Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 03-18-2015, 04:04 PM   #1
2 Rivet Member
 
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
Georgetown , Texas
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 77
Images: 3
Washing an Airstream

My wife and I are new to Airstreams, other than a year or two with our restored Argosy. We cannot get the airstream into our driveway, and even if we could, the HOA won't permit any long-term parking. The storage facility where we have it parked will not permit washing. So, my question is......where do you wash your airstream if you're in the same boat we're in?


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
GLovedahl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2015, 04:08 PM   #2
Rivet Master
 
AWCHIEF's Avatar
 
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi , Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
Images: 33
Can you park on the street long enough to give it a good cleaning?
__________________
MICHAEL

Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
AWCHIEF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2015, 05:07 PM   #3
Rivet Master
 
Wingeezer's Avatar
 
2005 30' Classic
Burlington , Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,743
Could you maybe find one of those drive-through car washes where you wash the vehicle yourself with a pressure washer that has enough clearance and turn around room to take the trailer through?

I seem to recall we did that once on a trip somewhere and used a long handled truck asking brush that we had with us as well as the sprayer wand provided.

We also took our trailer and truck through an 18 wheeler truck wash once - but it cost us over $60 about five years ago!

Brian.
__________________
Brian & Connie Mitchell

2005 Classic 30'
Hensley Arrow / Centramatics
2008 GMC Sierra SLT 2500HD,4x4,Crew Cab, Diesel, Leer cap.
Wingeezer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2015, 05:08 PM   #4
Rivet Master
 
r carl's Avatar
 
Vintage Kin Owner
Lin , Ne
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,430
At a car-truck wash...
__________________
The higher your expectations the fewer your options.
r carl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2015, 05:09 PM   #5
2 Rivet Member
 
1976 Argosy 26
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Houston , Texas
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 37
Im not in that situation but I have taken my Argosy to the do it yourself power washer type places before. Especially after leaving the beach but be careful with power washers and watch your clearance. They have some places made for Semi's which have lots of clearance.

Zach
wzelkins is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2015, 05:32 PM   #6
Moderator
 
Stefrobrts's Avatar

 
1968 17' Caravel
Battle Ground , Washington
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,253
Images: 50
Blog Entries: 1
We've taken ours to the DIY car wash place, but usually just pull it into the driveway for a quick scrub once a year.
__________________
Stephanie




Stefrobrts is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2015, 05:39 PM   #7
cwf
Rivet Master
 
cwf's Avatar
 
1999 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Hillsboro , Texas
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,406
Images: 2
Blog Entries: 2
There are "mobile detailers" and you could direct their process.
__________________
Peace and Blessings..
Channing
WBCCI# 30676
cwf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2015, 05:47 PM   #8
BAB
Rivet Master
 
BAB's Avatar
 
2015 30' Classic
2012 28' International
Greensboro , North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,708
While on trips, I've usually been able to find a "wash it yourself" coin-op car wash that has at least one bay that's high enough for a moho or a trailer. One of them I used last year actually had a 3 ft wall on either side so you could stand on it and get to the top of your RV! They had steps at either end to make this easy. Frankly, I like this set-up better than doing it at home as the pressure wand lets you get underneath your trailer a lot better than my hose with spray attachment. Costs a few bucks, but quick and easy.
__________________
_________________
"SilverLeaf II" 2015 30' Classic
2019 RAM 2500 Limited 4x4 CC w/6.7L Cummins
ProPride 3P
AIR# 58452
WBCCI # 3430-Unit 21
BAB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2015, 05:55 PM   #9
Sbb
begorragirl
 
Sbb's Avatar
 
2017 25' Flying Cloud
Denville , New Jersey
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,029
Images: 2
It takes me two hours tops to wash and polish my Bambi. What wouldhappen ay home? A fine, make you move? Certainly work crews park in your neighborhood as do moving trucks.
__________________
2006 Bambi CCD ("EireStream!!")
2010 Funfinder
2005 T@B
2001 Teardrop, Mountain Hardware Tent
For some perfection takes a little longer...
Sbb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2015, 06:00 PM   #10
Rivet Master
 
Lumatic's Avatar
 
1971 25' Tradewind
1993 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Estancia , New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,742
Images: 16
Blog Entries: 1
If you use a pressure washer ( and some recommend you don't) make sure you DONT direct the spray directly at the seams
__________________
Sail on silver girl. Sail on by. Your time has come to shine.
Lumatic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-18-2015, 06:55 PM   #11
Rivet Master
 
Landrum's Avatar
 
2014 25' FB International
Little Rock , Arkansas
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 594
I switched to a waterless car wash a couple of years ago for our AS and cars. It works great (fast and no mess). Just make sure you get high quality microfiber towels such as Griotts. The ones I found at box stores were terrible.


