Cleaning On the Road

When I stop I typically stay for at least a month using the RV as a base camp and I use my toad and an on-board motorcycle to explore the area. I’ve found that most RV parks have rules to protect themselves from the slobs of the world. With my month long stays I get to know the RV park owners and once they’ve determined I’m not a slob who’s going to screw them over they’ll allow me to do all sorts of things with my RV that they have rules against such as various repair services and washing the rig. However, I always ask first before I initiate any work or washing. As for repairs, I’ll tell them before hand exactly what I have planned, how I’ll proceed and the precautions I’ll take not to make a mess.

tkcas01 wrote:

4X4Dodger wrote:

tkcas01 wrote:
Just this week in bone-dry California I was so desperate for a rig wash that I pulled into a remote corner of a truck stop and washed it using on-board water. Only the second time I have done that in 10 years.

There are truck washes everywhere. And they are usually reasonable for MH's and travel trailers. Why not use them?

Sorry, that is untrue. I assure you, where I am in rural CA, no truck washes to be had. I started looking for one in Ventura as I drove north on the 101 and made it to Monterey without finding one. When in more inhabited, heavily traveled areas I have used them several times, but sometimes one has to improvise is all I am saying.

You didnt specify where in CA you were...and there are truck washes in most CA cities of any size. Some are hard to find and are in odd parts of the city and dont advertise. Stop at a local truck stop and ask them they should know. Some chains: Little Sisters, Truck Tub and many independents. Now 101 is another matter most of the truck traffic is on 99 I5 and I80 and most truck washes are clustered there. But there are plenty of truckwashes in Calif. You just may have to drive a bit. other than that get a long handle brush and find a do it yourself place with a large bay.

BarbaraOK wrote:
Isn't the reason for rain is to 'wash' the RV?

Barb

This is what we do. Buckets under the down spouts. Rain jackets on and get out and do it.

Our TT and GMC TV can be pretty dirty after 4 months snow-birding in FL. Who cares? ;) We live on the inside which is clean, not the outside. We wash them when we get back home.

tkcas01 wrote:

4X4Dodger wrote:

tkcas01 wrote:
Just this week in bone-dry California I was so desperate for a rig wash that I pulled into a remote corner of a truck stop and washed it using on-board water. Only the second time I have done that in 10 years.

There are truck washes everywhere. And they are usually reasonable for MH's and travel trailers. Why not use them?

Sorry, that is untrue. I assure you, where I am in rural CA, no truck washes to be had. I started looking for one in Ventura as I drove north on the 101 and made it to Monterey without finding one. When in more inhabited, heavily traveled areas I have used them several times, but sometimes one has to improvise is all I am saying.

I used a Blue Beacon at Barstow. About $25 for my small rig. It was only $14.50 at Blue Beacon in El Paso.

Some car washes have a 'large bay', truckers washes (except brushes can be very gritty), some campgrounds don't mind, some CGs have a 'wash fee', some CGs don't allow, mobile wash services, small bucket and hand wipe and then there are 'wash products' that use no water.

Most car washes have little room to maneuver large rigs.

4X4Dodger wrote:

tkcas01 wrote:
Just this week in bone-dry California I was so desperate for a rig wash that I pulled into a remote corner of a truck stop and washed it using on-board water. Only the second time I have done that in 10 years.

There are truck washes everywhere. And they are usually reasonable for MH's and travel trailers. Why not use them?

Sorry, that is untrue. I assure you, where I am in rural CA, no truck washes to be had. I started looking for one in Ventura as I drove north on the 101 and made it to Monterey without finding one. When in more inhabited, heavily traveled areas I have used them several times, but sometimes one has to improvise is all I am saying.

Often times, campgrounds know of outfits who will come wash your rig. It can be pretty expensive for a wash and wax ($10/linear foot). But they do a beautiful job.

tkcas01 wrote:
Just this week in bone-dry California I was so desperate for a rig wash that I pulled into a remote corner of a truck stop and washed it using on-board water. Only the second time I have done that in 10 years.

There are truck washes everywhere. And they are usually reasonable for MH's and travel trailers. Why not use them?