Yes, Another Gobi Thread

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scubajosh77

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I have a Stealth on order for my 18 TRDORP. Based on current wait times I’m not expecting it until late February early March. But I have a question I searched and couldn’t find an answer for.

What’s everyone’s experience with car washes? Just avoid altogether or are they ok on an empty rack?


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Haven't tried myself, but heard nothing but touchless. There was a thread several months ago that indicated around $5k in damage from the rack getting caught by one of the rotatory brushes and bending almost 90degrees upward from the truck. Not worth the risk to me, so I figured it was the end of drive thru car washes for my 4Runner. YMMV.
 
K9 HAULR said:
Haven't tried myself, but heard nothing but touchless. There was a thread several months ago that indicated around $5k in damage from the rack getting caught by one of the rotatory brushes and bending almost 90degrees upward from the truck. Not worth the risk to me, so I figured it was the end of drive thru car washes for my 4Runner. YMMV.
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Hmm I'd have to agree with this assessment, not worth the risk. I actually installed my Gobi Stealth just yesterday and although the "congratulations" placard tied onto rack does mention regular car washes to increase rack / powder coat lifespan, it does not indicate whether they are talking about a mechanical wash or a hand wash. There are places in the mesh and rails where I feel that the felt or car wash material could become lodged and cause damage to the car wash or the rack, while the odds of this may be extremely low, still doesn't appear to be worth the risk. Would also think it depends on the style / type of features the car wash has, maybe if you find a car wash that works well with your rack just keep going to that one? It would probably be one with minimal roof / ceiling spinners.
 
Yup. Pretty much what I though. I’d been looking for a touch less car wash since I got it but there are none around. Took it to a hand wash place. Guess they’ll keep getting my business.


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Boyne4R said:
Hmm I'd have to agree with this assessment, not worth the risk. I actually installed my Gobi Stealth just yesterday and although the "congratulations" placard tied onto rack does mention regular car washes to increase rack / powder coat lifespan, it does not indicate whether they are talking about a mechanical wash or a hand wash. There are places in the mesh and rails where I feel that the felt or car wash material could become lodged and cause damage to the car wash or the rack, while the odds of this may be extremely low, still doesn't appear to be worth the risk. Would also think it depends on the style / type of features the car wash has, maybe if you find a car wash that works well with your rack just keep going to that one? It would probably be one with minimal roof / ceiling spinners.
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Hmmm. Since you mentioned there was nothing about it on your placard I figured I’d call Gobi and ask them. Young lady answered and said there would be no issue going through a car wash. But, she started mentioning stuff about how it’s sealed, weatherproof, etc. I said I was more concerned about automatic car wash brushes. She said that was still fine. I’m not reassured. lol


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I've avoided them. I've seen a couple wicked pics of racks bent backward after going though them - granted they were all baja's I think. The only auto I really ever used was the one at the local toyota dealership when I got an oil change, but they will not take ANYTHING through if there is something on the roof. Even crossbars on factory rails.
 
Whoa... I've been putting my FJ with a Gobi stealth through the automated car washs for years. I need to stop and be more cautious.
 
Add another vote to the list not to consider anything other then a touch less and I have not even used those simply due to costs, effectiveness and low chance of a clearance issue. While I don't wash often, when I do its a manually operated wash or the driveway.
 
I've been taking mine through the automatic washes once a month for at least 5 years.

No issues.

I think only one guy on this forum ever reported an issue.....his thread has lots of pictures. You can see the stuff he had mounted on his when it got rolled up.
 
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nglayton said:
I've been taking mine through the automatic washes once a month for at least 5 years.

No issues.

I think only one guy on this forum ever reported an issue.....his thread has lots of pictures. You can see the stuff he had mounted on his when it got rolled up.
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Ranger or Stealth?


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I've had mine on for almost a year also. I go through the car wash on a regular basis as well. Sadly, I live in the upper midwest where salt is NOT your friend. I've run mine through the car wash regularly. I just make sure they turn off the upper rotating brush. Most good car washes should have controllable car wash mechanisms in place to avoid damage to some vehicles. YMMV of course.
 
Picking up my first 4R this weekend and a GOBI stealth is the first thing going on. Can't speak for the 4R, but I have a rack on my Audi A3 and only use touchless car washes. You need to find a good one, some touchless do a great job, others are like driving through a sprinkler.
 
Considerations

I have only done hand washes with my rig. I've got a 40" light bar on my rack, ditch lights, etc so I don't find it worth while to go through a tunnel of terror with all my investments on the line. I have found that using local car wash's "you-wash" bay to wash my rig is not only convenient but much more safe. Also, the car wash I go to won't wash my rig even if I asked them too. They don't want the liability of breaking my equipment. Anyways, food for thought and I wish you luck in your search for information!

Happy trails!
 
scubajosh77 said:
Ranger or Stealth?
Click to expand...

Mine is a Gobi Stealth.

The guy that got rolled up in the carwash was a Baja utility rack of some kind that he had a light bar mounted to the front faring. It looks similar to Gobi, but I would guess it's not as of the same quality as a Gobi.
 
Another question for the Gobi owners. I’m still at least a month out from delivery but I’ve decided I want to have some clear 3M film installed on the roof to protect the front where the wind deflector touches. How wide (front to back) would I need? 6”? 8”? More?


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