When a truck has been off roading the number one thing you can do to prepare it for a detail is to power wash it from top to bottom. After you do that, start power washing underneath the axles, wheel arches, behind the wheels, brakes (careful of brake hoses), and engine/transmission area. This vehicle in the picture had running boards from back to front which held a tremendous amount of debris, particularly on the mounting points behind the wheel arches. Be thorough, there will be mud in area’s you cant see from normal angles, have a mechanics creeper or lay down something to keep yourself dry when cleaning the undercarriage.

While road salts and chemicals are more harsh on your vehicles paint than organic materials like mud and soil; I have seen mud sit on a car long enough to cause water mark damage that was irreversible.

For most of us getting to the off roading course or back country is in itself a trek! Insects debris is the most common thing I find when dealing with customers trucks who have driven up to Chilliwack or beyond for off roading in British Columbia. Bugs can cake on pretty good so a proper foam soak to lift sticking debris, and provide a lubricant for using the insect sponge. An insect sponge is critical when the bugs have been sitting for a while otherwise a power wash and foam should do the trick.

Once the truck has been soaking for 5 minutes, use the 2 bucket wash method (as seen anywhere on youtube etc) and hand wash the truck. The pre-soak foam will act as an additional lubricant to the car wash shampoo.

After rinsing the vehicle – you will see spots you missed, spots that are still contaminated. A detailing brush paired with foam or insect spray on headlights, bumper, radiator grille, mirrors or anywhere else will loosen the remaining debris.

By claying critical areas I am specifically referring to areas in highest contamination zones from off roading. Specifically, behind the wheels on the fenders, grille, bumper, front of hood, mirror fronts etc.

I highly recommend claying a vehicle where it needs it. Claying is not mandatory after each wash, and claying the whole truck is definitely not mandatory. Clay the areas where you see stuck on residue, feel the paint through a ziplock plastic bag, you will notice the paint has rough spots in some areas. Claying with proper lubricant or car shampoo mix will remove these contaminants from the paint.

(Note; the paint on a vehicle that is poorly maintained will be rough all over and a claying is recommended in these circumstances)

Polishing the paint on your truck after offloading will bring back brilliant shine and gloss that were the result of your adventures off the beaten path. When you are driving through back country or even a track you will mar up your paint damaging clear coat with rocks, sand debris, trees, even water spots from muddy water. Basically, your beautiful truck’s delicate clear coat is taking as much of a beating as your suspension, only your suspension was built for it!

For best results use:

1. A dual action polisher
2. Foam Polishing Pad
3. High quality Polishing/Finishing Polish
4. Quality (new) Microfibre towels (minimum 400gsm)

The results can vary based on experience but you will be improving the look of your truck even as a true amateur.

Protecting the paint after polishing will make it so the next time you go off road, the last 4 steps wont be as much work. Sealants or a carnauba wax will protect your paint from contaminants while off roading. Dirt should stick less, water should beed off and it provides a microscopic barrier from all organic debris. Essentially, your beautiful truck’s delicate clear coat is being given an extra layer of protection from anything softer than it.

For best results use:

1. Wipe panels down with 50:50 Distilled Water/IPA mix
2. Use ultra soft foam or microfibre applicator
3. High quality sealant or wax
4. Let it cure (based on sealants manufacturers recommendation)
5. Wipe off with quality (new) Microfibre towels (minimum 1000gsm)

The results can vary based on experience but you will be improving the look of your truck even as a true amateur.

If you are serious about off-roading and love your truck because its awesome! Check out our paint protection film installation options.

Most of my clients’ trucks were a huge investment, a dream purchase and something that gets used properly. Choosing to protect the paint with paint protection film has a ton of benefits and like zero downside.

Benefit

#1: It has self healing characteristics that any off-roading enthusiast should love.

#2: Warranty

#3: Invisible

#4: Cost effective vs paint correction or respray

#5: Significantly increase resale value

#6: Peace of mind – enjoy your ride on or off road

PPF is invisible, adds a glossy look through a crystal clear plastic film. We install it on location and offer both 5 and 10 year anti-yellowing and product quality warranties