How to wash sled outside?

[Mooseman]

Anybody have any way or tips on how to wash a sled outside in the cold? Trailered my sled last night and it was filthy from the road spray and slush. I don't have a suitable garage to wash it in and there's no point in trailering it to a coin wash as it would just get dirty again.

 

[radercrockett]

Not sure how cold it is outside, but you could hook a garden hose up to the supply outlet on the bottom of your water heater and spray it down. Then use a spray bottle and cover it in in 1/2 simply green, 1/2 hot water. Let sit for a few minutes, then spray it off. Repeat if it's really dirty. Then wipe clean/dry with a good rag before the water can freeze.

 

[Mooseman]

Well, It can get pretty cold here. Yesterday morning was -24C (-11F). Today we're going up to -9C (16F) and the sun might come out in the afternoon so that might be my chance to try this. Maybe a Shamwow would actually work to wipe it down.

Or how about using an air hose to just blow off the water? I might give that a try because wiping with a rag might get cold on the hands. Anyway, a little bit of ice is better than a lot of dirty slush and salt marks.

 

[steiner]

Windsheild washer fluid works well.

 

[snobill]

When done wipping down let it idle for a while and warm up. It will get ride of alot of water you might have missed.

 

[Supa Dexta]

Coin wash and tarp it.

 

[smokingcrater]

Coin wash and tarp it.

+1 on this... Washing something outside in below freezing temps doesn't work well. Outside of the obvious problem, most of the dirt is held on by tiny ice crystals. If you aren't in an environment warm enough to melt them, its really tough to get it halfway clean.

Also, do one at a time. You can then haul the one in the center of the trailer, and it will stay much cleaner.

 

[Mooseman]

Windsheild washer fluid works well.

I like this one. Makes sense.

For a coin wash, they're outdoors here so it's the same problem.

On another note, if I wasn't so [cheap, lazy, in a hurry], I should use a cover.

 

[biffdotorg]

It is amazing how much grime will come off just rubbing clean snow on the sled before a ride. Although, you have to be careful not to rub sand or dirt into the finish.

 

[tomanytoyz]

Make sure you dont get the relays to wet or key hole,buddy did it at a car wash with all the psi got in there.when done compressed air to dry or a leaf blower really quick before it freezes ,in the temp your in you turn your head for a sec and its frozen ..good luck !

 

[Sevey]

Not a big fan of high pressure water.
I usually use two hot buckets of soapy water with a sponge and bath it like that.
The hot water takes the dirt right off.
Do it in a spot where there is no wind, maybe even some sun on it.
This will buy you time but eventually the water will start to freeze up.
The comment about heating the engine up is bang on. The engine warmth will keep the cowls warm.

MS

 

[Gone Blue]

Well, It can get pretty cold here. Yesterday morning was -24C (-11F). Today we're going up to -9C (16F) and the sun might come out in the afternoon so that might be my chance to try this. Maybe a Shamwow would actually work to wipe it down.

Or how about using an air hose to just blow off the water? I might give that a try because wiping with a rag might get cold on the hands. Anyway, a little bit of ice is better than a lot of dirty slush and salt marks.

If you use a bucket with warm water you should be fine even at that temperature. Wear a pair of latex gloves and just be sure not to dunk your hands deep enough to fill your gloves with water.

G.B.

 

[Mooseman]

All good suggestions. The sun should be coming out tomorrow with -14°C (7°F). Will definitely warm up the sled before washing it, maybe even keep it running. I won't have access to a hose so I'll have to use buckets.

If that doesn't work, then the windshield washer fluid will be next, maybe warmed up before using it.

Thanks guys!

 

[Mazz]

I try to do whatever I can to not let it sit. If I come home after a quick trip on the trailer with no cover, from being lazy also. I grab a couple gallons of warm water and quickly go out and pour over the sled. Even without soap and a sponge I'm always surprised how well it turns out if I can get the dirt and salt grime rinsed off right away.

 

[TRiGGeR605]

I hate this problem, so I just bought an enclosed trailer.