Blue Beacon Truck Wash Questions

[dpgllg]

Hello,

I need to get my 5th wheel cleaned and due to health issues it is just to much for me to take on myself. I have a Blue Beacon Truck Wash about 20 minutes or so from me. I called and they do wash RV's and a wash would be approximately $30. I think this is a reasonable cost as I paid a mobile company in Myrtle Beach last summer $150 for just a wash including roof.

When I spoke to the manager he stated that they wash a lot of RV's and just don't blast them with a pressure washer but use brushes and a different less caustic soap the what they use on the trucks. They avoid vents and other opening as well.

I would be using the Blue Beacon in Bentleyville PA for the wash.

If anyone has used any Blue Beacon or even better the one in Bentleyville what was your experience good or bad?

It looks like I will be taking the RV there this weekend.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Dave

[avan]

Stefonius wrote:
The BB near me is open 24/7, and I have found that the wait is slim to none if I go in the middle of the night.

At my age I don't get up in the middle of the night for anything other than relief 🙂

[HalD]

As a former O/O trucker (30+ years), I have used BB a few times, but they are not nicknamed "Streaking Beacon" for nothing.
They use some strong acid in the wash which does clean well, but eventually will etch the glass in windows - not to mention removing any polish/wax on the rest of the vehicle.

[shawdowboss]

Have used Blue Beacon quite a bit and they do a very good job and the price is reasonable for 33'. We try to hit mid-morning (10AM) to do what we can to avoid semi's. Used several different ones through the midwest and find they are all very similar setups and all do good jobs.

I don't get the add-ons, just a normal wash. Didn't see much difference with Rain-X or any of the add-ons.

There are a few truck washes that are automatic, just ask to have the roof brush left off and up if you use one. They are about the same price and time as Blue Beacon.

[Stefonius]

avan wrote:
Its a decent wash job and inexpensive but not necessarily fast. For each full length semi in line in front of you, figure a 25 minute wait added to whatever time is needed to finish the job already in the wash bay. If the truck also is looking for washout of trailer interior, it will add 5-10 minutes to your wait.

The BB near me is open 24/7, and I have found that the wait is slim to none if I go in the middle of the night.

[wa8yxm]

Have used Blue Beacon a few times. Good job. they are a bit over cautious on a few things but that is a GOOD thing.. THEY DO know how to avoid shooting water INTO the RV. and I have always been pleased with the result .

[avan]

See my response and rig on page 1. Yes they wash B+. They charge by the foot - usually a buck/foot for the straight wash. I often have them wash the attached toad as well as it can really get dirty behind the rig. Their price to wash the attached toad at the same time is nominal (ask)and those times I don't have the toad washed, they usually end up washing the front dirty half just by its proximity to the rear of the MH. Its a decent wash job and inexpensive but not necessarily fast. For each full length semi in line in front of you, figure a 25 minute wait added to whatever time is needed to finish the job already in the wash bay. If the truck also is looking for washout of trailer interior, it will add 5-10 minutes to your wait. I usually cruise the parking lot next to the facility so I can see what's in line. The facilities seem to always be set up with very long access drives and you can't see what's all in line and how mayt bays are open until you enter the drive. Once in the drive, there's no turnaround or bypass so you're stuck with your decision

[Houston_Camping]

Ok, so I've been trying to wash my B+ myself, but the front cap is a PITA to get to and I can't really reach to give it a good scrub down. Reading about BB and I'm curious, do they also wash my type RV? I called a local place and they want $350 to come out wash/wax, but from reading the prices on some of the responses, I think this might be the better option. We live in the center of Houston, so I'm sure I can find a BB somewhere near.

[kep5niner]

I've done both - with and w/o Rain-X. I have not noticed a difference. BB does their best to up-sell their products, but I just politely decline, and they forge ahead with getting a good wash complete.

If you're going to polish and wax afterward anyway, Rain-X would be rather useless regardless.

[Trackrig]

I think I would avoid the Rain X if they're going to polish it. The Rain X is to keep dirt and crud from sticking to the RV.

Bill

[Stefonius]

I have used Blue Beacon for my fiver. They did a great job. I did not have them do the roof because I wasn't sure if their soap was bad for the EPDM. They have the ability to selectively turn off the overhead sprayers. The location near me is open 24 hours, and there wasn't any line at 1 AM. 🙂

[dpgllg]

OP Here,

Thanks to all of you for your response!

I feel more confident that this is the right move for me.

I asked when would be a good time and they said early Sunday is rather slow so I'm planning on taking it there this Sunday morning.

What does the Rain x treatment do? I was planning on waxing / polishing the 5th wheel once I got it clean. Well not me nut my two daughters and their husbands. Will the rain x make this harder?

Thanks again!

Dave

[kep5niner]

I have a Blue Beacon about 15 minutes from the house, and use them about once per month. The $40 is a small price to pay for the quality job they do - that includes the truck and fiver. Maintenance is cheaper and easier than repair, and I like keeping my rig in top condition.

[Z-Peller]

Have used BB several times with my RV.
They do a good job and are fast. Just be aware that you might have a long wait in a lineup to get in sometimes .

[elidodge]

Used them for many years while I was truckin. I recommend them to any one. Good people