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Old 06-27-2012, 11:13 AM   #1
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2012 25' FB Flying Cloud
Georgetown , Texas
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Where do you wash your Airstream?

Hi All,

I am trying to figure out where to wash our new 25FB. I can't get it in our driveway, and the street is quite a ways away (75' of hose at least). In addition to the length, there is no shade, and I don't want to wash it in the Texas sun!

I thought about taking it to car wash bay, but have been told the high-pressure could be rough on the finish, and may force water into the seams.

The RV place near us (in Georgetown, north of Austin) that washes RVs won't wash an Airstream (afraid they'll scratch it).

Any suggestions on where I could wash it myself or of a place in north Austin that will wash it?

Thanks in advance,
Jeff
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Old 06-27-2012, 11:19 AM   #2
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My husband and I were chatting with our neighbors yesterday and mentioned we are planning on purchasing a Airstream. Neighbors have owned motorhomes and currently own a large 5th wheel. He mentioned that he takes his truck and 5th wheel to the local truck stop/wash and pays them $XX per foot to wash both the truck and trailer. It sounded VERY affordable so we will look into that as an option.
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Old 06-27-2012, 11:30 AM   #3
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In my front yard. I have flat rate water = no guilt.
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Old 06-27-2012, 11:35 AM   #4
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I wash it in front of my house. Plan to pull it over when no cars are in the way. I use a ladder and extension handle wash brush hooked to hose. Start on the roof from both sides, then do the sides. If its hot, I'll do it first thing in morning or last thing at twilight. If I'm fast (questionable) I can get it dry before water dries and spots. Anything which does dry and spot I hit with quick detailer. I usually can get it done in a bit over an hour.

I'm wary of commercial washes w/ high pressure or harsh chemicals.
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Old 06-27-2012, 11:47 AM   #5
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Front of my house

Took it to a car wash and did it there once in the big truck bay. Didnt notice any damage from the high water pressure, but i did get SUPER greasy from the hose (me, not the RV). Be wary - lots of people use that bay to pressure clean an engine, and it seems the grease ends up on the hose.
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Old 06-27-2012, 12:08 PM   #6
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We take them to the car wash bay - we just don't linger on the seams, the water pressure at ours is not that strong. They also have a 'soft-water additive' & shade so it doesn't spot as much while drying. We never let it drip dry, always wipe it down with a clean synthetic shammy.

Shari
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Old 06-27-2012, 12:10 PM   #7
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Just don't use a fleece mitt. Scratched my brand-new trailer with one of those. The scratches came out with a good Walbernizing, but what a way to begin!

Use micro-fleece in the direction of the grain.
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Old 06-27-2012, 02:42 PM   #8
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Two Places I Recommend for Washing

Hutto
Exit the 130 Toll for Hwy. 79 and go east about 2 miles to Hutto. Turn right (southbound) onto FM685 and about 1/2 mile down the road (next to Golden Chicken) on your left is a nice carwash with decent size wash bays.

Pflugerville
Exit the 130 Toll at Pecan Street and go west about 2 miles to Pflugerville. Turn right (northbound) onto FM685 and about 1/2 mile up the road (next to the oil change) on your left is a nice carwash with a large wash bay.

Both have very good water pressure but we haven't experienced any problems with it negatively impacting the clear coat. It will however remove your WBCCI #s.
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Old 06-27-2012, 03:09 PM   #9
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In front of the house with my power washer and a "mitt-on-a-stick." I have also used the coin wash,
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Old 06-29-2012, 05:33 AM   #10
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Thanks to all for the replies! The Airstream sure is beautiful when it is clean, which is not now
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Old 06-29-2012, 07:57 AM   #11
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are you supposed to wash it? please notify my husband!!
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Old 06-29-2012, 08:01 AM   #12
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75' of hose is no big deal. wash in in the evening or early morn. I use one of the wash wands from Walmart for light washes. Envy waterless cleaner does a great job unless it is caked with dirt.
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Old 06-29-2012, 08:09 AM   #13
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Just be careful if you take to the truck stop, our local one uses a mild acid additive.
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Old 06-29-2012, 08:14 AM   #14
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Yes yes yes you need to wash it at least every other month depending on your storage configuration. I bought a very soft bristle brush on a handle at Walmart. I keep ours under cover but it still gets very dirty just sitting there. This Time of year we go some place every month, so I have got into the habit of washing her before we leave and when we get home. I would stay away from high pressure car wash sprayers for two reasons. The outer skin is very soft, second leak's. Good luck and enjoy!
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Old 06-29-2012, 09:33 AM   #15
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We usually wash our Airstream on our RV lot that we own.

However, if we don't have time and it needs to be washed we go to Blue Beacon Truck Wash Home. This was recommended by Rich Luhr of Airstream Life several years back.
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