Keeping it clean

Truck drivers are a funny lot. There are things that we find important, that most other people wouldn’t even notice.

Then there are things that we do, that other people would think a little strange, eccentric, or even OCD. One prime example of this, is the importance we place on having a clean truck, and the lengths we go to in order to maintain that image.

To be fair, not everyone fits into this category, and some see the job as just that – a job. But for many drivers it’s more than that. It becomes a lifestyle, a passion, and even an obsession.

They consider their trucks to be an extension of themselves, and a reflection of their love for the job. It’s more than just looking after half a million dollars worth of equipment, it’s looking good while you do it.

This need to be clean ranges from a quick hose down once a week, to a run through the truck wash every now and then, to the ‘every day is a truck show’ operators. I personally fit somewhere in the middle – I like my truck to be clean, but it’s never going to be the shiniest thing on the road. I want people to know that I’m proud of my job and the equipment I operate, but I’m not polishing the fuel tanks every weekend.

It takes a lot of time to keep things looking good, especially in the wet weather. There are a few good commercial truck washes around that will get you in and out in around an hour, if the line up isn’t too long.

Having all the right equipment, and the people-power to get the job done quickly can be worth the investment, but even after a visit to one of these truck washes, the fussy drivers will spend some time tidying up around the edges.

Many transport companies have DIY facilities at their depots, while the serious ones actually have their own crew of people dedicated to the task of keeping the fleet clean. But for many of us, a clean truck means sacrificing either sleep or family time.

Luckily for me I have a couple of kids to help and, while it costs me a fortune at Macca’s, it does save me a lot of time. It’s something that has become normal for my kids, having helped out since they were old enough to hold a sponge.

In fact, when they were younger, they were really handy to get to the tight spots where my grown-up hands wouldn’t fit. While they don’t have the little hands any more, their height is now proving to be advantage for their vertically-challenged dad.

Every second weekend, weather permitting, we usually spend some “quality time” giving the truck and trailers a wash. It will also get a quick foam and wash through the week while I’m waiting to unload, if I get time.

I’m a big fan of doing a little bit often, and not letting it get too messy in the first place. Sometimes, though, the weather and work commitments mean it looks unloved.

With time in such short supply, having the right equipment can also make a big difference, with pressure washers being common in both transport depots and truck drivers’ sheds. It’s not hard to spend some serious coin on having all the gear – long-handled brushes, sponges, wheel brushes, microfibre cloths, the list goes on and on.

Then there’s the detergent, polishes, tyre black, and so on. Just thinking about it, I’d love to get half the money back that I’ve spent keeping my trucks clean! One thing I’ve learned though, is that the wrong products can create a lot of extra work.

On the other hand, the right products can make the job much easier, quicker, and provide great results. I carry most of my own stuff with me (you never know when the opportunity might arise), so the space it takes up in the toolbox also matters in my case.

Over the years, I've tried a number of products, brands and processes to make the washing process easier. but the long and short of it is that time and elbow grease are the most important ingredients.

I also find the more cuts and scratches you get on your hands, the better the result, and the truck I drive provides plenty of scope for cuts and scratches. It's quite obvious in some models, that the people who design heavy-duty trucks never intend to wash them. Maybe they should include this in the design spec for future models, and test it at the factory before they mass-produce them…

My lack of love for elbow grease, cuts and scratches has also led me to appreciate the value of cleaning products that do most of the work for you. While a pressure washer reduces the required effort dramatically, there's not always one available when you want one.

For me, a foaming gun that fits the regular hose is a good option. Recently I've been maintaining the shine with Dirty Steves Foaming Wash, and the results have been great. Not only does it stick long enough to soften the bugs, but it also leaves a nice coating on the paint that stops stuff from sticking too hard, which makes it even easier to clean next time around.

It's also concentrated, so it takes up less space in the toolbox. The fact that it's Aussie made is a bonus. Oh, and it doesn't take the polish off the aluminium, which is good because most of mine has been neglectd for months.

It doesn't matter what you use to keep them clean – high-pressure washers, kids or your local truck wash – the big problem is that they always seem to get dirty again.

Until they design one that washes itself, you'll keep seeing those operators who take pride in their gear out in the street or in the yard washing their wagons. It's just what we do. We're a funny lot.