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RV Wash and Wax


Onthego

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Last spring we had "Benjamin's" wash and what was supposed to be oxidation removal, but really was just wax with a buffer, for $300. I wouldnt do that again. We recently paid $40 for just a wash. If I remember correctly, they wanted another $80 for wax, which I believe is a pretty standard price.

2005 Winnebago Voyage 38J

 

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Hi Jeff - We stayed at the Yuma COOP, and they had a group the recommended. They came in and washed and waxed our coach in about 2 1/2 hours. Felt they did a good job. As I recall, it was a bit less then the normal charge, because we were in the park. (Assume they give some sort of like group discount(?).) With a tip, $135 for our 40'. This was two years ago.

 

You might try calling the office, and ask who they recommend. May or may not be the same ones that helped us. (And it could have ben Benjamin's, I just don't recall.

 

We'll be stopping in for a few days in January on our way to Tucson, and will have the coached washed/waxed again:)!

 

Best,

Smitty

Be safe, have fun,

Smitty

04 CC Allure "RooII" - Our "E" ride for life!

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Interesting...... Never thought of having it done.... That said, I'll be heading South early next year, most likely with a salt cake on it. Is there a directory? What do you look for? Google? Is it safe/customary to go through a truck wash?

 

On edit.... started digging and found Blue Beacon.... Anyone have experience with this outfit? There would be several along the way for me.

Previously a 2017 Forest River, Berkshire 38A, "The Dragonship". https://dragonship.blog/

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They are forecasting that it's going to get down to four below zero here (central Kansas) Saturday night. That is actual temperature, not wind chill. I so envy you guys washing and waxing and enjoying your RV's.

 

Maybe I'll make myself feel better by looking up what the lows will be in Canada and Minnesota.

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I use Blue Beacon quite often with an application of RainX post wash. Does a pretty good job on the clear coated rig. It often is not real apparent how busy a truck wash is so I always try to drive by so I can see how many trucks are waiting, There usually isn't a turn around so once you're in the drive, you're committed. Each truck ahead of you will take @ 20 minutes so you can figure out if there's one in the wash and one waiting, it's going to be 40-60 minutes before you are done and back on the road. Typical cost for my 30' with RainX is about $50.

Then
The puller - Wiers Towmaster (Int'l 4700LP)
and pusher - 40' Travel Supreme

Now

30' Winnebago Aspect TS
Signs of my new life

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X2 on Blue Beacon truck washes, there's an app to locaye them. There is definitely one in Casa Grande if you're coming to Yuma from that direction. We pulled into another brand truck wash and they wanted $75 just for the motorhome and another $15 for wax. When we saw them using hand brushes on the truck in front of us, then noticed all the soapy water was coming out of the same bucket as all the other trucks were washed in we just said "No Thanks" when our turn came and drove straight out again.

There was a Blue Beacon further along our route and we went there got the RV AND car washed and waxed for $65 dollars with pressure washers and a roof sprayer, much better!

There are a couple of truck stops (Loves and Pilot I think) in Yuma so there's probably a truck wash too, and there are numerous RV wash companies that will come to your campground but check with the campground to see if they have special conditions for getting it done onsite.

Make sure you go to Arizona Marketplace near the airport while you are in Yuma, the cheapest place ever to get all your RV accessories.

BnB.

2009 Monaco Cayman DP 38'

bnbrv.blogspot.com/

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I have been to Blue Beacon all across the country. For an over 30' motorhome, they charge $32-35. Less than 30' is $28. RainEx is another $10-14 per RV.

 

Yes, there is usually a wait behind a long line of big trucks, and it can take an hour for that wait, but I usually use the time to fix lunch or such. Last time, I fixed toasted cheese sandwich for one grandchild and fried ham sandwich for the other. I had a ham sandwich, and we all finished eating by the time we got into the bay. I just had to watch and move up with the rest of the trucks. Grandkids got a kick out of watching the big trucks get washed.

 

The process is that you follow the trucks and pull up to the bay to wait for instructions. Eventually someone will usher you in. A bunch of guys with spray wands and brushes will descend. (You can opt out of brushes if you prefer.) Then while they are washing, you get out and go inside the office to pay. They do not dry the vehicles, and since Blue Beacon is known by truckers as "Streakin' Beacon" I always ask them to make sure they rinse it well. You end up with an RV that is completely free of bugs and black streaks. They will put tire polish on also for an extra fee.

 

MUCH cheaper than the people who come to your rv park! Most of us have gel coats that don't require waxing anyway, and if you travel, it will get dirty soon anyway, so for me, I like the cheap.

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It was a long time ago, but my Brother was an over the road driver and said to avoid the Blue Beacon. Said they used too much acid in their washing. I asked for no acid the one time I used them and a few months later I could tell the finish on my old trailer was oxidizing a lot. I won't go back Yes it looked good when it was first washed, but it never looked that good again.

 

Rod

White 2000/2010Volvo VNL 770 with 7' Drom box with opposing doors,  JOST slider hitch. 600 HP Cummins Signature 18 Speed three pedal auto shift.

1999 Isuzu VehiCross retired to a sticks and bricks garage. Brought out of storage the summer of 2022

2022 Jeep Wrangler Sport S Two door hard top.

2007 Honda GL 1800

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The Gold Volvo is still running and being emptied in July. 

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I have never used a Blue Beacon that used an acid wash. All of them have been soap only. They might not be as good as a hand wash by you but they do a decent job for the money as most of them.

 

Some have done a great job, others look like the three blind mice washed the rig but overall, they are not too bad.

