Washing RV's - what to use

[ExtremeMPW]

I've been asked to wash several new and used RV's/travel trailers. Was advised that past PWer used enough pressure to peel stickers off units, but still leave a residue as well as "black streaks." Was advised that a "bleach/dishsoap/degreaser-type solution" was used without desired results. Have used this same solution myself with varied results depending on surface to be cleaned and strength of solution.
Any one have experience cleaning RV's/travel trailers? Do they present any special problems? What cleaning solutions work best? Thanks in advance for suggestions and information.

Tim

 

[ron]

ron p

bleach has no cleaning powers
dishsoap dries out the paint
degreaser is very caustic
the road film is taken off 2 ways 1-brushing 2- use a 2 step method
its when a acid is applied then a base[soap] when the 2 meet is causes a chemical exsplosion
that breaks the bond this method requires that you learn a lot more.
steve rowlett is a good one to talk to.
GUTTER ZAP is real good for taking the black streaks out ron strickland at exterior.com
you can use the"search" feature here to learn more.
chems. clean not pressure look under fleet washing for more helpfull posts
do you have a hot water washer? it helps a lot. if you use a supply tank a rinse aid will help with spotting spend some time reading and learning then ask some more specific questions.

 

[ExtremeMPW]

Thanks for the info Ron.
I do have a 3500 psi hot/cold water skid with dual wand lance. Only downstream chem's.
I did use the search option to look up info prior to posting, but I wasn't sure if RV's posted a bigger challenge, and, if so, what problems might I face, how to ensure complete cleaning using certain chemicals, etc. The search option brought up info that everyone has a different opinion as what to use, how to use it, and how well it works. I guess I just wanted clarification from someone who may have experience cleaning RV's. I realize they are pretty much the same as mobile homes, so I guess I'll go that route.
Brushing along with hot water after chemical application and dwell time should do the trick.

Thanks,
Tim

 

[P Austin]

Tim,

Pleas keep me updated an what you find out with the RV cleaning. My partner and I are contimplating on visiting the local RV parks to clean the returning snow birds RV's. I think it should be a fairly easy sell, but like you have been woried about some of the cleaning problems. (the flat roofs with tar sealer is a big problem.

Good Luck,

 

[Larry L.]

The RV's are not like mobile homes,the black streaks on RV's is tuff stuff,it has alot of tailpipe smoke from the pulling 4 wheelers mixed in with it,some worse then others.A degreaser type cleaner can be used but care should be taken b/c of the colored bands around most RV's,it's easy streaked.If you have never cleaned a RV you'll lose money on a low price b/c of the time it takes to remove the black streaks,some will be so bad it'll be faster to sprayon wipe off enstead of fighting it with a brush over and over.

They are new chemicals on the market now that may take them off faster,I do not know b/c I do not clean RV's NO MORE.Your high'dallor stores like wally world will have something in a spray bottle called BLACK STREAK remover that may do it,don't know or you may want to look into gutter zap or something like that,they say it'll take black streak off gutters,don't know...care should be taken with the colored bands around the RV's,,,,,some are easy cleaned but some are nightmare's comeing to life.

 

[outlaw]

I have been watching this thread with interest, you see I want to put together some before and after pics as well as get some practice before hitting my first customer, apart from my 2 decks and house a friends mobile home and my sisters deck my Dad has an old travel trailer, I forget the make but it looks like an airstream without the polished surface, its white, or should I say it was white, its been sitting in the back under the trees for 5 years now so its black, wish I could post a pic of it but it took me six months to find the on button on my puter, how ever after Ive done it I will ask someone to help me post before and after pic.
Gav

 

[Larry L.]

In most cases the one setting under the tree for 5 years will be easier to clean than the ones running up and down the road,hopefully you have hotwater for the tree rain that on it.

 

[outlaw]

Unfortunatly no, just cold water so I figured it would be a good chance to try some kind of cleaning solution and no doubt a brush, the biggest plus for me is the experiment and hopefully a decent after pic!!!
Gav

 

[ExtremeMPW]

Thanks for the info Bigboy. I've used the Gutter Zap before (on houses) and it does a good job, but I'll definitely be a little more careful if I use it on an RV.
P AUstin -- I'll let you know how things go with the RV cleaning. I'd like to also mention that most of the people who own an RV baby them quite a bit since (in alot of cases) it's there home. That's why I'm asking alot of questions and getting input BEFORE I go wash. May even ask the guy who wants me to clean these RV's if he has an old trade in that I can do a test wash on so I don't mess up a new one.
Thanks to all who have responded. This board is GREAT!

Tim

 

[Mike Hughes]

Originally posted by ExtremeMPW
May even ask the guy who wants me to clean these RV's if he has an old trade in that I can do a test wash on so I don't mess up a new one. Tim

Hey Tim,

If you do that, don't be like "oh, I never washed one of these before, can I try it on this one to make sure I don't mess up??"