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
Landrum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2015, 12:51 AM   #12
4 Rivet Member
 
F450Harley's Avatar
 
2006 30' Classic
Yonkers , New York
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 280
Images: 44
http://www.bluebeacon.com/LocationIn...s/default.aspx

One of the best RV wash bays out there. BlueBeacon.com


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
F450Harley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2015, 04:39 AM   #13
Rivet Master
 
Msmoto's Avatar
 
2015 30' International
2009 27' FB International
2007 25' Safari
Currently Looking...
Greensboro , North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,564
Images: 135
Because of the extreme and unpredictable pressures when using a pressure washer, I would never suggest this as a way to wash an AS directly.

One thought, if the ambient temperature permits, is to go to a parking area when it is raining lightly and simply use a soft wash brush to go over the roof and then sides, allowing the rain to rinse off the loosened dirt.

Or, if a pressure wash bay is found where it will fit, by holding the nozzle far enough away, only the fog of water/soap will get to the surface, then with the soft wash brush go over things. A ladder and long handle on the brush are of course required, and the awnings need to be opened up after the wash to allow drying and avoid deleterious effects from trapped water.

The time required can be extensive, possibly 4 hours to do a good job on 30 foot unit.
__________________
Happy trails and Good Luck
Ms Tommie Fantine Lauer, Greensboro, NC
AIR #31871 KQ3H

www.fantinesvoice.com
Msmoto is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2015, 05:01 AM   #14
"Cloudsplitter"

 
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas , Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
Images: 1
Thumbs up

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lumatic View Post
If you use a pressure washer ( and some recommend you don't) make sure you DONT direct the spray directly at the seams
^
X2

Been using a PW, and or truck wash for 27yrs,,,SFSG!


Stay at least 3' away, do NOT try and remove dirt/grime with a direct spray,
rinse only!!
PW is the best way to rinse or maybe 65mph in a downpour.

Bob
ROBERT CROSS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2015, 08:17 AM   #15
Rivet Master
 
Goal15's Avatar
 
2006 23' Safari SE
Holly Lake Ranch , Texas
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,794
Images: 1
I use a coin-op car wash that has a truck height bay to do the washing. Then I go back to storage and do my waxing there. Used Turtle Wax Ice last time and it did a great job. Have to get back to the car wash in the next couple of weekends to wash of the road grime from our trip to Nashville.

We have a high end RV storage place near us that has their own coin op RV wash bay that is usually unused on Sundays. One of our AS friends says he talked to the owners and they said "if it's not being used, you can come although it's not really open to the public." So far I haven't gone there, seemed like a kind of lukewarm approval to me.

Dana
__________________
Dana and Olga
2006 Safari 23
2011 Tundra Double Cab
Goal15 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2015, 04:42 PM   #16
1Boyscout
 
1Boyscout's Avatar
 
2015 28' International
Edmond , Oklahoma
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 125
Blog Entries: 3
What is Griotts?

your Okie neighbor
1Boyscout is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2015, 06:10 PM   #17
Rivet Master
 
Landrum's Avatar
 
2014 25' FB International
Little Rock , Arkansas
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 594
Sorry. I guess I wasn't very clear.

http://www.griotsgarage.com


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
Landrum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2015, 06:17 PM   #18
"Cloudsplitter"

 
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas , Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
Images: 1
Thumbs up

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1Boyscout View Post
What is Griotts?

your Okie neighbor
You would hard pressed to find better car/vehicle care products.
Been using them for 15+rears.

Bob
ROBERT CROSS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2015, 10:39 AM   #19
1Boyscout
 
1Boyscout's Avatar
 
2015 28' International
Edmond , Oklahoma
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 125
Blog Entries: 3
Has anyone used Protect all to polish & wax an AS.?
1Boyscout is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-23-2015, 01:44 PM   #20
"Cloudsplitter"

 
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas , Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
Images: 1
Thumbs up

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1Boyscout View Post
Has anyone used Protect all to polish & wax an AS.?
If this is it......no

In my experience.... the more the ease of application is touted the less effective the end result.

I use Griot's One Step Sealer...one Saturday is needed.

Bob
ROBERT CROSS is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Warning! Washing a New Airstream campadk Cleaning, Stripping & Polishing 21 02-19-2016 03:35 PM
Washing Airstream Drapes 2000 Excella Upholstery, Blinds, Walls & Interior Finishes 2 07-30-2011 06:44 PM
Pressure washing an airstream navyeod Cleaning, Stripping & Polishing 17 04-06-2009 09:04 PM
Washing the Airstream Devoman Our Community 9 09-18-2005 04:57 PM
Washing a new Airstream desidou Cleaning, Stripping & Polishing 2 06-15-2005 09:10 AM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 09:41 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.