First things first. If you’re going to pressure wash your Airstream trailer, you need to be careful. Most people don’t understand how much water pressure 3,000 PSI is, which is what an average pressure washer is capable of outputting.
3,000 PSI could be enough water pressure to dent the aluminum on your Airstream and certainly enough to cause damage to the seams or rivets on the trailer, which can cause leaks.
Leaks will cause even bigger problems down the road, like dry rot and electrical problems.
- 5 Steps to Pressure Wash an Airstream Trailer
- Electric or Gas Pressure Washer for your Airstream
- 2 Things to Be Careful of When Pressure Washing an Airstream
- 1. Do not wash the windows, seams, graphics, or even the rivets of your Airstream with a pressure washer
- 2. Avoid standing on a ladder to pressure wash the roof of your Airstream
- Choose the detergent you use to pressure wash your Airstream carefully
- A Helpful Video on Pressure Washing an Airstream Trailer
5 Steps to Pressure Wash an Airstream Trailer
To pressure wash an Airstream, you’ll need a pressure washer with at least 2,000 psi of water pressure. Be sure to use a gentle detergent designed for use on aluminum surfaces. You’ll also need a soft bristle brush to scrub away any stubborn dirt or grime.
Start by setting up your pressure washer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, mix the detergent and water in the pressure washer’s tank.
Next, position the nozzle of the pressure washer about 18 inches from the surface of the airstream. Begin washing at a 45-degree angle, moving across the surface in a back and forth motion.
Once you’ve finished pressure washing the airstream, use the soft bristle brush to scrub away any remaining dirt or grime. Finally, rinse the airstream with clean water from the pressure washer to remove any remaining detergent.
Pressure washing an airstream can be a great way to clean the outside of your trailer. However, there are a few cautions you should take to avoid damaging your trailer.
First, make sure you’re using the right kind of pressure washer. There are two types – electric and gas-powered. Electric pressure washers are better for lighter jobs, like cleaning mildew off your trailer. Gas-powered pressure washers are more powerful and can strip paint or damage surfaces if you’re not careful.
Second, always start with the lowest setting and work your way up. You can always add more pressure if you need to.
Third, be sure to hold the pressure washer at least six inches away from the surface of your trailer.
Fourth, be careful of any areas that might be damaged by water – like electrical outlets or vents.
Lastly, be sure to rinse the area thoroughly after pressure washing followed by a good wax. Walbernize is a good product and a favorite according to Airstream enthusiasts.
By following these simple tips, you can avoid damaging your airstream while still getting it clean.
Electric or Gas Pressure Washer for your Airstream
You’ve probably read that gas-powered pressure washers are more powerful than electric pressure washers.
That’s probably the most glaring distinction between them, but what most people don’t know if they are also different in their cooling & lubrication systems.
Pressure washers use the flow of water to cool & lubricate their pumps. Consistently leaving a gas pressure washer running without water flowing through it for more than a minute or two can damage its pump.
In other words, when a gas-powered pressure washer is left on, but not being used, it can over-heat.
An electric pressure washer, on the other hand, automatically turns off when the flow through the spray gun stops, making them great for washing vehicles and other jobs that require intermittent use.
Do I need to buy a new pressure washer to wash my Airstream?
This will depend on your situation and what kind of discretionary income you have.
If you already have a gas pressure washer and have some extra money to spend, it’s not a bad idea to have a small electric pressure washer to complement your gas-powered pressure washer.
As mentioned above, a gas and electric pressure washer serve different purposes. Save your gas pressure washer for big jobs that require your pressure washer to be running water for long periods of time. For instance, cleaning a large patio is a good job for a gas pressure washer.
Other small jobs, like washing a car, or an airstream don’t require a gas pressure washer. Doing these kinds of jobs with a gas pressure washer could damage the pump if you leave the engine running without actively spending something.
So if you have a gas pressure washer and want a small electric pressure washer for washing your Airstream, or iff you don’t have a pressure washer at all and are looking for a good all-round washer for basic cleaning duties, we like the Stanley 2150 for most jobs around the house:
If you already have a nice gas-powered pressure washer and the thought of spending more money on another bothers you, that is understandable. Just be sure to turn your pressure washer off if you’re not using it for more than 10-15 seconds when pressure washing your Airstream.
2 Things to Be Careful of When Pressure Washing an Airstream
Pressure washers can be great tools for cleaning surfaces, but they can also cause damage to your Airstream if used improperly. Here are a few tips to help you avoid damaging your trailer while using a pressure washer.
1. Do not wash the windows, seams, graphics, or even the rivets of your Airstream with a pressure washer
Pressure washing can be detrimental to the seams and rivets on your Airstream. The high-pressure water can loosen the caulking around the seams, and over time this can lead to leaks.
The water can also cause the rivets to become loose, which can eventually lead to structural damage. So when you’re pressure washing your Airstream, be sure to avoid the seams and rivets.
In other words, focus on cleaning the large panels of aluminum around the seams and rivets with your pressure washer.
To clean the areas where rivets and seams are, your best bet is to use some elbow grease to scrub them with a warm water sponge & soap.
2. Avoid standing on a ladder to pressure wash the roof of your Airstream
If you’re planning on pressure washing your airstream roof, there’s one thing you should definitely avoid doing: standing on a ladder.
The high-pressure stream of water can have a kick-back effect and knock you off the ladder, leading to a serious accident.
It’s best to play it safe and stand on the roof of your Airstream when you pressure wash it. You can still get good results this way, and you won’t have to worry about falling and injuring yourself.
Accessing the roof of your Airstream
When standing on the roof of your Airstream, avoid the aluminum portion of the roof, which will dent if you stand on it. Only stand on the white fiberglass panel of the roof.
Also, be sure to wear shoes with good rubber traction and make sure the roof of your airstream is dry before standing on it.
Do not step on the wet parts of the roof after you wash it, which can become slippery, especially if you’re using a detergent in your pressure washer
Choose the detergent you use to pressure wash your Airstream carefully
Harsh cleaners like bleach or ammonia can damage the surface of the metal, causing it to lose its shine. Vinegar is also acidic and can eat away at aluminum if used too frequently.
If you’re looking for a safe and effective way to clean aluminum, try using mild dish soap or detergent. Mix a tablespoon of liquid soap with 1-1.5 quarts of water and pour the mixture into the detergent tray of your pressure washer.
Don’t forget to start with a low-pressure setting and hold the wand at least 18 inches from your airstream, avoiding seams and rivets.
For stubborn stains, you may need to use a little elbow grease, but avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasives.