Blue Beacon Truck Wash

we have used blue beacon etc many times. the one that is most convenient for us is in central AZ, on I 10, near the I 8 junction. they will wash your toad, too...or not, according to your choice.

are the pressure washers, soap, etc. enemies of clear coat? been wondering if it would be safe for our MH. also don't want to unnecessarily delay the OTR truckers...after all, they are at work.

TexasShadow wrote:
we have used blue beacon etc many times. the one that is most convenient for us is in central AZ, on I 10, near the I 8 junction. they will wash your toad, too...or not, according to your choice.

Not for free....

We (truckers) call it the 'Streak'in Beacon'.

Whatever you do, just make sure they don't apply 'brightener' to anything, just wash. Brightener is muratic acid (which takes the oxidation off aluminum) and could be detrimental to the finish on your RV.

Some Beacons are excellent, some not so good. Timing is everything. If they are real busy (like say after a rainstorm when the sun comes back out and they are backed up), then they do a quick job that may not be to your satisfaction (and they will rewash but you have to do the line again). Best time is late at night or over a holiday when the truck traffic is marginal. Few trucks on the road equals few trucks at the Beacon equals a better job and little wait in line.

SidecarFlip wrote:
Whatever you do, just make sure they don't apply 'brightener' to anything, just wash. Brightener is muratic acid (which takes the oxidation off aluminum) and could be detrimental to the finish on your RV.

Nice to know. I will keep that in mind.

Have used a few .. I've always been happy..

We frequent Blue Beacon often. Generally they do a great job and we are happy they are out there. In the last 10 years only 1 bad wash experience. They just did a poor job. We got a refund and a $20 coupon towards our next wash.

As sidecar flip said, streaking beacon is their name, they will use the acid to remove bugs or heavy dirt, and it will etch your paint. Could always tell trucks washed there a lot as the paint was dull.

rk911 wrote:
are the pressure washers, soap, etc. enemies of clear coat? been wondering if it would be safe for our MH. also don't want to unnecessarily delay the OTR truckers...after all, they are at work.

Have had my Suncruiser washed there many times ( same as your old Suncruiser) and haven't had any problems. Closest one is in Rochelle.

neil57 wrote:
As sidecar flip said, streaking beacon is their name, they will use the acid to remove bugs or heavy dirt, and it will etch your paint. Could always tell trucks washed there a lot as the paint was dull.

Think that has more to do with the water based paint truck builders are using today and no clearcoat on a truck than anything else. With most RV's the color is in the skin, not painted on and in the case of a MoHo, the paint is clearcoated.

I've gotten good and bad wash jobs on my big truck before. Think my 2 favorite Beacons are Stoney Ridge, Ohio Turnpike at exit 5 on I 280 and Burns Harbor on I94. Both are 2 bay Beacons so it's quicker. The crews at Burns Harbor, really hump.

neil57 wrote:
As sidecar flip said, streaking beacon is their name, they will use the acid to remove bugs or heavy dirt, and it will etch your paint. Could always tell trucks washed there a lot as the paint was dull.

They use the brightener on aluminum wheels & tanks not paint although there maybe over spray. I was a class 8 owner/operator and RV'er. As he said just ask for no acid and pick a time when there is not a lineup to wash, they do a decent job.