Some motorhome manucterers recomend using pressure washers on their vans and after seeing the damage that incorrect use of a pressure washer can cause on a customers van, I can understand why. But with careful use a pressure washer can be extremely useful tool so I thought that I would pass on a few tips so that you will not suffer damage like this.
View media item 17925This damage was done by my customers grown son who obviously thought that cleaning a motor home was the same as cleaning a car. He has probably used a high pressure which has found a stone chip and lifted the paint. You will notice on the photo that there is no lacquer coat , just a single colour coat which is standard on most non metallic vans.
To avoid damage such as in the photo ALWAYS
Use a low pressure - some pressure washers don't have a pressure adjustment, if yours doesn't then don't use it on your motor home.
Use a wide fan of water - again some pressure washers don't have this facility but quite often you can buy an adjustable nozzle. My pressure washer (Kranzle) didn't have one as standard so I purchased one before I used it on any motor homes. Usually it is best to buy a genuine nozzle as they tend to be more durable even if they are more expensive, it's still cheaper than rectifying damage.
Test that the pressure and fan is right by pointing the gun away from the motor home EVERY time you pick it up.
When pointing the gun at the motor home keep it moving, do not stop in one place.
When pointing gun at graphic's, joints or fridge vents move the gun further away thus reducing the impact on these areas
View media item 17927View media item 17926This damage was on the same motor home and is very easily done if the pressure washer is not used correctly. If you follow these guidelines you should be able to avoid such damage
View media item 17925This damage was done by my customers grown son who obviously thought that cleaning a motor home was the same as cleaning a car. He has probably used a high pressure which has found a stone chip and lifted the paint. You will notice on the photo that there is no lacquer coat , just a single colour coat which is standard on most non metallic vans.
To avoid damage such as in the photo ALWAYS
Use a low pressure - some pressure washers don't have a pressure adjustment, if yours doesn't then don't use it on your motor home.
Use a wide fan of water - again some pressure washers don't have this facility but quite often you can buy an adjustable nozzle. My pressure washer (Kranzle) didn't have one as standard so I purchased one before I used it on any motor homes. Usually it is best to buy a genuine nozzle as they tend to be more durable even if they are more expensive, it's still cheaper than rectifying damage.
Test that the pressure and fan is right by pointing the gun away from the motor home EVERY time you pick it up.
When pointing the gun at the motor home keep it moving, do not stop in one place.
When pointing gun at graphic's, joints or fridge vents move the gun further away thus reducing the impact on these areas
View media item 17927View media item 17926This damage was on the same motor home and is very easily done if the pressure washer is not used correctly. If you follow these guidelines you should be able to avoid such damage