Washing a large RV can seem like trying to clean an elephant with a scrub brush. And it’s not like you can run it down to your local car wash and run it through. You may be lucky and have a truck wash near you that actually knows how to clean an RV. But, one way or another, you always manage to have your pride and joy all sparkling clean.
But what about when you’re on the road? There are few campgrounds that will allow you to wash your rig, and probably for good reason. It uses too much water, could soak other units or people nearby, and leaves the sites wet and perhaps muddy. However, there are a few that may allow it for an additional charge. So it may be worth asking. If they don’t, you might want to inquire as to whether a local mobile RV wash services the RV park. This route will probably cost your $100 or so if, in fact, it is available.
Asking if there is a truck/RV wash nearby is certainly worth the effort. However, quite honestly, the majority of truck wash facilities really don’t do a great job on RV’s. But as luck will probably have it, no such service will be in the immediate area, or according to them, on the planet for that matter.
More often than not, you’ll have to do the job yourself. And that leads to the question: Where will all that water come from?
Well, it’s going to come from your freshwater tank, and it’s not going to use much water. You will, however, need to get a portable pressure sprayer. These are quite reasonably priced and available at Camping World.
Now, we are not going to high-pressure spray the RV’s body, as this may damage decals, paint, etc. So the lowest maximum pressure unit will work just fine. The advantage of using one of these is the low quantity of water they consume. How low? Well, I washed two 45-foot coaches using only 28 gallons of water. That’s about 14 gallons for one 45-foot coach.
Here’s how you do it. First, find a place where you can wash the rig, perhaps a rest stop or parking lot. Connect the pressure sprayer to the RV’s water system. This can usually be done at the water bay. Fill a bucket with water and a suitable RV soap, such as RV Voom. Now, using a long handled brush, scrub the soap on the vehicle. Clean 8 foot sections, rinsing it with the pressure sprayer. In no time at all, you will have a sparkling clean RV. All for very little water.
This not only does a great job, but also does not waste the valuable fresh water. Keeping it clean while staying green.
Peter Mercer
Most truck washes do not have roof scrubbers therefore all are good. I have 3 large solar panels mounted on the roof of my RV and have had it washed many times without issue. Thanks for your question.
Anonymous
Re: truck washes, can you even go through with solar panels or max fans, or chimneys?
Anonymous
My husband and I bought an RV and we have been wondering what we can do if we need to clean it on the road or when we are at a campsite. That is a good idea to ask if there is a truck/RV wash somewhere nearby. I didn’t think about that! The camp might know if there are any nearby. Thank you for the tips!
Carnahan bob
Good info. Thanks. Returnin from Alaska via cassia hwy . In Washington state we found a self service semi wash worked well.