NEWB from Tampa Bay, FL

H

Hrolfr

New member
I am a rank newb to proper car washing/paint care, trying to figure out the best way to care for my new 2015 Black Ram. Some of my challenges are 1. Its HUGE, there is a lot to wash on a Crew Cab. 2. It is HOT in Tampa and I have no shade to work in at my house and the truck doesn't fit in the Garage 3. Its black

So looking for something better than the local pay and spray wash, but more affordable than taking it to be detailed every week(I get the prices no complaints there, just a little pricey for weekly maintenance washes).

Thanks for lookin.
 
Welcome to Autopia !!!! Do some searches on "rinseless" or "waterless" washes. This is a great site with a ton of info and everyone is willing to help.
 
Welcome to the Autopia.org forums, I'm in the Palm Harbor area and be glad to help out one day at your place washing your ride...................Angelo
 
It sounds like your the perfect candidate for a Kwazar bottle and a waterless wash concentrate. As long as the truck doesn't get too dirty.
 
Hi and welcome. I live in the area too. I agree it's HOT and miserable here for six months or more. Detailing season for us - November through May - is a great time to practice and get some good wax and/or sealant on there. Find out what you like.

In the hot months, I hit my car and SUV about every two months wiith good waxes that last, like Collinite 915. In between major wax sessions, I'll put another layer on the roof, trunk, and hood, often "playing" with different wax combinations. I also use spray wax more often in the summer, but rarely polish - too hot for that.

As advised, getting a good waterless and/or rinseless wash routine under your belt is great. My cars don't get too dirty this time of year, so Optimum ONR washes are the order of the day. Waterless wash when it's just dusty or for random cleanups. LOTS of very high quality microfiber towels are also required.

Have fun!
 
I'm in Tampa as well and it can be tough to wash a car during the summer months. Fortnuately I'm able to bring my car into the garage after I wash it...so it's not too miserable.

Waterless washes are a good option, but it may be a good idea to invest in a large car canopy that you can setup in your driveway and wash the car under that.
 
Thanks for the welcome!!!

As far as the no shade goes I am more worried about the water spots and soap baking onto the paint than the heat for me, I am pretty much a native to FL(6 months shy), have played football here, and did some armoured fighting in the summer here, so the heat doesn't bother me so much.

I have been thinking rinseless wash in the Garry Dean Wash style, the waterless washing makes me nervous, the truck never gets filthy dirty I mean I do not play in the mud or anything, but a couple times a week I am at the local college and the road in front of the school and the school entrance is under construction and seems to always be wet so I get the white limestone mud junk on the truck every week. That stuff is pretty gritty.

Josh, I have looked at a few of the portable garages, I think I may have to pick one up, the only down side is the 10 x 20s I have had in the past take 30 to 45 mins to set up and a couple of people. I bent the hell out of my last one trying to set it up myself.

Thanks for the information so far!!!
 
If in direct sun, you might want to consider hose and bucket.

My reasoning behind this is because you can continue to flood surface, where a rinseless done with gd method can dry quickly

just my .02
 
Welcome ! The RAM will keep you OCD if you want to keep the black in tip top shape (minimum swirls).
 
welcome to AF. I'm about 18 miles north of tampa and will be glad to give you a hand, along with angelo, if you need it.
in the summer months you definitely need to start early am or later in the afternoon.
 
Thanks everyone, and Steve I might have to take you up on it sometime. I am West of you in Holiday(but do not hold that against me)
 
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