Cleaning for outside parking
 

I am looking at a new F-150 Supercrew with a painted fiberglass topper. The truck, unfortunately, will have to be parked outside year-round.

Any tips on maintenance, products, etc. to keep this vehicle in top shape?

See if you get a confirmation from one of the more knowledgeable detail members, but I would suggest something like Opti Coat 2.0 or similar for this type application.

You would want to do the prep work prior to applying this, as it is called a permanent sealant ( at least I think it is still called a sealant ).
I think the life span on it is called 2 years, but that is just from reading is passing in the topic.

You would want to make sure the paint is a near to perfect or perfect before application of this, as once it is on, it is not a minor task to go back and touch up a swirl or defect in the paint.

Sure you will get other ( and better informed ) replies to this, as to if this is a good idea or not. My knowledge is only reading quick, as I am not looking at this myself.

I'm in and always have been in the same boat as you, my trucks have never been parked inside.

I wash weekly and wax at least 3-4 times a year, I live in Michigan so waxing/detailing aren't an option through winter

I claybar as needed and polish according to need, I use a Porter Cable 7424, (although I thinking about buying the Flex polisher), for application of wax and polish, almost always use white pads, most of the time I use a one step wax- cleans and protects with one step,

Trucks with a cap are a lot of work, I have a new 2011 F150 SC with cap, just finished spring detail- claybar-polish-wax, my truck is silver so swirl marks weren't an issue-plan on 6-8 hours, I will just wash and wax as needed the rest of year

I've attached a picture of my old truck which has never sen a garage-02 f250,
I think it still shines pretty good

https://www.f150online.com/forums/me...7-dsc-9948.jpg

Very nice looking truck!

I guess I'll just have to get into detailing. Any recommendations on cleaning/wax products?

Have you read the detailing sticky?

Thanks for the 'kick' in the right direction.

I'll give it a read as I'm waiting for my truck to be built.

I'm guessing that any protection package a dealer sells (paint, fabric, undercoat/sound deadener, rust inhibitor), is just money in their pocket and no real gain for me.

I should be ordering an FX4 on Friday!

Good guess!

Too bad I'm not that good of a guesser when it comes to the lottery.

Scully is on the right track. There are quite a few "nano sealants" on the market now. Opti-Coat, Chemical Guys Body Wrap, aQuartz, cQuartz, etc.

Put a quality cover on it. It's like a garage outside.
I suggest a Covercraft cover for fitment and quality.

More info is needed on the topper make, model etc.
This info will insure that the cover fits correctly.

I use a Weathershield HD for south Florida sun.
It protects it from elements and keeps it clean.
It can be washed and dried in my washer/dryer.

Have to be careful with covers. The vehicle must be freshly washed prior to installation. If not your paint will have many many scratches from the dust / debris