Wash that bus

[adamdegraff]

OK, after seeing Truk's new bus all sparkly and clean... (Brian's old bus), I have to ask an embarrassing question:

How do you clean a bus when you are on the road? Truck washes? Those little hoses they have near the diesel pumps? In my case I don't really stop very long in one place... and I almost never have access to water spigots except at gas stations. But I would like to at least keep our bus looking presentable.

Anybody got a secret? Can you take a bus to a truck wash? Anything you should watch out for? I don't want some power washer taking off a layer of paint.

Thanks!

Adam

[Jon Wehrenberg]

Adam,

When I have been sitting in the driver's seat all day I need to stretch and get some exercise.

I use a soft large brush on an extendible pole and a 5 gallon pail of water. I do not hose down the coach, but get the brush wet and go around the top painted part wetting it, brushing it and then rinsing it with the same brush and water.

I go all around the coach, and then get out my step ladder and dry the entire coach. On a hot sunny day I may have to do small sections so the water will not spot the paint. I use large bath towels to dry it, getting a clean one when it gets damp.

I then repeat the same process on the stainless.

If I hustle it takes about 1.5 hours, more if the bugs on the front are glued in place. The wheels and tires get cleaned with the dirtiest water. I can usually do the entire bus using about 10 gallons of water.

If a campground lets me use a hose I prefer that.

I will not use a truck wash. They have a lot of chemicals in their water. I also will not use a power washer.

Some guys use de-ionized water. They will probably post here.

[dale farley]

Adam,

I have found that in most towns over 5000 people, you can find a car wash that has one bay large enogh to wash a bus. I've washed mine in places like Jackson Hole, WY, but I had to disconnect my tow vehicle to do it. I don't mine using a truck stop or any other wash facility as long as I am the one doing the washing.

When we were traveling to the rally in Branson, MO, Jim Keller spotted an area behind a service station, gave the girl a few bucks, and we washed his bus using their water. I always use a soft brush on a long pole, and dry with a chamois cloth. There are many ways to get the job done. If you are ever coming through Pensacola, feel free to spend the night at our place. I have electrical and water hook up.

[merle&louise]

Adam,

It is a problem because most campgrounds prohibit washing. I have asked why and they say because it uses too much water! When I offer to pay extra for the water they still say no:confused:

So I wash it in rest areas along interstate hiways, casino parking lots, truck stops, etc. I just use my own water using the water connection on the coach and wash it as if I were at home. I hold 168 gallons of fresh water and it takes about 80 gallons to wash and rinse it. Then I just fill up at the campground that night.

Where there's a will - there's a way!

[tdelorme]

Adam, your getting a lot of good answers about washing the bus. Jon's deal of drying the bus after washing is great if you have enough time on your hands. What many of us do is use a de-ionizing system for the rinse water. With one of these systems, you rinse and go make music. No need to hand dry because the water will not leave spots on your paint or stainless.
Tuga's suggestions are good and I often do the same thing. I've had times when an RV park said no washing and I will ask if I can just use my onboard water. Usually they say that will be fine, so I wash from the bus hose bib and fill up later if needed.
Check out the link below. The Mr. Clean car wash deal has a de-ionizing cartridge in the rinse handle that will give you a spotless rinse with no hand drying.
I too, pass on truck washing outfits as most of them use some sort of acid detergent that is bad on your stainless.
http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Clean-AutoDry-System-Starter/dp/B0006M56CE

[merle&louise]

Tuga's suggestions are good and I often do the same thing. I've had times when an RV park said no washing and I will ask if I can just use my onboard water. Usually they say that will be fine, so I wash from the bus hose bib and fill up later if needed.

You know, how smart are these RV park guys? "No you can't use our water to wash your bus" but you can use your own water from your bus!;) I wonder if they think that we are not going to fill our water tank with their water after we wash the bus. Duhaaaa!

[rfoster]

I have my staff follow me and wash the bus as needed. And Tow Vehicle. Pictures later.

[tdelorme]

I have my staff follow me and wash the bus as needed. And Tow Vehicle. Pictures later.

And a fine looking staff you have Roger



http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo230/jburch21/WH_fat_girls.jpg

[truk4u]

Geez Mel, that was harsh!:D I thought this bunch was Jdub's Cheerleaders..

[tdelorme]

Geez Mel, that was harsh!:D I thought this bunch was Jdub's Cheerleaders..

Well yea, Tom, your right, JDUB does hang with these ladies each fall during football season. But my gosh man, look close, there is PLENTY to go around.:rolleyes:

[garyde]

I ususally wash front and back first as they are the dirtiest. If there is time , then I will wash the sides. Kevin, Jdub and I found a large self wash outside of Branson. I have seen similar on the road, you just have to keep your eye out for them. Not all RV Parks care if you wash, some even have a service you can call and have it done. I have a wide glass squeegee for wiping down the glass and top sides after I wash. Works great. Incidentally, I only use Turtle wax soap or Mcguires Car wash soap. I also have used my onboard water at times. There is also a dry wash product available but it is more time consuming.

[rfoster]

Mel:

You got Jdub's cheerleaders mixed up with my staff. Here is a shot of them on the Job. It's really hard to get good help these days. Besides, It would be impossible to load those folks in a Mini!!!!

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g31/parkwayautoofbristol/CIMG4062.jpg

[hhoppe]

I use a RAINX product called "Self Dry" car wash. I use a bucket of the soap and water with a soft brush and scrub 1-2 panels and rinse with a hose as i go. It dries with no streaks of any consequence. Great stuff.