Using pressure washer to clean RV

[pilot]

DW bought me a pressure washer for Christmas. Now that it is spring, I'm thinking of using it to clean roof and sides if our RV. The RV has a rubber roof and Gel-coated sides. I figure it best to use a wide spray head. Has anyone used a pressure washer, and, is there anything I need to be concerned about?

[Thor-Machine]

Originally Posted by pilot

DW bought me a pressure washer for Christmas. Now that it is spring, I'm thinking of using it to clean roof and sides if our RV. The RV has a rubber roof and Gel-coated sides. I figure it best to use a wide spray head. Has anyone used a pressure washer, and, is there anything I need to be concerned about?

Decals.
Trim.
Caulk.
Window seals.
Compartment seals.
Vented appliances, (reefer, water heater, etc.)


I have a pressure washer that I've used for years on my cars, trucks & boats.
I'd never use it on any RV. Just too many opportunities for a mishap though I'm sure many people used them successfully on their RV's every day.
Just be cautious.

[MR2DI4]

I use my pressure washer only to apply soap. Then a soft long handled brush followed by a rinse with the hose. Works great and makes things quick and easy.

[Thor-Machine]

After washing I liberally spray on aerosol wax and wipe with a microfiber cloth. The next time I wash, it is much easier to clean the RV.


As an aside, I coat my white 5th wheel with a good quality floor wax every year or two and I never have to wash it. The dirt comes off in the rain & it's always shiny.
I might do the same for my coach once the factory shine starts to fade.

[JamieGeek]

Originally Posted by Thor-Machine

After washing I liberally spray on aerosol wax and wipe with a microfiber cloth. The next time I wash, it is much easier to clean the RV.


As an aside, I coat my white 5th wheel with a good quality floor wax every year or two and I never have to wash it. The dirt comes off in the rain & it's always shiny.
I might do the same for my coach once the factory shine starts to fade.

You may want to start that now, and use something that protects against UV. Axis/Vegas coaches start to oxidize rather quickly if not protected--I bet if you look closely you'll already find some somewhere.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by pilot

DW bought me a pressure washer for Christmas. Now that it is spring, I'm thinking of using it to clean roof and sides if our RV. The RV has a rubber roof and Gel-coated sides. I figure it best to use a wide spray head. Has anyone used a pressure washer, and, is there anything I need to be concerned about?

The "Wide Spray" technique will work just fine...
We used our pressure washer on ATVs and snowmobiles for years, and only lost one poorly applied add-on sticker.

[The Gritz Carlton]

Seals everywhere are a challenge to keep tight just in the daily rains. pressure washer could be disastrous. I take the coach to Blue Beacon every time we return from a trip and the turn the pressure wands way down, move a good distance back and use them more as a rinse tool than a pressure tool. There are enough good chemicals available that will break down grit without having to blast if off under pressure, along with every seal.

[Bob Denman]

That's the key: using it as a "rinser"; rather than as a "high-pressure gunk remover".

[pstandiford]

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

Seals everywhere are a challenge to keep tight just in the daily rains. pressure washer could be disastrous. I take the coach to Blue Beacon every time we return from a trip and the turn the pressure wands way down, move a good distance back and use them more as a rinse tool than a pressure tool. There are enough good chemicals available that will break down grit without having to blast if off under pressure, along with every seal.

As much trouble as we’ve had with leaks in our unit I would definitely be afraid of high pressure washers. I worry about using the windshield washer. [emoji1787]

[Chuck and Mary Ann]

I've used a "high pressure" rinse and low to soap, long handled soft bristle brush to clean. When I say "high pressure" I'm guessing I've cut the pressure to about 1500 with engine cutbacks and wide fan spray from 8 feet away!

[Big-Foot]

My 2500 PSI pressure washer will peel a decal off like it was never there.
That said, like the others, I only use it for rinsing and I use a lower pressure nozzle for that.

[Bob Denman]

2500 psi??

Been cutting any steel lately?

[Big-Foot]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

2500 psi??

Been cutting any steel lately?

Mine’s just a baby now....
Here’s 4,000 PSI for you...
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...4833_200594833

[Chuck and Mary Ann]

That's why I cut mine way back and stand 8 ft back with the fan spray when on "high" which actually hits with less pressure that a hose up close with 60 psi on the jet nozzle - I know, I've been hit with both - darn kids!!

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by Big-Foot

Mine’s just a baby now....
Here’s 4,000 PSI for you...
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...4833_200594833

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbtUC9oVThg

[Chuck and Mary Ann]

If I was clearing some treed lot I'd go for this one, I could cut in a foundation at the same time!

[Bob Denman]

Ever think about trying out 60,000 psi?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMSGHJ8GJ1A

[Whirnot]

I use a pressure washer all the time. Not a big deal, just pay attention. I probably hold the wand 2 feet away. Just don't hold it on the edge of a decal. Been doing it for years