judgebobk's Blog

I'm very surprised! I have used them since 2006 and never had any problems, $64 for coach and toad, wash & wax. Last done at exit 583 on I-10 in San Antonio, TX. 4 days ago!

Well, no place is perfect and I'm sorry about your problem, but I will continue to use Blue Beacon twice a year!

Carl

Judgebobk, good to know, we have often thought of stopping at one for a wash, now I will pass by

I guess my point was that when they break or damage your rig they will deny it. I've heard this from others and now I've experienced it first hand. There was no question who did it. It was beyond any doubt the manager broke them off at the stems. The company mantra seems to be DENY. I had a lengthy conversion with a exec at the corporate office. I explained that I was a Judge and a lawyer and the liability issue and he could care less. He implied that I was trying to defraud them. It is my read, after 46 years in law, he had a company line to stick to. Sad, because it is convenient to use but dangerous if they cause damage.

I inadvertently deleted a members entry, forgive me I am new at this so please re post.

Judge, now that you posted a reply and further information, I'm inclined to

agree with Joe. I'll pass next time.

Perhaps they have become too "BIG" and now feel untouchable. There

are other truck & RV wash/ wax company's out there!

I did love the price!

Carl

Judge and Carl, I am very apprehensive when it comes to truck stop washes when they are performing the labor. I have a friend that brought his truck to one and they sprayed a wheel cleaner on his wheels that was a heavy concentrate of aluminum cleaner acid designed for wheels without clear coat. His wheels were polished with clear coat and they had turned yellow by the following day and began to peel shortly after. They never asked or explained what was going to take place and he was left holding the bag in the end.

The people running those places seem to be short on experience, training and knowledge. I prefer to keep people like that as far away from my coach as possible.

I have used Blue Beacon countless times for tractor trailer washes. Some good some bad. I used to joke that if you want a good final rinse get your rig washed on a rainy day. You tell the foreman in the wash bay you are in that you do not want "brightener" (acid) and they will oblige. In AZ it used to against State regs. Maybe still is. Alcoa Durabright or Durabrite ( never get that right ) are not dulled by their brightener. Had those on my last rig ( Western Star ) and they kept their shine.

All of that said/ I doubt that I would take our Phaeton into one. Their sprayer pressure is really high. Our window gaskets would leak in all likelihood, and the spray into the bottom vent of the Dometic Fridge and furnace intake/ vents would probably not be good. Over the years I have seen plenty of Band buses in'em but few class a units.

The Blue Beacon in Lodi, CA damaged my graphics and would not accept responsibility. I'll never use them again.

Stay away from Blue Becon, they are bad news

Similar experiences in the Amarillo, Texas location in February. Even though I expressed concern on some issues, I continue to discover minor scratches that will no doubt rub out, but the aggravation made the low price pale by comparison. Not only will I never use Blue Beacon again, but I have found a place where DIY is practical and in the future will do it myself.

Huh I'm in TX too and was thinking of trying them since the local place wanted $15 a linear foot to wash and wax ($600!!!) I laugh at them.... lol

Okay back to looking at alternatives ...

24 minutes ago, trishw said:

Huh I'm in TX too and was thinking of trying them since the local place wanted $15 a linear foot to wash and wax ($600!!!) I laugh at them.... lol

Okay back to looking at alternatives ...

Where in Texas? Keep an eye out most campgrounds have people coming through doing washes and wax. Ask in the office and look in the laundry room as there may be some posted.

Bill

We used one in San Antonio recommend by the CG and they did a fine job for $80. Forgot the name but i can find it with a phone call.

I believe Newmar says only wash your coach with a lambs wool pad--never brushes. Best to do yourself or hire someone with correct equipment. Most car wash places etc have signs saying they are not responsible for any loose or added equipment--it is their way of not accepting liability.

We have used Blue Beacon at least 20 times and beside once or twice getting a shoddy wash, they have never done any damage to our coach...

But...

Y'all have me rethinking using them

 

 

I just happened to catch this posting about Truck Washes and damage done. I feel for the RV owner that has damage due to the washing, there's no excuse for obvious damage due to carelessness. I have seen the truck wash signs whilst driving the highways and have almost gone in, but never did.

Just this week, I opened the Winnebago massive - manual to my 2016 RV. I learn something new each time I open it up; this time and it coincides with this post - the manufacturer makes it very clear not to ever visit a commercial truck wash. Their reason stated is that the high pressure hoses used can damage the paint and other items on the RV. There is so much to learn about RV ownership, with the help of on-line posts, YouTube videos, books and blogs, one can come up to speed in due time.

We prefer finding one of the washers that comes to the campsite, The awnings are out, the slides and slide awnings so everything gets cleaned good.

When in Palm Desert we have Manny's do it at $50 for our 36' rig, wash only.

New to RV'ng and only recently learned about Blue Beacon. Have never tried one yet but looks like I never will. Thanks

You didn't specifically say where, was it the Blue Beacon in  El Paso?

Reading these 'old' posts and have never used Blue Beacon.  Think now I'll not even consider them as honest nor use them.