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Old 08-02-2008, 12:05 PM   #21
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You're supposed to wash these things?
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Old 08-02-2008, 02:31 PM   #22
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Depends on the campground...

Most campgrounds don't like it. However, there are always exceptions...

At one campground we asked the owner and he said yes. It was a small private one (farm campground -- very rural). He just asked that we not waste too much water. Afterward we slipped him some extra cash as a thank you. It's only fair...water does cost $$

It's something you gotta feel out. And always be frugal with the campground's resources.
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Old 08-02-2008, 07:15 PM   #23
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I full-time and most places I stay do not allow washing. However, I have found a compromise...
I fill up a bucket (my garbage can) with soapy (biodegradeable) water. With a sponge I wash one area at a time and follow with a clean towel to dry. Although I do not use water to rinse, my soap leaves no residue and I get 95% of the dirt off. It also leaves little clean up for me and no mess for the next camper. None of the campgrounds seem to mind when I use this method.
Hope it helps.
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Old 08-02-2008, 07:31 PM   #24
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Originally Posted by fullairtime View Post
I full-time and most places I stay do not allow washing. However, I have found a compromise...
I fill up a bucket (my garbage can) with soapy (biodegradeable) water. With a sponge I wash one area at a time and follow with a clean towel to dry. Although I do not use water to rinse, my soap leaves no residue and I get 95% of the dirt off. It also leaves little clean up for me and no mess for the next camper. None of the campgrounds seem to mind when I use this method.
Hope it helps.
Yes, this is what I do too. That two gallon bug sprayer bottle - plastic cheapo - works wonders too. I use a small bucket of soapy water for greasy dirty areas and stubborn dried on bugs, plain water squirted on and wiped off gently with a series of clean microfiber towels for all other areas. I use about a dozen or more towels, because they can pickup grit from wiping down the A/S and I don't want to create scratches. I do have a "mega towel" for the roof. Actually I sewed four of the small towels sewn together end to end. I can't reach all the way across, so I just sling the towel out, and drag it back. It even gets most of the crud off of the skylight, and the rest - well who can see it anyway?

Do be stingy about using soap. Most have ammonia which clouds up all plastics, including your lexan stone guards and your running lights. It might even prematurely age your clearcoat.

Paula
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Old 08-02-2008, 09:42 PM   #25
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le green is bad as well.
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Do be stingy about using soap. Most have ammonia which clouds up all plastics, including your lexan stone guards and your running lights. It might even prematurely age your clearcoat.

Paula
Ammonia and aluminum mix very well in a bad way. They react. Avoid anything ammonia! Simple green is bad as well.
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Old 08-03-2008, 08:22 AM   #26
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I've found that a good car wash soap works great. BTW, avoid dish soaps completely. They will strip every last bit of wax from your finish.
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Old 08-03-2008, 09:22 AM   #27
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if you soap up when it's raining, does that count as taboo?
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Old 08-03-2008, 11:40 AM   #28
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I wash my 27FB at the campsite. I first get prepared with a 5 gal bucket of soapy water. I use a long handled brush with hose connection. When I start, I can very quickly wash and rinse as I go around. Does not use a huge amount of water and does not "flood" the area around the pad. If I am detailing an area, I will wash only the area to be detailed, e.g., the front gravel guards. A clean Airstream is a happy Airstream. Buddy
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