Some people use commercial truck washes, usually located at big truck stops.  We've never done that.  Many RV parks have vendors who come into the park and will power-wash, dry and wax your rig....not always cheap.  The best deal we've had was in Puerto Penasco, Mexico - $75 for the whole thing!!!  Next best was in Yuma, AZ for $130 for our 40' coach.  Some vendors charge by the foot.

What we usually do is get out a big ladder and small buckets of soapy water and some rags and start washing a small section of the rig at a time, usually starting with the roof.  Then we wax the same section (not the roof, however!).  We always work in the shade, and it sometimes takes us a week or more to get all the way around the rig, depending on how energetic we feel and what other things we have to do each day.      If we're just washing - and not waxing - we can usually get it done in one day and sometimes will use a hose.

Some parks have a "no wash" rule, which may mean you just can't use a hose, or it may mean absolutely no washing.  Some parks have a designated area where you can take your rig to wash it.     We used to have our own power washer, but decided that might be too harsh on the full-paint, so it now lives in our daughter's garage.

Happy cleaning!
Mary

I cannot imagine paying $130 for a rig wash that is something we could not afford. Some parks will let you wash your own rig as most of the Thousand Trails Parks will.  We do our own and I help its a team effort, and most use those power washers, I have noticed here where we are. We never use them  as they are hard on your decals or graphics (some of which just stick on your rig). It takes time to wash our 37 foot fiver but at least we know its a good job when done. RV roofs should also be washed and checked for caulking a couple of times a year.
southwestjudy

I've never used it, but some rv'ers are using a dry-wash product. It's a spray on and removes dust & dirt without scratching the surface. I've seen it used on classic cars, Semis and RVs with no damage.

I've also seen folks use a broom with a microfiber towel draped over it to dust off their rigs and get rid of loose dirt.

I once saw a guy use one gallon of water, a spray bottle, a small bucket and a couple of rags to wash his whole 37ft 5th wheel, except the roof. He poored the water out of the jug into the spray bottle and use it to clean an area. He'd wring out the rags in a bucket with about a quart of water in it. The rig wasn't real dirty, no mud or salt spray, just normal road dirt. He didn't use soap just water and elbow grease. It looked good when he was done.

I wash mine at home with a big long handled brush attached to the hose, before and after a trip.

Blue Beacon is a truck wash that has a specialty with RVs. One key is they only use high pressure soapy water (acid based wash ONLY upon request). Many truck washes default using an acid based solution. Blue also uses special brushes for clear coat vs fiberglass and if asked will tone down the pressure when cleaning your Diamond Shield covered nose. They also offer a Rain-X final rinse product that is superb. About $27 less than 30ft and $35 over 30ft. Of course the Rain-X is extra. Pull in, watch em spray her down and pull out in 15 mins or so.

-- Edited by RVDude at 21:59, 2008-10-28

RVDude wrote:

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Blue Beacon is a truck wash that has a specialty with RVs. One key is they only use high pressure soapy water (acid based wash ONLY upon request). Many truck washes default using an acid based solution. Blue also uses special brushes for clear coat vs fiberglass and if asked will tone down the pressure when cleaning your Diamond Shield covered nose. They also offer a Rain-X final rinse product that is superb. About $27 less than 30ft and $35 over 30ft. Of course the Rain-X is extra. Pull in, watch em spray her down and pull out in 15 mins or so.

-- Edited by RVDude at 21:59, 2008-10-28

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I would like to thank you very much for this info.  I will be driving past two of these truck wash places when I leave Dutchess Co. NY - one is just off I-84, an the other off I-81 in Carlisle PA.  I want to have the RV washed before I arrive at the RV Service Park in Greencastle PA where I will have a few items attended to, and one estimate I had for wash & wax was approx $400!  So Blue Beacon  sounds very reasonable to me.  You mention Rain-X - is this equivalent to a wax, or should I plan on waxing it in the near future? 

gypsy

 

A friend who is a self described clean freak turned me on to Griots Garage waterless spray wash and wax products. He used some of his spray wash to clean the dirty rear end of my Cameo and used the paint sealer product to wax it.....no water, and shine shine shine!! It takes a section at a time to accomplish he says. I have ordered it and will give the entire rig a cleaning soon.