Does anyone use truck washes?

[ador]

Has anyone used those huge truck wash? Any pros and cons? I know they dont use those automatic brush rollers like the drive thru car wash. They use power hose to spray and rinse. Someone actually use brush with extension to soap the RV.

Just want to know your experience good/bad. Safe for the RV or not? I need to wash my Class A but its just too cold. My aching joints will not be happy.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by ador

Has anyone used those huge truck wash? Any pros and cons? I know they dont use those automatic brush rollers like the drive thru car wash. They use power hose to spray and rinse. Someone actually use brush with extension to soap the RV.

Just want to know your experience good/bad. Safe for the RV or not? I need to wash my Class A but its just too cold. My aching joints will not be happy.

Yes I use them but tell them not to use the harsh chemical cleaners they use on trucks.

I’ve used Blue Beacon and I80 with no issues at all. My rig is Full Body Paint so no decals to worry about. I plan on going to the I80 in Kenly NC on the way home Thursday.

[ador]

Thanks EA37TS. I saw a Blue Beacon near my house along I-15 in Las Vegas. How does it work?

I see truck and RVs lining up. Do someone approach you while you drive and ask you what you need/want? Where do you pay? Do they hand dry the RV or air dry? Lastly, how much does it cost and how much to tip?

Thanks for the info.

Originally Posted by EA37TS

Yes I use them but tell them not to use the harsh chemical cleaners they use on trucks.

I’ve used Blue Beacon and I80 with no issues at all. My rig is Full Body Paint so no decals to worry about. I plan on going to the I80 in Kenly NC on the way home Thursday.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by ador

Thanks EA37TS. I saw a Blue Beacon near my house along I-15 in Las Vegas. How does it work?

I see truck and RVs lining up. Do someone approach you while you drive and ask you what you need/want? Where do you pay? Do they hand dry the RV or air dry? Lastly, how much does it cost and how much to tip?

Thanks for the info.

When you get to the door someone will come out, explain what they offer and find out what you want. They will also ask if you want a TOAD washed as well. After you pull in you go to the office to pay for the requested service. If you get the tire dressing that is done after you pull out of the wash.

Some locations have independent folks outside that will polish and wax any bright work for a fee. In Richmond, VA they will polish my front bumper and 4 wheels for 40.00. That usually takes an extra 30 minutes and I go through them whenever we’re headed to the daughter’s in NJ.

[The Gritz Carlton]

I've used Blue Beacon for years with commercial trucks and the coach. Its mostly a brush wash with medium pressure rinse unless they need to use high pressure. They are very aware of the damage that can be caused. Once you pull into place they will consult with you about the "menu". Just tell then you don't want heavy pressure washing. They do this 24/7 and know all the weak spots of every type vehicle that rolls. Best value out there.

[halfprice]

I use blue beacon after every trip usually on the last days drive so the motorhome is clean when I get home. Also have the jeep washed. Here's their price list

Jerry

[MJC62]

2nd the Blue Beacon. We have one 8 miles away so I will run the motorhome over whenever it gets gunky. $30 minimum and a $1 a foot over that.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by halfprice

I use blue beacon after every trip usually on the last days drive so the motorhome is clean when I get home. Also have the jeep washed. Here's their price list

JerryAttachment 40251

Price varies by location. It is the same at most but some, like Ashland, VA charge more. This is explained on their website.

[widdershins]

Good thread, I've been wondering about this myself. I read some reviews of truck washes out here where RV folks weren't very happy (high pressure spray into back of fridge and the like). We've got a Blue Beacon nearby, I'll give it a shot..

[lwmcguir]

Started using them back in the late 70's and they have added quite a few locations since their start in KS

As with all things the crew can make a difference in the quality of the job

[The Gritz Carlton]

Originally Posted by widdershins

Good thread, I've been wondering about this myself. I read some reviews of truck washes out here where RV folks weren't very happy (high pressure spray into back of fridge and the like). We've got a Blue Beacon nearby, I'll give it a shot..

Water into the back of fridge and other ports can be a problem. These people don't understand anything RV so they don't know what that is. Many of the "managers" or more experienced on duty will tell them but it is something you want to bring to their attention when you pull in the bay. Do a quick walk around and tell them what areas you want "hand washed". For the price and quality of wash...ain't nothing out there better.

[blw2]

I haven't very many times, but only because they're never convenient to where I'm going and none close to home. Only once or twice

Streakin' Beacon...... I think they do a lot of RV's and they do know about the sensitive areas.

I learned on another forum about tipping. The one time I recall going through one, once I got the rig in the bay, some supervisor came over for me to get out of the RV and go inside to pay. I tipped the guy and he let out a yelp....all the guys working starting yelping in return and man the work vigor really picked up!

[PreCambrian]

Great post! As a first time RV'er some of these practical aspects of ownership (like washing) didn't hit home until I actually had to do it. After two months on the road on our first RV trip our RV was totally grimy on the outside. I bought all of the implements and cleaners to wash it. That was an experience. I vowed that I would like for an RV wash on the last leg of the trip. I will be sure to check out Blue Beacon.

Has anyone used any washes in California? I live on the Central Coast so depending on where I have been I will either be coming back through the SF Bay Area or the Los Angeles Area.

Another point that hit me was after I bought an RV cover. I didn't think too much about how to put it on until after I bought it. Definitely not easy to do alone.

[k.maslowski@comcast.net]

Originally Posted by ador

Has anyone used those huge truck wash? Any pros and cons? I know they dont use those automatic brush rollers like the drive thru car wash. They use power hose to spray and rinse. Someone actually use brush with extension to soap the RV.

Just want to know your experience good/bad. Safe for the RV or not? I need to wash my Class A but its just too cold. My aching joints will not be happy.

I use "Blue Beacon". Never (yet) had a bad wash. They even have special rates for RVs. Nothing automated. Guys with brushes and spray wands.

[Jimbo56]

I have a guy and his wife that have a mobile service out of Huntersville NC. They travel a 60 mile radius. Hand wash & wax with a rotary polisher (not buffer). Rains on glass. Armor all on tires. $225. But I just finished putting first 6 coats of poly glo on and not sure if I’ll need it waxed again.

[Civrot]

couple of months ago wife and i used the blue beacon at las vegas.... cost 60 bucks and was outstanding... before i could tell the manager what to do... he told me yes i know no brightners (they are harsh on the RV paint and chrome) i went inside to pay and when i got out the team of 6 guys were done.... and that included the toad.... was very well done!!!!! they had like 4 bays and kept the trucks moving.... totally enjoyed that... hope this helps the OP answer his questions....