RV/Truck Washes

[RDMOCALA]

Does anyone use the RV washes? Do they work? Do you have to disconnect the towed vehicle? What do they cost? Do you tip the employees?

 

[Rosy]

I just wash and wax mine by hand twice a year and then spot wash as required.

 

[sheridany]

it really depends. Many but not all RV washes are also truck washes and I do not recommend them unless you are just having them rinse it with a pressure washer but even then they can get too close and damage your paint. They mostly use truck brushes which can also scratch your paint on top of using dirty soap that has dirt and grit in it. You can end up with a lot of scratches. I don't know what type of RV you have but I always tell people is to do it yourself or find a provider who washes RV's and knows how to work with the paint using the right brush, soap and DI water if possible. A lot of campgrounds will have sometimes a list of preferred detail/wash vendors they recommend and that would be a better option most of the time.

 

[Jabber Jaw]

I used "Blue Beacon", my first experience with them, on I-40 in Amarillo Texas, when there about 2weeks ago.
First, did not have to unhook the "toad", as they washed it too!
Second, per my request, they did not touch it with a brush of any type. Only the high pressure wash.
Third, it did a reasonably decent job. Would rate it a "7", on a 1-10 scale.
Fourth, cost for both was $63-$64. Very reasonable.
They do not wipe it down. They claim they use their own "DI" system, but doubt it, as there were some water spots. However, as soon as I pulled out, I did the 63 MPH "dry job", while driving down the Interstate!
Yes, I would use them again.
Lastly, you can't beat hiring some of these "RV" wash/wax Specialist, or doing it yourself! The outcome is much better!
Happy "RV'ing"!!

 

[RDMOCALA]

Thanks for the replies. I wash/wax/ detail my RV myself. It is cleaned inside and out after each trip. We take some long trips sometimes and the coach gets dirty from rain and campground dust. Some campgrounds will let me wash, most won't. I wanted to know if the truck washes were worth it. Sounds like I will leave it dirty until I return home. I could not accept scratches and power wash damage.

 

[FL-JOE]

I really have never heard very many positive reviews about the large commercial washes. I don't think I would trust them not to damage my RV or tow vehicle.

 

[MemoriesByTheMile]

It is a bear washing these behemoths, but I would never trust our RV finish to a truck wash.
Wash is either done myself or someone who I can review their process and cleanliness of tools, to ensure that any micro marring is as minimal as possible.
Would rather drive a dirty coach for a couple months until it can be done right.