How Much Do People Charge to Clean an RV?

How much do people charge to clean an rv is a question every mobile detailing business owner needs to answer before they take on their first big rig. Pricing an RV is very different from pricing a standard car or truck because the sheer size of these vehicles changes everything. If you price too low, you will find yourself working for hours for almost no profit. If you price too high, you might lose the job to a competitor who understands the market better. In this guide, we will break down the real numbers that professional detailers are using in 2026. We will look at pricing by the foot, pricing by the class of RV, and how to charge for those difficult add-on services like roof cleaning and oxidation removal. By the end of this post, you will have a clear strategy to set your rates and grow your business.

Understanding the Per-Foot Pricing Model

The most common way that professionals charge for RV cleaning is by the linear foot. This is the industry standard because it accounts for the extra time and chemicals needed for longer vehicles. For a basic exterior wash, most detailers charge between $5 and $10 per foot. This usually includes a hand wash, window cleaning, and tire dressing. It is a quick service that helps you get your foot in the door with new customers who might want more expensive services later.

When you move up to a full exterior detail, the price usually jumps to $15 to $25 per foot. A full detail includes everything in the basic wash plus a high-quality wax or sealant. You will also spend more time cleaning the wheels, mirrors, and trim pieces. This level of service is popular for owners who want to protect their investment before they put the RV into storage for the winter or take it out for the summer season.

For high-end restoration work, such as removing heavy oxidation or applying a ceramic coating, the price can exceed $40 or even $50 per foot. These jobs take a lot of physical labor and expensive specialized equipment. You are not just washing the vehicle; you are actually fixing the surface of the fiberglass or paint. It is important to explain this value to the customer so they understand why the price is higher than a simple wash.

How Much Do People Charge to Clean an RV by Class?

Not all RVs are created equal, and your pricing should reflect that. A Class A motorhome is basically a giant bus, while a Class B is a converted van. Class A RVs are the most expensive to clean because they have the most surface area and often have complex paint jobs. You should expect to spend a full day or more on a Class A detail. Most pros start their Class A exterior details at a minimum of $500 to $600 just for a standard wash and wax.

Class B motorhomes are much easier to handle. Since they are similar in size to a large passenger van, you can often price them closer to your auto detailing rates. However, they still have RV-specific components like high roofs and solar panels that require extra care. Many detailers charge a flat rate for Class B units, usually ranging from $250 to $400 for a full exterior service.

Class C RVs fall right in the middle. They have the truck-style cab but a large living area built onto the back. These often have a large overhang above the cab that is very difficult to reach and clean. Because of this extra difficulty, you should charge slightly more per foot than you would for a simple travel trailer. A typical Class C detail might run between $350 and $550 depending on the condition of the roof and siding.

Charging for RV Roof Cleaning and Maintenance

The roof is often the most neglected part of an RV, but it is also the most important for preventing leaks. Many detailers include a basic roof rinse in their per-foot price, but a deep clean and UV protection treatment should always be an add-on. You should charge an extra $150 to $300 for a dedicated roof service. This involves scrubbing the EPDM or TPO membrane to remove black streaks and mold, then applying a specialized protectant.

Working on an RV roof is a high-liability task. You are working at a significant height on a surface that becomes very slippery when wet. Your pricing must account for this risk and the specialized safety equipment you need, like sturdy ladders and non-slip boots. If the roof has solar panels or satellite dishes, you should charge an additional fee to clean around those delicate components.

Regular roof maintenance can save an owner thousands of dollars in repair costs. When you explain the price to a customer, focus on the 'prevention' aspect. Tell them that a $200 roof treatment today can prevent a $5,000 roof replacement next year. This makes the price much easier for the customer to accept.

Interior Detailing Rates and Considerations

Interior RV detailing is a different beast entirely. Unlike a car, an RV is a home on wheels. You have to deal with kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping areas. Most detailers do not charge by the foot for interiors. Instead, they use a flat rate based on the number of rooms or an hourly rate. A common starting price for a basic interior 'refresh' is around $200 to $350.

If the customer wants a deep clean, including steam cleaning the carpets and conditioning the leather seats, the price can quickly climb. Deep cleans often take 4 to 8 hours of work. For these jobs, many pros charge between $75 and $100 per hour. It is vital to walk through the unit with the customer before you start so you can point out areas that might require extra work, such as pet hair in the upholstery or mold in the bathroom.

Be careful about what you agree to clean. Some detailers refuse to clean the black water systems or the inside of ovens because they are time-consuming and require different chemicals. Make sure your service agreement clearly lists what is included so there are no surprises when you hand over the final bill.

The High Value of Oxidation Removal

Oxidation is the chalky white residue that forms on fiberglass when it sits in the sun for too long. Removing it is the most difficult job in RV detailing. It requires a multi-stage process of compounding, polishing, and then sealing. Because this work is so hard on your body and your machines, you must charge a premium. Most detailers charge $25 to $45 per foot just for the oxidation removal process.

You should never include oxidation removal in a standard wash and wax price. If you do, you will lose money. Always test a small spot on the RV before giving a final quote. Sometimes the oxidation is so deep that it requires wet sanding, which is an even more expensive service. Being honest with the customer about the expected results is key to maintaining a good reputation.

Once you have restored the shine, you have a great opportunity to upsell a ceramic coating. A ceramic coating will prevent the oxidation from coming back for years. While a ceramic job on a large RV can cost $3,000 to $5,000, many owners are willing to pay it to avoid the headache of yearly buffing.

Mobile Detailing Overhead and Travel Fees

Running a mobile RV detailing business means you have to deal with travel costs. RVs are often parked in remote campgrounds or storage lots that are far away from the city. You should have a service area map and charge a travel fee for anything outside of that area. A common travel fee is $1.50 to $2.00 per mile, or a flat fee of $50 for jobs further than 30 miles away.

You also need to consider your water and power supply. If you are working at a storage lot with no hookups, you must bring your own water tank and generator. This adds to your fuel costs and wear and tear on your equipment. Some detailers add a 'mobile convenience fee' to every job to cover these hidden expenses. This ensures that your profit margins stay healthy regardless of where the job is located.

Insurance is another major overhead cost. Working on high-value RVs requires a comprehensive general liability policy. If you accidentally damage a $200,000 motorhome, you need to be protected. Make sure your pricing is high enough to cover your monthly insurance premiums and other business essentials like software and marketing.

Keep reading

• how much to charge for detailing a car: 2026 Price Guide
• How Much Does It Cost to Detail an RV? 2026 Pricing Guide
• How Much is a Mobile Detailing? 2026 Price Guide