How many gallons of water does it take to wash an motorhome?

Answer 1

There is no single correct answer to this question. Motorhome size varies significantly, as do personal habits and methods of washing. internet information sites vary greatly on estimates of water useage for washing vehicles. Sites or blogs emphasizing water conservation tend to assume worst possible case. One such site assumes 17 gallons per minute used continuously for 45 minutes, yielding an exagerated use of 765 gallons. Most people wash with a hose and a spray nozzle that is OFF unless wetting or rinsing, and which also restricts gpm flow while increasing water velocity. For the same reasons, pressure washers should reduce water use further.

The Atlanta Metropolitan Transit webpage states use of 200 gallons to wash a transit bus, being similar in size to some motorhomes, but do not state whether this is hand-washing or automated washing. It is generally acknowledged that hand washing uses more water than automated washing, but the automated wash industry tends to exaggerate the savings. Politifacts website demonstrates this exaggeration, yet is perhaps suspect in minimizing water use.

If you are on a public water system, your home or business has a water meter. Check the meter reading before and after washing your motorhome and you will have an accurate measure based on the size of your motorhome and your methods. If on a private well, you can buy a flow meter and make the same measurement. Patrick