose dirt or debris from the glass surface using a soft brush or a low-pressure garden hose spray.
• Adjust the pressure washer to a suitable setting. A lower pressure setting is generally recommended to avoid potential damage.
• Begin washing the glass from the top, working your way down. Use the pressure washer wand to spray the glass, ensuring that you do not spray directly at seals, gaskets, or other sensitive components.
• For stubborn stains or streaks, you can use a stiff-bristled brush along with a glass cleaning solution. Apply the solution to the brush and gently scrub the affected areas.
• After cleaning, rinse the glass surface thoroughly with a garden hose to remove any remaining dirt or cleaning solution. Ensure that all soap residue is removed.
• If desired, apply a window sealant or rain repellent to the glass surface. This will help keep the glass cleaner for longer and improve visibility during rainy conditions.

Important Considerations:

• Be cautious when cleaning around rubber seals and gaskets. Direct high-pressure water can damage these components, leading to leaks.
• Avoid using a pressure washer on decorative decals, as the high pressure can cause peeling or micro-cracks.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for your specific pressure washer model and glass cleaning solutions.
• If you are new to using a pressure washer, consider practising on a small area first to get a feel for the equipment and adjust the settings accordingly.

A small window squeegee

How to Clean Front Camper Shell Glass with a Small Window Squeegee

Supplies

To clean the glass between the cab and shell of your camper, you will need a small window squeegee that will fit in the gap on a long handle. You can purchase this online, at a home centre, or at a hardware store. You will also need a scrubber or sponge, a bucket, and lint-free rags or small towels.

Clean the Glass

First, use your scrubber or sponge to wet the surface of the glass thoroughly. You can do this by dipping it in a bucket of soapy water and brushing off the excess water. Alternatively, you can spray down the surface and your scrubber with a spray bottle of soapy water.

Next, use a glass scraper to remove any stickers or other grime buildups. Apply more soapy water to the window after you are finished scraping.

Now, you can use your squeegee to remove the water from the surface. There are two different ways to do this:

Beginner Method

Using your squeegee, start from the top of the glass and go directly down to the bottom. Start again at the top but move the squeegee over slightly, so that the next path slightly overlaps the last path you took. Repeat until you’ve removed all water from the glass.

Advanced Method

Use the fanning technique. The fanning technique involves using the squeegee to perform a series of short strokes in several different directions. This moves the soapy water, keeping it from getting under the blade of the squeegee. If water gets under the blade, it can smear and cause streaks.

Finally, use your scrubber or a lint-free microfiber cloth to remove any water build-up near the corners, window sill, or side of the window.

Removing the camper shell

Firstly, open the rear cap window and the truck's tailgate. Then, climb into the truck bed and disconnect any wire connections to the third brake light and interior dome light. You may need a pair of wire cutters to do this. If you intend to replace the shell, mark the inside of the bed rail to truck cap joints with a grease pencil or marker. This will help you realign the cap when you put it back on.

Next, you will need to remove the four cap clamps at each corner of the truck bed. You will need a ratchet and socket to do this. If you are recruiting some help, now is the time to call on them. With four people, you can place one person at each corner of the cap. Alternatively, you can manage with just one other person, one on each side, but you will need to be careful not to damage the paintwork. Carefully lift the cap and carry it to a safe location.

If you are removing the cap permanently, you can use a cleaning solution to remove the sticky foam padding from the bed rails. Be sure to clean any exposed wires to avoid future electrical problems.

When you are ready to put the shell back on, simply reverse the process. Remember to realign the cap using the marks you made earlier.

Using a car wash

If you want to clean your camper shell glass without removing it, one option is to take it through a car wash. Here are some detailed instructions for cleaning your camper shell glass using a car wash:

Firstly, assess the gap between your camper shell and the rear window. If you have very little space, a standard car wash brush may not fit, and you will need to consider other options, such as a window washing brush with a long handle or a hose with a perpendicular nozzle. If you have a wider gap, you can try using a standard car wash brush with a long handle, or even a sponge on a stick.

When cleaning your camper shell glass at a car wash, it is important to be gentle to avoid scratching the paint. Consider wrapping any tools you use in a soft material, such as a microfiber cloth, to avoid damage. You can also stand on a step ladder to get a better angle and reach the glass more easily.

If you are concerned about scratching the paint, you can try using a spot-free rinse (RO water) at the car wash. This will help to avoid water spots and keep your paint looking its best.

Another option is to use a pressure washer at the car wash. This can be an effective way to clean the glass without having to remove the shell. Make sure you are careful when using a pressure washer, as the high-pressure water can damage paint or other surfaces if you are not careful.

Finally, consider using a glass sealant after cleaning the camper shell glass. This will help to keep the glass cleaner for longer and make it easier to clean in the future.

By following these instructions, you can effectively clean your camper shell glass using a car wash without having to remove the shell.

Sliding the camper shell back

To clean the front glass of your camper shell, you will need to slide the camper shell back. This process can be done by following these steps:

• Unbolt the camper shell: First, you will need to remove the bolts or clamps that hold the camper shell in place. This will allow you to slide it back or remove it entirely for cleaning.
• Slide the camper shell back: With the help of another person, carefully slide the camper shell back. Ensure that you do not drag the sealing surface and that you have enough space to access the front glass for cleaning.
• Clean the front glass: Once you have slid the camper shell back, you can clean the front glass using glass cleaners and soft cloths or sponges. You may also use a pressure washer or a small window squeegee for more effective cleaning.
• Re-attach the camper shell: After the glass is clean, carefully slide the camper shell back into its original position. Ensure that the sealing surfaces are properly aligned and re-attach the bolts or clamps to secure the camper shell in place.

It is important to note that you should be careful when sliding and handling the camper shell, as they can be heavy and awkward to move. Additionally, if your camper shell has a window, you may want to open or remove it to make the process easier. By following these steps, you will be able to effectively clean the front glass of your camper shell and maintain its clarity and appearance.

Frequently asked questions