All that's left is the engine. Frankly, we have had varying results with all of the so-called spray-on engine cleaners and degreasers. What seems to work best, if the engine is not really bad, is a little Simple Green or similar cleaning product and a hose. It helps if the engine is warm, but not hot. Then the old standby-take a rag and wipe off the dirt.
For those times in between washes, there are several products that prolong those intervals. You can't go to any car show without seeing a few of those big, red Original California Dusters around. They come in several sizes, and they pick up dust like a magnet. Carrand also makes a dust glove that does the same. Meguiar's offers its Ultimate Wipe, and Clean Tools and Thetford have moist protectant cloths. Both come in a resealable pouch. Original California Dusters has just introduced a MicroFiber Magic wheel duster to remove that coating of brake dust.
All of this information is about dirt, and how to keep it off your truck, car, or RV. Yet even a garage has dust that will seek out glass and paint like flies on dead meat. By simply covering your truck and trailer with custom Covercraft WeatherShield covers, they can sit for months under sun, rain, snow, tree pitch, and bird doo. When we pull back the Covercraft fitted covers, the most the truck might need is a quick pass with an Original California Duster. Custom cab covers are a great alternative for truck owners. They protect the entire cab area from heat, sun, snow, and damaging UV rays. They fit between the cab and pickup bed, and since they're not a full-size cover, they're easy to store, and you can throw them in the washing machine when they get dirty.
So now you know our secrets. No excuses. You wouldn't come back from a ride on your favorite horse and put it in the corral without taking the saddle off and giving it a good wipe down with a curry brush. Make your diesel ride happy.
 This 3-inch random orbital...  This 3-inch random orbital buffer from Griot's Garage is great for tight areas and powerful enough for big vehicles and RVs. Mothers PowerBalls are used with an electric drill and are good for getting into tight places. |  If you have to park your truck...  If you have to park your truck outside, the best thing you can do for the finish is cover it. |  The Grit Guard wash bucket...  The Grit Guard wash bucket has a big grate in the bottom that allows sand and grit to fall through. |