Pebble Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 I'm quite fastidious when it comes to keeping black streaks at bay but ever since we've had our MH, they're getting the better of me. Take the other day for example. Washed the roof off and gave it a good polish and final wax with Farecla G3. An hour later it rained moderately for about 20 minutes. When the rain had stopped and the MH had dried off in the not so strong sunlight (about 2 hours), the black streaks on the side were back with a vengeance. It can't be the polish or wax causing these as I've tried several brands on the roof and nothing stops the streaks from coming back. I always thought, as when we had our 'van, that if you kept the roof clean, black streaks would be minimal. What the hell am I doing wrong and is there something simple I'm missing? Quote 2019 Adria Adora Thames Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gravon42 Posted August 28, 2014 Share Posted August 28, 2014 I'm quite fastidious when it comes to keeping black streaks at bay but ever since we've had our MH, they're getting the better of me. Take the other day for example. Washed the roof off and gave it a good polish and final wax with Farecla G3. An hour later it rained moderately for about 20 minutes. When the rain had stopped and the MH had dried off in the not so strong sunlight (about 2 hours), the black streaks on the side were back with a vengeance. It can't be the polish or wax causing these as I've tried several brands on the roof and nothing stops the streaks from coming back. I always thought, as when we had our 'van, that if you kept the roof clean, black streaks would be minimal. What the hell am I doing wrong and is there something simple I'm missing? So did I! It's happened to me too. Wash and polish one day, streaks the next. Something we have to live with, I think. Quote 2011 Land Rover Freelander 2, Lago grey 2013 Freelander Dynamic Black, followed by a 2013 Elddis 574 Magnum GT white Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Digger_07 Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 I was always under the impression that black streaks came from the rubbers on the windows, which if that is the case then use a caravan cleaner neat on the window rubbers and leaving it for around ten minuets, then rinsing it off that usually works if not repeat until no more black rinses off. That works on my caravan, can't say I have black streaks from the roof, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pebble Posted August 29, 2014 Author Share Posted August 29, 2014 I was always under the impression that black streaks came from the rubbers on the windows, which if that is the case then use a caravan cleaner neat on the window rubbers and leaving it for around ten minuets, then rinsing it off that usually works if not repeat until no more black rinses off. That works on my caravan, can't say I have black streaks from the roof, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. I like your thinking Digger but the black streaks we have are for 2/3rd of the MH length (14 feet ish) and are above the windows. Will persevere with the solution and see what Detailing World throws up. Quote 2019 Adria Adora Thames Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highlandman Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 My current caravan is the worst I've ever had for black streaks. They definitely come from the roof as they start from roof level even though I make a great effort to keep the roof clean. The only thing that seems to make a difference for me is to park the caravan in a nose-down attitude. I suspect that this causes the rainwater to run off the roof more quickly so that it has less time to absorb the soot, dirt, or whatever is lying on the roof. Quote We fight not for glory, nor for wealth nor honours . .. but only and alone we fight for freedom, which no good man surrenders but with his life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OMF Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 My current caravan is the worst I've ever had for black streaks. They definitely come from the roof as they start from roof level even though I make a great effort to keep the roof clean. The only thing that seems to make a difference for me is to park the caravan in a nose-down attitude. I suspect that this causes the rainwater to run off the roof more quickly so that it has less time to absorb the soot, dirt, or whatever is lying on the roof. Highlandman,Yes--- yes ---- the faster you can shift the debris from the roof and gutters the better.