I don't know about yall, but I liked to take my old Dakota off-roading alot. I just sorta powerwashed off the dirt because the paint was bad and I really didn't care that much. I just got a Ram last weekend and before I take it off-raod I wanted to get some advice in washing the mud off without scratching the paint, or minimally scratching it. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

Clean it off as best you can before the mud dries if at all possible, wet mud will come off much easier.

 

Always better to rinse it off fresh before it dries than try to "wash" it off with sponges and soapy water. When I went mudding we'd always stop at the coin-op washer to rinse off my friend's truck. Also, make sure you have a couple good coats of wax on it before you go so that it will be easier cleanup. Don't forget about the undercarraige and stuff like the radiator.

 

if you really dont want the mud to stick, spray Pam cooking oil on your truck (no im not joking) the mud will be easier to clean off that way. Im not sure if it will affect the pain though, so try an inconspicous spot first. I know at the local mud runs people spray desiel fuel on there mudders to get the goo to slide off easier

 

i take my truck off roading alot. and i get lots of mud and crap on it.

what i do is just take a hose and try to take off the solid mud/dirt off the truck as much. then just wash it normaly. if you get bunch of dirt on your spong wash it off and make sure there isnt rocks and dirt on it because it will scratch your ride.

i suggest you get the rear wheel well covers for the ram. i have them on my truck and it saves lots of time and keeps the insides pretty cleaner then having it bare. also MUD flaps help alot. i have just my rear ones on for now and it has kept the paint on

 

Please check this link first. Its good advice on paint care for your truck
https://dodgeforum.com/m_156644/tm.htm

Protect it BEFORE you throw the mud at it

The procedure above is quite in depth, but it can easily be modified to suite your needs.
Then your new truck will stay in great shape all the time

 

Anybody else use Nu Finish? They're one of the most popular "once a year" waxes on the market and they kept my '98 Ram lookin' sweeeeet. I haven't rubbed my '04 down with it yet because I had to get back on the road but I plan to get 'er shiny when I get back home.. They've also got Scratch Doctor (near bottom of page) that will buff out minor scratches from keys, branches, etc.

Nu Finish Product Line