Motor Home and RV Parks

I don't know Jim personally but judging from his posts I'll make a wild ass guess and say he probably knows the risks involved and also has insurance for what he's doing. Staying on the ground and making $285 is a better choice, In fact staying in bed and making $285 is an even better deal. But if those options aren't available you do what you can to make a living.

We do roofs as well as PWing. Our insurance covers us to 2 stories without an additional rider. That's why we pay the big workers comp premium. That's why I have insurance and don't hire reckless goofs.
 
I mention it because he said he specialized in flatwork, which obviously doesn't require the higher priced insurance. I also mentioned it because my dad, not a mindless goof-off employee of his, fell 16 feet while doing work like this and landed on his head and should be dead right now. If it wasn't for his head splitting open from front to back allowing the brain to swell he would be. However, he had to sell his successful business because of it and has forever screwed up his neck and shoulders. It was just a friendly reminder. Take it for what it's worth...
 
Biodude said:
All I am saying is that you should recognize the risks involved and be paid for them. All it takes is for you or one of your employees to fall down from up there and $285 doesn't sound so good. $285 without leaving the ground sounds a lot better to me. Your insurance company better be aware of what you're doing and if these retired people are sharp, they will ask to see a copy of your insurance before they let you start washing.
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Every customer receives a copy of my 2 million dollar general liability policy and workmans camp.

That being said, I will not put myself or an employee on the roof of a RV or park model. I have read the general specs and regardless of what the average weight rating is, the roofs can be easily done from my 18' step ladder, downstream the chemical, dwell then rinse.

Never had a guy fall from a ladder yet, nor have I ever needed to make a claim on my insurance. I appreciate your comments, but did not mean to lead you to beleive I was putting my employees or company in risk doing these RV's. No $$$ is worth that.
 
Biodude said:
I mention it because he said he specialized in flatwork, which obviously doesn't require the higher priced insurance. I also mentioned it because my dad, not a mindless goof-off employee of his, fell 16 feet while doing work like this and landed on his head and should be dead right now. If it wasn't for his head splitting open from front to back allowing the brain to swell he would be. However, he had to sell his successful business because of it and has forever screwed up his neck and shoulders. It was just a friendly reminder. Take it for what it's worth...
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Thanks man, I appreciate your concerns. I actually started pressure washing 20 years ago, doing primarily heavy equipment. Been renting booms and working heights since I started, and my insurance agent knows exactly the work I am doing.

I'm on the road right now (San Diego) and don't have a copy of my policy with me, but I believe the limitation number is 25 foot.

Thanks for your feedback. One of the many reasons I like this forum.
 
Biodude, sorry to hear about your dad falling. I framed homes for years. We'd work all year right through winter with ice on the plates of 3 story homes. I don't consider myself a goof ether but I fell off a roof once. I was lucky and didn't suffer any serious injury. It happens to even the safest people. Many a day I didn't really want to go up there but with a family to feed we take calculated risks. One of my son's works this business and has never felt safe up on a roof. He's a ground guy and I wouldn't trust him on even a 1 story ranch.

You are right sometimes you have to make sure the benefit outweighs the risk.
 
Good thread, I live up in an area next to the Blue Ridge Parkway and it has several private camper parks within a few miles of me that have a few hundred campers and motorhomes and was thinking of this market too. One or two of them pull every thing out every year and park them in a feild side by side front to back for the winter. I'm going to try to approach and get these this year and do them as they pull them out and put them back in the park. I'm not sure of what chems though that would cut the oxidation off. If someone knows of a good one I'd appreciate it. Glad to see someone else is doing this.
 
Jim if you get a chance could you post one of your flyers that you market these people with. Id like to see one for an example. Going to try to hit up a few parks around my area as well.
Thanks for sharing your info.
or you could pm or email it to me if you dont want to post it.
 
crfguy168 said:
Jim if you get a chance could you post one of your flyers that you market these people with. Id like to see one for an example. Going to try to hit up a few parks around my area as well.
Thanks for sharing your info.
or you could pm or email it to me if you dont want to post it.
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No problem, here's the flier:

Grime Busters Mobile Home-RV Flyer1.jpg
 

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It is a good racket to get into and I can see that you're doing it right. We get calls from these people all the time in the spring and summer after they've returned home and are cruising up to their lakes and cabins and we have to turn them away. I wish you a lot of success in your endeavors to keep money coming in during these difficult times and maybe we'll run into each other sometime. If so, don't hesitate to say" HI!"
 
I target the 55+ RV parks. The winter visitors traveling are living the life I wish I could afford to do (maybe in 10 years).

Some of these Class A motor homes are worth 1 million +. Bottom line these units are these folks second home, and part of their retirement investment. I treat their homes like they are mine, and 9 out of 10 jobs I sell a complete detail.

All you need to do is get your foot in the door (a park) and let the quality of your work speak for itself.

I charge $1.00 a foot for a basic wash, $3.00 a foot for a complete exterior detail. Example; 40' Class A Motor Home average $90 to $100 for a wash, $275 to $325 for a complete detail. Complete details have taken anywhere from 8 to 12 man hours.

The sun (and heat) is your only challenge. NEVER let cold water hit any hot glass !

The profit margin is less than flatwork, granted. But there's still $$$ to be made, keeps a day crew busy and you get that instant gratification of witnessing the customers satisfaction when they see their second home looking like brand new when your crew is done. Tips are common. And I've met some very interesting (and entertaining) folks that have done the traveling that both my wife and I have always planned to do once we retire.
 
jim you can easily get $400-$600 per rv. I've been doing them here on spi for about three years now. when the snowbirds come down. upsell. these people love for their $300k mobile home to look good and dont mind spending the money. throw in the tow car for free. as far as waxing you should be getting at least 2bills for that only. givem options. engine degrease,under carrige wash with rust inhibitors, awning cleaning,wheel polishing,paint sealants, headlight renguvination,carpet steaming,vinyl coatings for dash etc,etc.
maximize profits! and distribute the work load so 2-3 things can be done at once. quicker quality cleaning means more$$$$ good luck!! my season is about to start in a few weeks.
 
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