------if you use Fenwicks Bobby Dazzler in the rinse water after a good cleaning this will also speed up the removal of the CRUD which also coats the inside of the aluminium rails(gutters) helping to stop the build up of general rubbish. Wax/polish will also help in the speeding up of water etc but degrades with age and UV light. The old wax needs replacing before a new application is applied otherwise the old polish will absorb the dirt and stain the surface( c/v paint ain't ard) thus, becoming ingrained and much harder to remove. Regard OMF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highlandman Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 The black streaks issue is not helped by the lack of rainwater gutters on my series one Bailey Unicorn. In fact I'd say it's the only major criticism that I have about my caravan. Quote We fight not for glory, nor for wealth nor honours . .. but only and alone we fight for freedom, which no good man surrenders but with his life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Townie Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 The dreaded black streaks can't have anything to do with window rubbers (in my case) as I get them dowm the back of my Swift Challenger Sport 564. No rear window, just a huge expanse of white GRP. The roof has been cleaned so its not coming from there! We wait for a dry day, wash and dry the roof and slowly work our way down the front, sides and rear. The next rain shower and the streaks are back. Can any scientist provide an explanation?? As Toyah sang, "Its a mystery" Mike. Quote 2014 SsangYong Rexton W towing a 2017 Sprite Major 4EB. (After June 9th). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highlandman Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 I can't give you a scientific answer Townie, but I believe that the muck comes from the amount of pollution in the air produced by traffic exhaust fumes being carried down with the rain. We live quite near the M90 motorway and I have often noticed a change in the amount of filth on the caravan roof depending on whether the wind is carrying the air from the motorway or towards it. Quote We fight not for glory, nor for wealth nor honours . .. but only and alone we fight for freedom, which no good man surrenders but with his life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pebble Posted August 30, 2014 Author Share Posted August 30, 2014 (edited) I'm starting to think that maybe it's the polishes and waxes that were using that are actually accentuating the streaks? Yes, a good coating of polish/wax makes the streaks easier to remove but they shouldn't appear in the first place after, in my case, a very short period of time. Maybe time to try a few more polishes methinks - more £'s. What we need is the detailing guru, JCF1966's (James) and his thoughts on the subject. Edited August 30, 2014 by Pebble Quote 2019 Adria Adora Thames Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Digger_07 Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 Well you all got me thinking now, as it is strange that I don't seem to have the dreaded black streaks from the roof of my caravan, just the rubbers as stated in my earlier post. Maybe I am just lucky I guess, as my caravan is near a motorway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wunny Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 I only get the black streaks from the window rubbers, They don't wash off, they don't rub off, well not completely. Yesterday I tried some Mr Sheen, sprayed onto a soft cloth (old tee shirt). a gentle rub. ...... And they were gone! The van hasn't dissolved away either, so that looks like a good solution! I use Mr Sheen on my motorcycle too, with no ill effects on paint or ABS. Quote Bailey Orion News & Information - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonyJover Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Okay if you like the idea of silicone all over your bike and van I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBHostmaster Posted September 7, 2014 Share Posted September 7, 2014 Same here I too get the black streaks appearing after washing they are also difficult to remove Quote Hyundai Santa Fe 2. 2 Premium auto, 5 seats. Elddis Avante 574 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pebble Posted September 7, 2014 Author Share Posted September 7, 2014 (edited) I've spent a long time on the internet looking into what actually causes the black streaks. Forget window rubbers as my streaks, like a lot of other 'vanners, are above the window line. As to why they come back so quickly on a clean, polished sides, despite the roof being polished and waxed, is still a mystery. Edited September 7, 2014 by Pebble Quote 2019 Adria Adora Thames Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil O Posted September 7, 2014 Share Posted September 7, 2014 Due to my profession I keep on top of my caravan, never put in storage dirty and always washed before I use it, if I have chance I'll also give it a wash in storage, it's had paint protection and at the beginning of the year I give it a coat of wax and top it up throughout the year, probably 4 times. Even with this kind of attention it still gets black streaks, above the windows, below the windows, down the front and down the back, you will never beat the black streaks, you can only make them easier to get rid of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBHostmaster Posted September 7, 2014 Share Posted September 7, 2014 Removal is quite tough, so I think I will try Fenwicks Black Streak remover, here's a video (appreciate it is relating to the windows rubbers) but still relevant I think. ... Quote Hyundai Santa Fe 2. 