Community Forums

Phantomiz · 11-02-2008, 10:55 PM

Hi,

GaryKD put a bug in my ear last week regarding the harsh chemicals used by truck wash establishments.

I usually have my rig washed at a Blue Beacon truck wash twice a year on the way down to the Keys from the "Great White North". I'm looking for some input on how harsh the chemicals they use, whether it's something to worry about if only getting done once or twice a year and if any have had bad experiences.

Thanks in advance
PhanTomiZ

Phantomiz · 11-02-2008, 10:55 PM

Hi,

GaryKD put a bug in my ear last week regarding the harsh chemicals used by truck wash establishments.

I usually have my rig washed at a Blue Beacon truck wash twice a year on the way down to the Keys from the "Great White North". I'm looking for some input on how harsh the chemicals they use, whether it's something to worry about if only getting done once or twice a year and if any have had bad experiences.

Thanks in advance
PhanTomiZ

RV Wizard · 11-02-2008, 11:54 PM

I am sure some have had bad experiences and many have had no problems. If you have a good protectant on the finish of the coach you should have no problem. If I were to have mie washed I would request they rinse well and of coarse remind them not to spray up into windows and vents. But since I use Envy I don't wash it.

ParTheCourse · 11-03-2008, 01:12 AM

On our way south last year we sought the advice of other RV'ers and tractor trailer drivers. Many advised against the big truck washes not only because of the chemicals but the high pressure systems they use. Some truck drivers would only allow their trailers in such washes.

Several suggested the truck wash at Exit 2 of RT. 75 at the Ga. / Fl. state line, next to the Flying J.. For a dollar per foot, six +- people swarmed over our rig with garden hoses and hand washed it, even used large Turkish towel type rags to dry it.

Only the supervisor seemed to understand English until I gave him a twenty dollar bill with instructions that everyone split three / four six packs of beer after work, that brought a smile to all their faces. Hum, hoblay (spell) beer?

Jersyman · 11-03-2008, 03:23 AM

I've used the Blue Beacon truck washes around the country several times with no problems. They do a fine job and the coach maintains it's wax that I put on.

Phantomiz · 11-03-2008, 10:51 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RV Wizard:
I am sure some have had bad experiences and many have had no problems. If you have a good protectant on the finish of the coach you should have no problem. If I were to have mie washed I would request they rinse well and of coarse remind them not to spray up into windows and vents. But since I use Envy I don't wash it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
You don't wash your rig because you use Envy. What is Envy???

PhanTomiZ

Phantomiz · 11-03-2008, 10:55 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ParTheCourse:
On our way south last year we sought the advice of other RV'ers and tractor trailer drivers. Many advised against the big truck washes not only because of the chemicals but the high pressure systems they use. Some truck drivers would only allow their trailers in such washes.

Several suggested the truck wash at Exit 2 of RT. 75 at the Ga. / Fl. state line, next to the Flying J.. For a dollar per foot, six +- people swarmed over our rig with garden hoses and hand washed it, even used large Turkish towel type rags to dry it.

Only the supervisor seemed to understand English until I gave him a twenty dollar bill with instructions that everyone split three / four six packs of beer after work, that brought a smile to all their faces. Hum, hoblay (spell) beer? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I remember this Flying J, but I don't recall seeing a hand truck wash. What's the name of the company and where exactly is it? Are there big line ups? I checked it out on google maps and looks like it must be across the street from the J.

PhanTomiZ

RV Wizard · 11-04-2008, 12:20 AM

PhanTomiZ, Envy is a waterless cleaning and polishing product. I put it on about once a year. You should be able to get the manufacturers website through google; I don't have it at the moment but could get it if you can't find it. I like the product. It is easy to use and holds up very well.

ParTheCourse · 11-04-2008, 12:38 AM

Phantomiz,

It's next door same side of road, a very large building with 2 / 3 large overhead, pull through doors.

They are both on the left, south, side of the road.

No line when I was there. In fact last year on the way home in April, the J was so full they were directing traffic out front, so I drove on by and used the truck wash as a turn around.

LindaH · 11-04-2008, 05:33 AM

We also use a waterless wash...our rig has never seen water (except for rain)!

parmm · 11-04-2008, 07:13 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Phantomiz:
harsh chemicals used by truck wash establishments.

I usually have my rig washed at a Blue Beacon truck wash </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Just tell them not to use anything harsh, especially on the rubber roof if you have one! To quote from Blue Beacon's site: "RV Benefits - People, not machines, will wash your motorcoach! Over 35 years of experience has taught us this is the best way to protect your investment." and further "Protects Your Investment (We use only warm, soapy water) (Upon customer request only, we will use our exclusive citrushine™ product, which is a mild citric acid solution; safe for all paint, aluminum and chrome finishes. We can also use our exclusive brightener product on your aluminum wheels, but again we do so only at customer request.)" I doubt that they will use harsh acid or anything else that would hurt your RV.

EPA ususally watches truck washes very closely.

Marty too · 11-04-2008, 09:03 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">mild citric acid solution </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Whoa: If you have a rubber roof, stay away from this stuff or be ready to replace the roof membrane. Any citric type stuff is a no-no on rubber roofs.

Marty

Phantomiz · 11-05-2008, 12:11 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by LindaH:
We also use a waterless wash...our rig has never seen water (except for rain)!

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

How does this waterless wash work on bugs? What product do you use?

PhanTomiZ

Phantomiz · 11-05-2008, 12:16 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ParTheCourse:
Phantomiz,

It's next door same side of road, a very large building with 2 / 3 large overhead, pull through doors.

They are both on the left, south, side of the road.

No line when I was there. In fact last year on the way home in April, the J was so full they were directing traffic out front, so I drove on by and used the truck wash as a turn around. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I see it now on google maps. My usual stopover for the night will be roughly in this area, so I will stop and give them a try.

Thanks for the info...
PhanTomiZ