Question on Pressure Washing

[alted0421]

I just picked up a 2013 Bambi, and am new to AS after 35 years of using a pop-up. My question is, is there any reason why you can't pressure wash an AS? The bug juice really annoys me! My thanks to the many forum members who post, I have enjoyed reading the many threads and experiences folks have had and share.

[AnnArborBob]

I would be very careful with a pressure washer as it could blow out some of the caulking and scratch the finish. I'd suggest using something along the lines of this along with a little elbow grease:

Flow-Through Boars' Hair Brush & Handle - Griot's Garage

[r carl]

Just don't get the tip less than a foot away from the skin, 18 inches is a pretty safe distance.

[Tim A.]

I have been using a pressure washer to wash our 2002 19' Bambi since it was new. So far, there have been no signs of damage to anything. My washer is "home use" quality and not industrial grade.

Tim

[PharmGeek]

I use a microfiber wash mop after spraying down the airstream...what is the benefit of using a pressure washer out of curiousity?

I would be far too nervous to do it, although I suspect that a particular pressure washer at a particular distance would be perfectly safe...but just unclear as to why I would want to do it as opposed to just the water hose to wet it down and wash off any debris?

[m.hony]

When using a pressure washer, never point it directly at door or window seems, the range vent, furnace cover, water heater cover, or storage compartment doors. Prolonged high pressure water in these area will leak.

[AnnArborBob]

PharmGeek, I agree with you that I don't see the advantage of the pressure washer (PW) and I'd be too concerned about damaging something. If there was so much crud on my AS that a car wash type of brush (or microfiber brush) with soap couldn't get it off, and if bug & tar remover didn't work on the tough spots, I'd still be reluctant to use the power of a jet of water on the aluminum. Now if someone wanted to use the PW at a very low nozzle pressure or at such a distance that it essentially becomes a high pressure garden hose only to rinse off the soap, then OK.

I might use a PW on the stainless steel rock guards if they were hopelessly encrusted with something that bug & tar remover couldn't get off.

I know that some people swear by their PW and manage to use it to clean just about everything but fine china wine glasses!

[ghaynes755]

I have become a fan of anything from Griot's Garage. Wash, wax, shine they have great stuff. Use it on the car, truck, AS and the dog. Ok ok, not the dog.

Another place to spend money.

[moosetags]

I have always used an electric pressure washer (1700 psi) on my Airstreams. I have never had any problem with doing this. The only area that I would caution you about is be careful when you get next to the big red numbers as even a light duty pressure washer can peel your numbers.

Brian