2 Premium auto, 5 seats. Elddis Avante 574 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pebble Posted September 7, 2014 Author Share Posted September 7, 2014 (edited) Due to my profession I keep on top of my caravan, never put in storage dirty and always washed before I use it, if I have chance I'll also give it a wash in storage, it's had paint protection and at the beginning of the year I give it a coat of wax and top it up throughout the year, probably 4 times. Even with this kind of attention it still gets black streaks, above the windows, below the windows, down the front and down the back, you will never beat the black streaks, you can only make them easier to get rid of. Phil - could it be that some polishes/waxes react with the pollutants in the rain to create black streaks or am I clutching at straws? I only seem to get them on one side! I generally use Farecla G3 wax on top of a well prepare and polished surface, so removing the streaks isn't difficult. Just wish the ****** things didn't appear in the first place . Edited September 7, 2014 by Pebble Quote 2019 Adria Adora Thames Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil O Posted September 7, 2014 Share Posted September 7, 2014 Phil - could it be that some polishes/waxes react with the pollutants in the rain to create black streaks or am I clutching at straws? I only seem to get them on one side!If you only get them on one side then count yourself lucky, if you stood on one kerb all day at the end of it one side of you will be dirtier than the other, black streaks are a result of dirt from various sources. I doubt it very much that some waxes 'react' with pollutants, I think it's more likely the area/situation your van is parked. When I've valeted caravans at coastal locations the black streaks tend to be less of a problem. In storage areas close to towns and cities the problem is more so. As for clutching at straws. ...... Maybe I'll give that a go instead of a microfibre !!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtepete Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 (edited) I have sorted my black streak issues (90%) by fitting drip strips to my awning rails on my 2011 Ranger gt, been using them for about 6 months now, They fit in each awning rail, and allow rainwater fron the roof to drip away from the body. ....it works for me. .. Edited October 19, 2014 by gtepete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pebble Posted October 19, 2014 Author Share Posted October 19, 2014 No awning channels on our MH. Had drip strips on our previous Delta and yes, they worked. I think I've found out what was causing the steaks on the o/s of the MH. There are longitudinal roof rails whish run the length of the MH. By cleaning these up and giving them a good coat of polish and wax, the streaks seem to have stopped. We've also relocated the MH away from home into the countryside and this may have also helped. Quote 2019 Adria Adora Thames Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtepete Posted October 19, 2014 Share Posted October 19, 2014 Found this on ebay. .. http://www. ebay. co. uk/sch/i. html?_odkw=wooden+pirate+ship&_from=R40&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573. m570. l1313. TR0. TRC0. H0. Xcaravan+drip+strip&_nkw=caravan+drip+strip&_sacat=0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
limecc Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 I've spent a long time on the internet looking into what actually causes the black streaks. Forget window rubbers as my streaks, like a lot of other 'vanners, are above the window line. As to why they come back so quickly on a clean, polished sides, despite the roof being polished and waxed, is still a mystery Best seen on a van roof that never ever saw any cleaning have you noticed how the paint develops random micro-pits? Caused by formerly airborne particles, these go right down to the base metal. If there's no sacrificial wax barrier the pits may still be at the microscopic level but they are there nonetheless. On a steel car panel you eventually get an expanding rust spot but on an aluminium caravan roof this can't happen but runoff dumps leached out black aluminium oxides on the white paint. Not the whole story though because dirty/polluted water from a grp roof will still form streaks but nowhere near as bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobJS Posted October 28, 2014 Share Posted October 28, 2014 I have sorted my black streak issues (90%) by fitting drip strips to my awning rails on my 2011 Ranger gt, been using them for about 6 months now, They fit in each awning rail, and allow rainwater fron the roof to drip away from the body. ....it works for me. .. Can I ask where you got these from please? I have a hideous yellow one and the only other colour I can find online is red! I would happily leave mine in if they were white/grey Quote Caravanless. ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtepete Posted October 31, 2014 Share Posted October 31, 2014 Hi, will need to search dealer out on ebay. ..not cheap but good quality and it works. ..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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