Carwash for 'B' vans

[pete]

I run my Suburban through the $6.00 wash track every week. I know it is not the same as a good hand wash but it does keep it nice. Now that I have the Roadtrek, it is 8' 10" and will not fit into the wash track and even most do-it yourself bays are not high enough. I know I can wash by hand with my hose but what is everyone doing when you are on the road and want to clean up?

Any thoughts???
Pete

[Mike]

Hi pete,
While I haven't actually tried them yet, here's a possibility.
http://www.bluebeacon.com/
Looks like the price for a RV wash is around $30.
No idea what's included, but they say they've got lots of them around.
I've seen them at truck stops in the US and Canada.

Good luck,
Mike.

[ennajean]

Seeing as we have the pop top on our Sportsmobile it can go through a regular hand wash car wash. Not that I personally have ever washed it. But my husband does it after every trip and when on a road trip gets washed at least every other week....its his thing. Can't stand to see DABEE dirty.

[VernM]

My garage (Kent Chevrolet, Mtn. Home, AR) has an adjoining detail shop. They do a thorough wash and good wax of the outside of both the van and its little trailer, plus wheel bright, etc., for a total of $50. Check your phone book/local Internet sources for Detailers. Many are small, eager, and willing to work with you. I had a great one in Mission, TX, too. Winter cleanups of the 34-foot Itasca Suncruiser were $75.

[pete]

Thank you all for the info.
There is one of those Blue Beacon wash near me but I think $30 is a bit pricey to wash a van although $35 to wash a bus seems quite a bargain. My friend Lou details vehicles and I have him do mine in the spring. I did find one spray wash with a 9' limit but it is a bit far from me. I look at the height limit as I drive by the washes, hopefully I will find one close that is high enough.
Pete

[Mike]

I guess $30 does sound a but pricey, but if they get the bugs off, it might be worth it.
I sent a note to Blue Beacon Truck/RV Wash and asked what they do about removing bugs.
I think I've seen them with long handled brushes doing 18 wheelers, but no idea how
good they are at getting the flying critters off yer rig.
I'll post up any replies I get.

Our '02 is 8'4", so we just fit in most DIY car washes. I use them sometimes and have a netted
sponge head squeegee, as well as a softer long bristled brush. And a utility bucket.
And lots of quarters......

[Mike]

OK, here's the update from an email question to Customer Service at Blue Beacon Truck and RV Washes.
Good news, price-wise, actually. I explained I had a class B van conversion RV.

"Yes, we can wash it and no the bugs aren’t extra. The cost of washing your van would be $13.50 at most Blue Beacons, we do have a few locations that are a higher cost due to the cost of operating in those areas, in that case the cost would be $15.00.

Thanks for asking and have a great day.

Melody Hardman
Sales Support Manager
Blue Beacon Truck Washes"

So $13-$15 for a good scrub and rinse is a bit better than $30.

Enjoy,
Mike.

[pete]

Thank you Mike,
I will check it out this weekend. You are right $15 is more like it.
Actually I won't be driving it the same places I take my Suburban so it should not need a weekly shower.
Pete

[Viking]

I usually wash my 9'5" PW Ascent by hand once I get home. On the road, I can usually find a DIY car wash high enough to take my rig. Anywhere there are a lot of 4X4 pickup trucks will surely have DIY car washes with high roofs. Some RV campgrounds have RV washes, or are close to one. When it comes right down to it, though, there's nothing quite like a good thunderstorm to get the bugs off and make the rig shine!

[Mike]

Amen to that!
(And a thunderstorm is cheap. :P )

[pete]

I just did the thunderstorm thing, now both the Suburban and the Roadtrek are nice and clean. I will probably use this a lot as I a have the secret for calling up thunderstorms; I just go on vacation or plan a weekend trip...
Pete