Is It Safe to Use Automated Truck Washes on Escape Trailers?

[GinoandLinda]

Back to the OPs original problem of traveling south with an ice encrusted Escape. I don't see an easy solution. You'll either have to get on a tall ladder and begin removing the snow and ice manually or what @HABBERDABBER suggested of running the heater for a good while before you leave or a combination of both. Climbing a tall ladder in icy and snowy conditions is a safety concern and would not be my first choice. I would suggest running your heater at least 24 hours before you leave. Obviously, the warmer you get the camper, the warmer the outer skin and more ice and snow will melt off.

 

[Ron in BC]

Thanks, all, for your thoughtful responses. Some of them have wandered adrift of my original concern.

I am concerned that a simple brooming off will not suffice.

Only adrift, sometimes threads go into orbit.

You're right, simple brooming doesn't do it. I learned that the hard way once trying to do the exact same thing on my Scamp. I ended up smacking it with a hoe and cracking the ice. Worked really well until I got to the hatch.

I'd leave the snow & ice on and head South and let it melt. It will, in time, you hope and expect. Some will get blown off on your drive.

No, no and no. It's illegal to do that and dangerous for others.

If I was in the same situation now I'd try hosing it down with hot water or cranking up the heat inside to get it detaching.

Ron

 

[CE Vogel]

I should have been more clear in my query. I’m considering running my Escape 21NE through a truck wash, designed for semi tractor trailers. Such truck washes have more than enough clearance overhead. My greater concern is of the water pressure of the overhead sprayers. Is the pressure too great for those rooftop components to withstand?

My rig is sufficiently large that I must use a tractor-trailer wash. Most such washes use people wielding brushes on long poles and water/soap sprayers similar to a coin operated do-it-yourself car wash. This does NOT do a great job of cleaning the roof, but who sees a roof 12 feet above the ground anyway? The quality of the wash job is dependent upon the people wielding the brushes.
I did use one truck wash with high-pressure water jets, similar to a drive through car wash. It was a disaster. While my rig was cleaned water cascaded through the roof vents (even though they were closed) and the air conditioner. The roof seals are clearly not pressure resistant.
One feature offered at truck washes that might interest the OP is the 'Chassis Wash' option. This is a pressure wash, degrease, and rinse of the undercarriage, and will do a lot to wash off road salt.
I have found the Blue Beacon chain of truck washes to be the most reliable. They are generally located at or near major truck stops. They even advertise RV/Motorhome services: RV + Motor Home + Other Vehicles - Blue Beacon Truck Wash.

 

[fudge_brownie]

I just arrived in Florida from Wisconsin without my Escape. There was not warm enough temperatures before leaving to even consider washing the car. After three days of driving, I do not think it would have been clean upon arrival. Day one appeared to be foggy, but you could taste the salt in the air as it created a haze in the atmosphere. Any wet pavement during this time and you were salt covered. Day two had sporadic wet spots and drift from passing vehicles. Lots of wiper fluid. Day three was cold and the best day.

I have a favorite auto wash nearby, if my Escape needed a wash, I would look for a self-service wash with a large enough door height