van washing....

[bobkat255]

Hi there, noob here. Not sure I'm in the right spot for this topic, but I'll ask anyway. Just purchased medium-roof Ford Transit and starting the kitting-out process. (Simplicity to start, since just very part-time).

What I'd like are suggestions from folks with similar vehicles on how best to wash your van? I'm going to have to assume a long-handled brush of some kind will be necessary, but as much as I love being able to stand in my van ('spring-chicken' status long since in the rear-view), trying to take care of the roof is a bit daunting. Is there any such thing as a car wash that will accomodate that height? If not, only options 1) suck it up, find a dang ladder and quit being a sissy? - or - 2) find a flexible teenager and a $20 bill somewhere and turn him/her loose? - or - 3) just let the heavens do the work with the occasional inclement weather event?

I understand that people with solar MUST get up there to keep the panels clean, but I'm quite a ways from that installation. I have gleaned soooooo much great information from you folks and this site... so many clever ideas I never would have thought of... just wondered if anyone out there had built a better van roof-cleaning mousetrap.

Thanks a bunch!!

 

[wmyers4u]

leaning towards one of those telescoping ladders and a telescoping pole and a brush.

Maybe a truck stop or rv car wash. They would accommodate larger vehicles I would think.

My van - 10' 6" clearance before removing drop down ladder racks, etc - is a challenge. Finished van will be closer to 9' clearance.

I once pulled the front end into a car wash and cleaned about half the van and then backed it in as far as I could to get the rear. I was a real pain.

 

[rvwandering]

There are self-service car wash bays that are high enough to accommodate RVs. There a little hard to find so we are always on the lookout as we travel. Snowbird areas usually have them. I do a google search then go to street view and see if there is a height sign.
Some even have a little catwalk so that it's easier to get the roof clean. You will need to wash it one half at a time as wmyers4u says.

Snowbird areas often have mobile RV wash companies that will wash and wax your vehicle. Really cheap around Yuma, Az.

Truck wash is about $1.00 a foot.

 

[MrNoodly]

In some parts of the country -- usually those with a lot of RVers -- they have car washes with raised catwalks so you can wash the roof. But it's not like they're everywhere. So, yeah, having your own ladder would be the answer.

 

[highdesertranger]

washing your vehicle, what's that? I thought that's what rain is for? just kidding it's been mention by a few here but the self service washes for semi's have the catwalk. highdesertranger

 

[bobkat255]

Appreciate the responses guys... seems likely I'll have to go with option #1. I'll consider it a character-builder....

 

[ckelly78z]

I get the Swedish bikini team, and a couple of ladders....always have a happy ending.

 

[grandpa pete]

Leave it dirty and no one will bother it

 

[Seminole Wind]

wait for rain. or 5 bucks when the college girls volley ball team has a fundraiser...

 

[Guy Smiley]

Just washed my van yesterday, so this is fresh on my mind.

‘Yes’ to the log handle. It will serve you well.

If you go to a self serve place, you’ll save a lot of money going to one that is not in a larger city. 

In Grand Junction, CO I could go through all the steps of washing (prewash, soak, rinse, soap, rinse, wax) for $4. Here in Minneapolis, I have to pay $3 for each one of the steps, and I never get enough time for a single one.

Know the height of your van with the crap on top of it!

 

[Guy Smiley]

Leave it dirty and no one will bother it

I think you get more complaints from non VanDweller’s and police harassment in a dirty van. 

It depends on where you’re parked though.