Seasonal Camping Trailers - Power Wash Network "The Power Wash Contractors Forum"

Fox-Ind · #1 (**permalink**) 05-31-08

My first real big job / lead out of the trucking industry.

I am going later this week to wash a 30' camper (alum?) at a large campsite. Quoted around $50, sight unseen(owners are in FL), with hopes to get others to sign on. I also know that it taked me 1/2 - 1 hr to wash a house and 10-15 mins to hand wash a 53' van. Apparently last year there were a majority of owners that signed on for washes.

Owner thought this was a fair price and vocal about it, made me worry that I undercut myself. If I can sign on 1/4 of the 150 campers then I would make out great, return customer potential as well? I know what my expense are and operating costs... this is more of a % than the fleets?

Just curious if I am on the right track? Not used to homeowners ?

john orr · #2 (**permalink**) 06-01-08

There is an upscale RV park near me that I get calls from every year. Most campers run $100 or $75 if I am already at the park (its almost an hour drive). So to answer your question, yes, you are priced too low. A "save" may be that you can add for larger trailers or for bump-outs that are extended and for Armour-Alling tires. Also, some lots will have decks and awnings, so be sure to charge extra. You may want to bring a step ladder to reach the areas above any extended bump-outs.

I don't wash trucks, so I don't know if your usual mix will work on RV's. The big issue is black streaks that run down from the roof. Ideally, the rubber roof should be cleaned ( I don't - too risky for damage) but the best cleaner I have found to remove the streaks is Simple Green, applied by brush and rinsed with a garden hose. Most trailers and normal-size RV's will take an hour or less. I first apply the SG to the stripes that usually run horizontally front to back. Any cleaner will pull some color from the stripes and if you start at the top, it will leave streaks as it runs down.

Good luck!

Fox-Ind · #3 (**permalink**) 06-01-08

Thanks for input on this. This particular cust does not want add-ons, per conversation... no overhanging trees or heavy residue. Lets hope that they are honest

I am not a big fan of doing quotes over the phone, doesn't really seem rational? It is close enough that I can keep my expenses down (fuel) and time. With the rubber roofing cold only or can I apply heat?

Will get some pics up once I get it done.

john orr · #4 (**permalink**) 06-01-08

Cold is fine, but I'm not sure if Simple Green would be best for the roof. Possibly chlorine? RV stores sell a roof cleaner that works.

Fox-Ind · #5 (**permalink**) 06-02-08

cool thanks. I am gonna head over there in the am. Thanks again.

Josh

john orr · #6 (**permalink**) 06-03-08

By-the-way, Northern Tool sells Simple Green in 5 gallon jugs. Not any less expensive, but more convenient. It is in the Automotive section. In fact, it is labeled as Automotive. Smells different and has a different color, but works just as well.

Fox-Ind · #7 (**permalink**) 06-05-08

Cool thanks, been trying to weed out all the galoon jugs that I have.

Fox-Ind · #8 (**permalink**) 06-07-08

Ok, i did this camper and was worse than expected (again, phone quotes suck!)

Anyhow, there is black streaking that appears on the upper metal and lower plastic / fiberglass. I tried everything that I have... Bleach, Simple green, auto wash concentrate, ind grade degreaser concentrate, acid wash, citrus cleaner... elbow grease?!?!

It seems to be embedded and the owner is positive that they got this stain out last year? I suspect that this is the first time in 3-5 years that this has been washed. There is a metal roof with rubber edging and no rhyme or reason to the streaking, looks to be from the overlapped panels and windows?

Please advise as I am going to stop back on Monday for other job and re-attempt this.

Thanks
Josh

I love when they expect more for less, don't they work for money? Little experience with homeowners and not sure how you guys do it?

jetstream1 · #9 (**permalink**) 06-07-08

Rv Streak Remover Will Get It Out

john orr · #10 (**permalink**) 06-07-08

Did I mention that I usually use SG full, or almost full, strength.