RVs and camper trailers are very susceptible to catching sap. The best campsites are often tucked under a canopy of trees.
While this may be the exact vacation you’re looking for; the sap is bound to be on your RV once you return home!
Today we’re sharing a few methods (some traditional, some unique) to get this sticky substance off your beautiful camper trailer.
Keep in mind – use this information as the first step in your research. RVs are not all made the same. Not all methods will work for you; some may cause damage if used on the wrong surface.
RVs and trailers range widely in materials. Know what yours is made of, and dig a little deeper once we provide you with the introduction information.
Let’s dive in!
#1 Goo Gone Automotive
We’ve used Goo Gone in the past and have seen great results. But, a word of caution, use the Goo Gone Automotive spray if you’re dealing with automotive surfaces.
The “full power” Goo Gone might be too intense for glossy surfaces.
The official statement from Goo Gone reads:
“Bugs, tree sap, bumper sticker residue, and other substances can be tough to remove from your car. You want to ensure that any product you use doesn’t scratch or mark the surface, and Goo Gone Automotive does just that.”
If your RV is more like an automobile (Class B, Class C), it may be a great fit. Check the label; it might be harmful to rubber roofs.
#2 Hand Sanitizer
Now more than ever, RVers carry hand sanitizer with them. This trick works due to the alcohol content.
You must catch the sap droppings early, before it becomes too hard.
A little squirt and some gentle rubbing might remove the sap pretty quickly! Don’t use this trick on surfaces sensitive to alcohol.
#3 Simple Green
Simple Green is a bio-friendly solution that can remove grime without using chemicals. The lack of chemicals also indicates that it should be compatible with most surfaces.
You must use the Simple Green before the sap hardens. We recommend carrying a bottle in your RV. This way, you can zap the sap before you drive home!
#4 Turpentine
Many RVers have claimed successful sap removal with turpentine. This is a pretty strong product, so I’d suggest more research before using it.
However, in the Forest River Forums, one user says, “Instead of Mineral Spirits Id use turpentine. It is actually made from tree sap and is a better solvent for the sap on your roof.”
Research the material used on your roof and figure out if turpentine will be a good fit.
#5 Butter
Let it melt, rub it in, and watch the sap remove! It may sound a bit bizarre, but RV and travel trailer owners have used this method.
The great thing is – you’re probably traveling with a stick of butter.
If you’ve used this old-school method, please let us know!
Sap on a Rubber Roof Might Be Better Left Untreated
I know it’s annoying to see sap on any surface. However, you might want to consider letting it be.
Rubber roofs are sensitive to many chemicals.
And, you don’t want to create more issues for yourself down the road.
Think of the sap as a little extra protection on your rubber roof!
Prevention is the Best Protection
If possible, prevent sap from collecting. Sometimes it’s impossible if you’re out camping.
When in storage, you can easily protect your RV, though!
Buy a trailer or RV cover and extend the beauty and longevity of your RV.
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GreasGo is a water based cleaner. Really work well on tar, sap, bugs, and black streaks. 1 cleaner does it all.
No alcohol, non-flammable, no turpentine no harsh chemicals. Use inside and outside. You will be amazed!!
I’ve become an absolute disciple of Turtle Wax Bug and Tar Remover. It’s far and away the easiest way to remove smashed bugs, black crap, sap, and general road grime. Spray it on, scrub the tough bits with a scratch-free dish-washing pad, and buff it with a clean old towel. It gets the grime off and leaves you with a nice Turtle Wax shine!! Can’t be beat!
Ted, owner of Minuteman Campground near Littleton, MA, recommends using methanol to remove tree sap. Methanol ins wood alcohol (shellac thinner) and can be found in the paint section of home stores. Minuteman Campground has lots of pine trees that drip sap. My RV has a metal roof and no damage was observed using methanol.
After parking my vehicles under a ponderosa pine for years I finally went on Youtube and watched tons of videos and tried many of the same products you guys mentioned on the subject. What I found worked the best by far was good old rubbing alcohol! Of course you have to rinse the area well after. Keep up the good work-word Olivia and Kyle! Uncle Kevin
I agree kevin, a little rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball, rub lightly until dissolved , then rinse.I park my rv under a huge pine and do it all the time.
Just a note on Goo Gone. The regular formulation contains lacquer thinner so I would be very careful about it’s use. I don’t know about the automotive style but I would be very careful. Keep the good stuff coming Kyle, Olivia and Nora.
Rapid remover works great on any sticky stuff
I have found that Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Cleaner works best for me. I just spray it on, wait a couple minutes and wipe it off with a microfiber towel. My Camper has Fiberglass sides. I have not tried it on the roof.
An RV is a huge and oftentimes expensive, investment, and you’ll want to keep it in perfect condition for as long as possible! Regular washing and maintenance is important in keeping your RV looking like new. It is a great idea to clean and wax your rubber roof with appropriate RV cleaning products to keep it safe from dirt, tree sap, and other harmful elements.
A heavy coat of dew and a bucket with dawn dish soap and a regular soft bristle brush at dawn does a wonderful job on pecan sap
1st of ALL make sure it’s sap and not honeydew! What I thought was sap for years, coating my vehicles was actually the poop of Aphids and mites which suck on such sap usually on the underneath of leaves. The Aphids drip this mixture after digestion onto you car RV etc. A friend told me- mix some warm water with dawn, and it it comes off it’s Honeydew!!!! Sooo- now you must kill the Aphids in the trees above your vehicles. NOT so easy! The Aphids will eventually kill the trees also! A GREAT treatment is Imidacloprid which is drawn up into the tree canopy and kills such Aphids and mites! It’s usually only sold to professional licensed applicators, BUT I’ve used it in the past with GREAT results!!! Good LUck!!!