How to Wash a Roadrunner

We took advantage of our loose schedule and decided after 10 days in Quartzsite that we'd head for Yuma.  The sunsets were beautiful, the area was fine, the rally was over and most had left and we felt like it was time to move on after 10 days in the boonies.

We did a little research and decided to aim for the Escapees Park outside of Yuma.  We called ahead and they had one, maybe two spots available.

We arrived at lunch time and were second in line to sign in.

But the folks in front of us were going to the dry camping area, so we had no worries.

One thing about Escapees Parks, they work hard at being friendly.  We were instantly welcomed by Evelyn and husband Mel who have worked here in the winters for six years.  Nice folks.

We found out it was OK to wash the RV and Mel mentioned they had folks getting their rigs washed regularly here in the park.  I figured I wasn't going to spend $350 (my guess on what a wash and wax would cost).  I was not looking forward to tackling the four day job.  I have to work up to these things...
Later,  Pam found an add in the local paper for Sergio.  I called and they wanted $120.  Hmm...much more reasonable.  And the Roadrunner was really dirty.  All that dust from Quartzsite was on the coach.
Then I called Benjamin's.  $100 for a wash and wax and got a 2 PM same day appointment.  The crew showed up at 2:00.  It was blowing and they were afraid the spray was going to go over the neighbor's rig.  Nobody was home and they were reluctant to get started so we rescheduled for 8:00 AM the next morning.

Later that afternoon, we straighten up a bit and Pam made a couple of trips to the laundry.  We had a nice dinner with some grilled vegetables and steaks.  Then we enjoyed our new HD TV for a while.

Promptly at 8:00 AM on Saturday, two guys from Benjamin's RV Wash (and Carpet Cleaning) showed up.  Sergio (another one, not the same as the other RV Wash company) and Nacho (his nickname) got right on it.

We talked for a few minutes, confirmed the price and they got with it.  The generator in the back of the truck was a little noisy, but the campground host on duty drove around and said no problem - anytime after 8:00 AM was good.

This was a thing of beauty to watch.  Two young energetic guys getting after it.  My back enjoyed watching them.  They were steady and thorough.  With their own 250 gallon tank of 'soft' water, they power washed the top and then proceeded down the side, scrubbing first, then spraying off.

I even pulled out the generator for Sergio to use his power washer on.

It worked and after 7+ years, I think this was the first time it had ever been washed.

Then they continued on around the side.

About 30 minutes after they started, the washing part was finished. I passed out a couple of bottles of Gatorade and then they got started on the next phase.

They let the water stay on the Roadrunner, then wiped

Meguiar's Mirror Glaze all over the sides, front and rear of the coach.
The sun was slow in coming through the light clouds and it was not hot yet at just after 9:00 AM in the morning.

Perfect day to get the job done.  I was really enjoying this.  And learning some things.  They purposely did not wipe the water off after they rinsed it.

They just started in with the wax.

It took them twice as long to wax it, taking them about an hour.

It really looked good.

I paid them, gave them a tip and they were on their way before 10:00 AM.  But not before they started on the ham and cheese sandwiches that Pam made for them.  

Interesting couple of guys.  Sergio said Nacho was a nickname that his buddy picked up and it stuck.  He also said he was going to college at night and was glad to be making some money.  He is pursuing a degree in technology - not sure if he wanted to go into video production or maybe in the audio area.  at any rate, I was pretty impressed.  

Great way to start our time here in Yuma:  get the Roadrunner all cleaned up and shiny again and meet some interesting guys.

Thanks again for joining us on the Roadrunner Chronicles!  Until next time...