"Detail" or just wash it?

[RV_Goose]

Once I get organized, how much time should it take to 'detail' my truck?

My washing every 2-3 weeks now, using a wash and wash/wax product, takes me about an hour to wash using a soft microfiber mitt and two 5 gallon buckets ( one water only for this nse the other has soap and water). I over rinse so the soap doesn't dry on the truck. I also wash in the shade on a cool surface.

Inside I vacuum and clean the windows. The RAM mats I usually brush and vacuum. I do not like slick mats.

I have the chrome appearance package on the bumpers and wheels. I found Maguire Wheel Magic for chrome wheels works well.

I do my truck and my wife's 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan which is black.

How long should it take me to detail the outside of my truck, which I assume is washing, then coating with some majic elixir and buffing by hand.

What chemicals should be used in the two stages?

Basically a detail newby as my car washing knowledge hasn't evolved much from the 1990s, or maybe the 80s.

 

[jadmt]

I like hand washing my rigs and do it often. meguires makes a nice detailer spray i use between wax jobs. If you have not done it you might want to clay your New vehicle as it makes future waxing easier. It is amazing even on new vehicles how much better they wax up after being clayed. My new power wagon is 1 month old and i clayed it the day after i got it and i have hand waxed it twice.

 

[RV_Goose]

I like hand washing my rigs and do it often. meguires makes a nice detailer spray i use between wax jobs. If you have not done it you might want to clay your New vehicle as it makes future waxing easier. It is amazing even on new vehicles how much better they wax up after being clayed. My new power wagon is 1 month old and i clayed it the day after i got it and i have hand waxed it twice.

Are there differences between the different clay bars and the lubes? I have a couple of 'kits' I won as door prizes last year. I've never clayed a vehicle. Only washed them.

 

[jadmt]

Are there differences between the different clay bars and the lubes? I have a couple of 'kits' I won as door prizes last year. I've never clayed a vehicle. Only washed them.

I can‘t say for sure i have used a couple different brands like meguires and chemical guys and both work well. It is well worth your time And easy to do you can not mess it up.