2017 Kenworth T680
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Be careful about those wash guys as they can damage roof mounted items, skylights, solar panels, etc. esp if they are hurrying. We had a real problems with a Class A, had been using the same outfit to wash it and later I did it myself. When I washed the roof, I found alot of scuffs etc caused my their pressure washer hose and lack of caution. I dont use them anymore. The most susceptible is the paint/clear/roof on the edge of the rig. Thats where the hose is "dragged" and damage can occur.

Remember that after they have washed the roof, on a EPDM or TPO roof, good time to condition of treat the roof. Ive used 303 Protectent with good results on EPDM.

Marcel

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Being in Yuma for 13 winters it is a crap shoot. There are many outfits doing wash, wax, de-oxidation, etc. Pick up a Whitesheet and they advertise in there. Benjamin's, DAD's and many more. There can be a guy get his done by one outfit in the park, then the same outfit does one down the street and that guy is unhappy. A lot depends on your level of what is good. Personally for the price that most charge I think it is a hell of deal and they also come to you, no need for you to move.

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started digging and found Blue Beacon.... Anyone have experience with this outfit? There would be several along the way for me.

 

We always used Blue Beacon. At some it is important to ask for extra rinse so I just got in the habit of doing that. I never had wax done, though, so you'll have to find someone else with an opinion about that part.

 

Linda Sand

Blog: http://sandcastle.sandsys.org/

Former Rigs: Liesure Travel van, Winnebago View 24H, Winnebago Journey 34Y, Sportsmobile Sprinter conversion van

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I would be inclined not to let them on the roof. I would be using them to get massive salt off the coach when I clear the "Arctic Zone" on the way South. Once I get to a nice spot well above freezing I'll do it myself, in detail, including the roof.

 

The "extra rinse" advice has been given elsewhere too..... I'll keep it in mind.

Previously a 2017 Forest River, Berkshire 38A, "The Dragonship". https://dragonship.blog/

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Be careful about those wash guys as they can damage roof mounted items, skylights, solar panels, etc. esp if they are hurrying. We had a real problems with a Class A, had been using the same outfit to wash it and later I did it myself. When I washed the roof, I found alot of scuffs etc caused my their pressure washer hose and lack of caution. I dont use them anymore. The most susceptible is the paint/clear/roof on the edge of the rig. Thats where the hose is "dragged" and damage can occur.

Remember that after they have washed the roof, on a EPDM or TPO roof, good time to condition of treat the roof. Ive used 303 Protectent with good results on EPDM.

 

Blue Beacon don't go on the roof. There is an overhead sprinkler pipe that does the spraying from the top down. The whole thing is no touch.

BnB

2009 Monaco Cayman DP 38'

bnbrv.blogspot.com/

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Just had wash / wax done in Yuma ( 2 ) weeks ago. $ 120.00 for 40' Motorhome. We used Papis, ' but have also used Roberts few years ago. Fee also includes wash only of your Toad, and Armorall of the tires as well. Papis did a good job. Wax is wipe on/wipe off type. Not a whole lot of elbow grease involved, but overall they did a nice job, and had no issues going over a few areas I pointed out at the end. Park we we stayed in had a list of 4 or 5 companies.

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Having done the job ourselves, I know the devil is in the details ( those pesky trim areas, under awning arms, dirt & debris that collect under the solar panels et) so how good are these companies at doing a thorough job?

Ours will certainly need done afyer a couple weeks sitting g in Quartzite

Ron & Linda

Class of 2007
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2005 Honda Element

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are" Theodore Roosevelt

"We can't control the wind, but we can adjust our sail"

"When man gave up his freedom to roam the earth, he gave up his soul for a conditioned ego that is bound by time and the fear of losing its attachments."

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Having done the job ourselves, I know the devil is in the details ( those pesky trim areas, under awning arms, dirt & debris that collect under the solar panels et) so how good are these companies at doing a thorough job?

Ours will certainly need done afyer a couple weeks sitting g in Quartzite

 

They use a pressure washer with soap solution, in combination with a soft brush. Pretty decent wash job. Wax was wipe on type, but they did ok with removal. Only a few minor trim areas where I went over with my own cloth after they left. I did point out a few areas that needed more attention. They happily went back over those spots no arguments.

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They use a pressure washer with soap solution, in combination with a soft brush. Pretty decent wash job. Wax was wipe on type, but they did ok with removal. Only a few minor trim areas where I went over with my own cloth after they left. I did point out a few areas that needed more attention. They happily went back over those spots no arguments.

 

My experience was the same using Robert's. They arrived an hour early and it took about an hour and a half to do the job. $135 on a 35' Super C. Cash or Check.

 

Jeff :)

Tina and Jeff

Class of 2011

"RV there yet?"

2005 Gulfstream Endura

and a 1987 Jeep Wrangler

 

http://rvtravelswith...a.blogspot.com/

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They are forecasting that it's going to get down to four below zero here (central Kansas) Saturday night. That is actual temperature, not wind chill. I so envy you guys washing and waxing and enjoying your RV's.

 

Maybe I'll make myself feel better by looking up what the lows will be in Canada and Minnesota.

rvrev2:

 

If you'll work your way over to IH-35, Head south down then hit US-77 you 2 can get to the Texas Gulf to Rockport. You can wash and wax your rig to your hearts content.

 

If you are indeed a Rev, just tell your flock that it is time for a sabbatical. :rolleyes::D

 

You can INDEED commune with GOD there.

Traveling America in "God's Grace"

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