Just tell him you got a new soap that you would like to try, or something like that.........

 

[Steven Rowlet]

Tim contact me, I have a few customers that have RV's that cost in excess of $150,000.00 and I can help you on the best way to clean them.

 

[Dan Flynn]

Why not tell us all Steve?

 

[ExtremeMPW]

Good point Mike. Thanks.

Steve, don't have your email/contact info.

 

[Jon Fife]

steven Rowlett------615-459-0605, he'll hook you up with some good stuff, he knows what he is talking about and operates a good business, i know first-hand.


jon fife

 

[Steven Rowlet]

Dan, The reason I didn't post the information on the board is because in the past you have not wanted me to mention my chemicals. I figured if I told which of my chemicals would work the best you would block it out. Remember you removed my phone number from my signatute. I didn't want to step on anyone's toes.I try to help people but if the post states to use xxxxxx chemical from xxxxx, no one knows what to use. Like I have said before I only sell what I use myself and I do know they work. If they didn't I would not be at the level I am today. If no one objects I will be glad to tell everyone the best products to use.
Thanks

 

[Larry L.]

Steven they are other chemiclas out here that works just as good as yours,I also do not like seeing the "call or email me thing" in wholesalers post as in thinking they have the best or just to make a sale.If rules on a bbs says you cann't sale on it without having the right to do so then I think the "email or call me thingy stinks in a wholesalers post,best not to even say nothing if you do not have that right,to me its in the lowballers part of the world.
Like you said in another post "hvy, duty" can be used or something like "a degreaser type cleaner" can be used or "so and so type cleaner" can be replace in all post,,we do not have to say the name of no chemical to get the point across to the asker or take cheap shots in trying to sale chemicals.Please I'm not jumping on you but sales comes in other ways besides the sneaky way,you'd look more pro the other waY,you could be loseing sales by not fallowering the rules............try wearing the other guys shoes when someones not playing by the rules...do you like for someone to take a vantage of your rules....
Like I said I'm not jumping on you just letting you know bout the "call or email thingy" is NOT a good way to sale on this bbs in my eyes,its cheap looking which makes your chemicals look the same as in not 'working' by the rules on the can........Sorry but that " call me or email thing I can help" in post sorta burns the back of my colar if its the only thing in a post and nothing else said................guess its just the salesman part of me as the reason it burns the back of my colar as it would any good sales person.

 

[Mike Hughes]

I'm going to disagree with you, Bigboy.........I see nothing wrong with exchanging information on email. It is up to the individual user to determine their final decision..........decide who you want to believe, or if you want to try something..........go for it.

If Steve wants to ask someone to email him, great, go for it, big deal. My opinion only.

 

[Glenn]

What Bigboy said about those sittin under trees is right. I'm no scientist or expert on the subject but I know it has something to do with the friction on the surface as the wind passes accross the RV while going down the road. It produces a static electrical charge that bonds the carbon and dirt particles to the surface. To remove it your chem must be good enough to break that bond or you'll just have to do alot of brushing. Just like the streaks on a gutter are formed through the same process as water running through the gutter produces that same type of friction resulting in an electro-static bond.
Glenn

 

[Steven Rowlet]

Bigboy, I agree with you that there are other chemicals out there that work just as well. If you read my response as to why I put the post "call me " you will understand why that post was there in the first place. I run a very professional business and anyone that has dealt with me in the past will tell you so. You would not like me to recommend a product that I know nothing about. I don't take cheap shots at anyone, I have more class than that. I do appreciate your input though. P.S. Mike thanks for your support.

 

[ExtremeMPW]

My $.02 worth.
Steve's post reads as follows..... "Tim contact me, I have a few customers that have RV's that cost in excess of $150,000.00 and I can help you on the best way to clean them."
No where did he say, call me and I'll sell you something that will clean it. It was another washer completely who advised that info (a satisfied customer?). He didn't state the reasons until he was asked "to post the answer for everyone". Then, and only then, did he advise his reasons for NOT posting to everyone. He used general terms even when posting his answer and still didn't try to make a sales pitch. He only advised "he sells what he uses and knows what works" (no mention of a product). Didn't sound like a sneaky sales pitch or sly attempt to make a sale.
I did call Steven who gave me some GREAT advice as well as recommendations for products which he uses (and sells) to clean RV's as well as other items. But by me calling him, that makes me an interested party/customer. But it doesn't obligate me to purchase anything. I have to say my hat's off to Steven. He took my phone call while on his way to a job, spent 15+ minutes giving some great recommendations/info on cleaning. Kudos to you, Steven. Very professional. I'll be in touch.

Tim