Community Forums

dskimball1 · 03-09-2018, 06:23 AM

Wondering if anyone as used a portable power washer from their unit without available city water hook up?

Does the water filled in the water storage tank keep the power washer properly supplied? I am concerned the minimum pressure output of the self contained water supply could cause damage to the power washer pump.

I would like to do remote MH wash in a parking lot with no hook up to water source. If you are doing this I would like to hear about what type of power washer you are using and what I should be concerned with, if anything.

Thanks,

Dan K.

TMan59 · 03-09-2018, 06:43 AM

We use a 50 gallon drum to gravity feed pressure washers all the time racing mx and washing bikes.
You will be fine.

I have 2 washers, but would never use one on my coach.
Risk reward thing.

dskimball1 · 03-09-2018, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMan59

We use a 50 gallon drum to gravity feed pressure washers all the time racing mx and washing bikes.
You will be fine.

Thanks

David3811 · 03-09-2018, 07:04 AM

My motorhome manual specifically tells me not to use a power washer on the coach. It's not good for the finish and you don't want to risk forcing water at high pressure into some of the critical vents and joints.

Triangle Drifter · 03-09-2018, 07:18 AM

A pressure washer will go through water fast. Depends on the capacity of your water pump. Doubt if it would be enough to keep up. You would use less water & do a better job with a bucket of water & a soft brush on an extendable painters stick anyway.

Pressure washers, even weak 1500 PSI washers can do alot of damage fast & not do a very good job more than getting chunks of mud off.

dskimball1 · 03-09-2018, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David3811

My motorhome manual specifically tells me not to use a power washer on the coach. It's not good for the finish and you don't want to risk forcing water at high pressure into some of the critical vents and joints.

Good point.
Thanks

cinitall · 03-09-2018, 11:16 AM

Agreed that most pressure washers are overkill for RV cleaning, we have an adjustable spray wand for our pressure washer and we can dial the pressure way down.

Being able to pull wash water from the fresh water tank is a real plus. It gives us the option to wash anywhere and we often use the deserted area of a truck stop to give the coach a quick clean. The key to consistent cleaning is a good DI system for a spot free rinse and there are several threads on this forum that address the subject

Yosemite77 · 03-09-2018, 11:29 AM

I’m reminded of the first time I ever used a pressure washer. I blasted a hole through the side of a garage. [emoji23] It’s much funnier now than it was at the time.

Cat320 · 03-10-2018, 04:13 PM

I don't use a power washer...it might drive water where water should not be.

Crasher · 03-10-2018, 04:45 PM

When my son ordered his Newell, he had them mount a high pressure cleaner in it. It has an outlet at the front and back. He uses it at the end of the day to clean off the bugs etc on the front and when he washes the coach. It works great and the on board water pump has no problem keeping up with the demand. He also runs all of his water through a softener while filling the fresh water tank or when drawing off of the RV parks water. He ends up with a spot free wash.

96 Wideglide · 03-10-2018, 05:59 PM

Bugs wouldn't dare splatter themselves all over the front of a Newell ..... Would they

?

dennis45 · 03-10-2018, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dskimball1

Wondering if anyone as used a portable power washer from their unit without available city water hook up?

Does the water filled in the water storage tank keep the power washer properly supplied? I am concerned the minimum pressure output of the self contained water supply could cause damage to the power washer pump.

I would like to do remote MH wash in a parking lot with no hook up to water source. If you are doing this I would like to hear about what type of power washer you are using and what I should be concerned with, if anything.

Thanks,

Dan K.

You might want to look up Dutchstar Don in the members list and send him a PM. He built a small electric unit into the generator compartment on his Dutchstar. He did a nice job of the install.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/members/list/

ka5gyo · 03-10-2018, 06:19 PM

I installed a $80 washer in the wet bay. Works off the coach pump as you described, and works great. I just bought a carwash pump off ebay, threw all the plastic housing away. mounted pump/motor unit, tied suction into water line. quick easy install and can wash any where i stop.

Captjake1 · 03-10-2018, 10:50 PM

I took a 1500 psi electric pressur washer and installed it in a void space in the coach.
It uses WAY less water than a hose. I can feed it from the on board tank with the pump.
Don't get so close as to etch the surface. Wet it, wash it and then rinse with pressur washer.
I recently added the CR SPOTLESS deionized water system. Amazing results.
All contained within the coach. Water wise and wster conscience.
Also, an electric pressure washer cycles off once it reaches pressure. A gas unit won't. Without water circulation, a pump will overeat quickly and fail.
I am really happy with my system, especially after adding the deionized water system.