calliopeguy
Minnesota
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Joined: 02/04/2004
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My wife suggested running our 5th wheel thru a commercial truck wash. I have not actually seen how they clean trucks (brush?..air?) but somehow all the plastic delicate parts on the outside of a 5th wheel don't seem like they would take much aggressive washing. Also wondering if the decals would take a beating. Has anybody had any experience running their 5th wheel thru a commercial truck wash?
Ken and Renee
2007 Ford F-350 6.0 Lariat 4WD shortbox
18K Signature series with bedsaver
2009 Crossroads Kingston KF30SB
Semper Fi! W0CSC
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TandA-n-Mac
new jersey
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Joined: 05/16/2008
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we have, do not recomend an automatic brush system. Beacon @ most truck stops just used high pressure wands which wasn't that good(for the money,about $1.00-1.50 per foot) found acouple private places that hand brushed and pressure wands,that was great. we full time and do not have much choice,to get that personal touch. good luck.
06 F250 6.0 TD,SC,SB,4x4,Towboss,3.73 rear.Firestone air bags,285/70 R17 3795lb tires,18000 slider; 04 38' Jayo Designer "Legacy" 5er; all I need now is satilite TV and hit the lottery; NAVY,"WE'LL NEVER FORGET,land of the free because of the brave"
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ChiefJohn
Mascoutah, Illinois
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Joined: 11/21/2004
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I'll have to disagree with 'TandA-n-Mac' as regards the Blue Beacon Truck Washes as we've been very pleased with the facilities we have visited. Clean, professional/friendly staff, and outstanding service have been our experiences. Granted, this is not a hand-wash and I do caution them about my decals and open vents (i.e., refrigerator, heater, etc.). Normally get the citrus cleaning for all aluminum areas and Rain-X treatment.
John, CMSgt, USAF (Ret)
Marilyn, Co-Pilot/Navigator
Misha & Sophie (Bichon Frise)
2001 Mack CX612 427hp 10-Speed 3.70RA 222WB
2005 Excel Limited 35MKO
Excel Owner's Forum
Heavy Duty Truck (HDT) Forum
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BruceStarkey
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 05/02/2004
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I'll add a bit. If in the south west, you may find the Blue Beacons are still done by hand because of cheaper labour availability (Mx) and they do a wonderful job. Watching four guys with longhandled brushes working like mad to get the grime off is one of those pleasurable sensations; "thank god it wasn't me trying to do that in some RV park". I don't use the citrus-shine as my body builder cautioned it is a mild acid wash that will etch aluminum and result in turning it dull gray over time. I do go for the tire treatment as, whatever it is they use seems to last better than anything I've used over the years, the tires stay black longer and have had no adverse effects like weather checking/cracking. I would drive by one and look through the bays to watch what process they're using before commiting to a lane into one.
Today is just the tomorrow you worried about yesterday!
'04' International 4400 LoPro 310Hp/950FtLbs 10Spd Harley/RV Toter
'05' Mobile Suites 38RL3
'01' Harley Ultra in the bike barn.
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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Joined: 04/21/2005
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BruceStarkey wrote:I do go for the tire treatment as, whatever it is they use seems to last better than anything I've used over the years, the tires stay black longer and have had no adverse effects like weather checking/cracking.
Saw a program on TV a while back about car detailing and this professional auto detailer in California swears by motor oil for the tires. Claims that they look shiny for much longer and it is suppose to slow down the aging process too. I have been kind of afraid to try it, but maybe one of these days I will give it a shot.
Donn
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ronfisherman
SE Michigan
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Joined: 06/05/2006
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We have used Blue Beacon several times while on the road. Most of the time they do a good job. If you hit the place when there is a lineup of trucks they may not do as good a job. But overall it beats doing the job myself.
2004 Gulf Stream Endura 6340 D/A
Saf-TTE tire monitor
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Mountain Mama
N. TX
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Joined: 03/28/2008
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Just curious...do they charge by the foot (length of rv) or a set price???
2003 Holiday Rambler Alumascape 34RLT
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ChiefJohn
Mascoutah, Illinois
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Blue Beacon RV Information
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obscure person
Moore, OK 73160
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Joined: 04/17/2004
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We've been using Blue Beacon for several years and have no complaints with them. They don't get up on the roof but the system does have a rinse system which seems to do OK. It costs me about $44.00 for TV and 5er with wash and "wax." You do have to do the 40mph dry off though.
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luvglass
Milwaukee
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Joined: 12/01/2005
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We've had our rig done at commercial truck washes a number of times and have always been pleased with the outcome. It costs us about $40-$45 for the trailer and truck.
Fred Wishnie
2006 Carriage Cameo 35KS3, 2006 Ford F350 diesel dually, fulltimer
See our blog at http://www.mytripjournal.com/wanderingwishnies
“If all you ever do is all you’ve ever done, then all you’ll ever get is all you ever got.”
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