Cleaning a high roof car (SUV)

[Mark V GTD]

Anyone any suggestions - I have just bought a Defender and the roof of the car (gloss black finish) is about 6' 6" off the ground.

How do folks manage to clean them being so high up? A step ladder next to the car and lean over with the wash mitt or is there another way?
I have visions of the step ladder pranging the side of the car but maybe there is no other way and just have to be super careful?

[cerb4.5lee]

I either stand on the running boards or on the rear tyres, or I use a step ladder. However on the step ladder there is always that chance of catching the bodywork with it when it inevitably wobbles about a bit.

I don't know if the professional detailers have an easier way of doing though.

[zarlak]

I use one of these, works well:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08JQ1PH75/ref...

Seems that one is no longer available but there are plenty of others on there.

[LunarOne]

It's a Defender. Aren't you supposed to roll it in mud, before mounting a whip antenna on the roof with self-tapping screws? Some mount a ladder on the back for ease of access.

Some of the more dirt-averse owners find a road which traverses a river and drive through it as quickly as possible to make sure water flies in every possible direction.

[djc206]

Small step ladder with good rubber feet to prevent it slipping. Never had any issue with mine

[vikingaero]

Low level work platform:

https://www.screwfix.com/p/werner-aluminium-work-p...

I got something similar off FaceBalls Marketplace for £20.

[Summit_Detailing]

As above, a small platform is what I use for anything where I can't reach the roof...much more stable than a step ladder.
You can also cable tie some pipe insulation to the sides for extra security/reassurance.

Cheers,

Chris

[Heathwood]

Something like this? Would it be tall enough? A lot safer than a step ladder for you and the car.
https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/tenhult-step-stool-ba...

[Glassman]

Youngman + long handled brush.

https://www.killerbrands.co.uk/products/braun-body...

Mine is a Transporter T6 van.

[djc206]

Heathwood said:

Something like this? Would it be tall enough? A lot safer than a step ladder for you and the car.
https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/tenhult-step-stool-ba...

I would imagine a non slip step ladder would be a lot safer than that. It’s going to get wet and therefore very slippery link

The platform linked above is the obvious answer though

[somouk]

I used to open the rear door and stand on the door opening and rear wheel and then for front open the front door and stand on the opening to reach the front of the roof on my jeep.

Quicker than faffing about getting steps out and stuff.

[Shaw Tarse]

LunarOne said:

It's a Defender. Aren't you supposed to roll it in mud, before mounting a whip antenna on the roof with self-tapping screws? Some mount a ladder on the back for ease of access.

Some of the more dirt-averse owners find a road which traverses a river and drive through it as quickly as possible to make sure water flies in every possible direction.

Is it a Defender or "Pretender" ?

[Smint]

Prado is around the same height, luckily it has side steps and roof runners, so i stand on the side step hold onto the roof rail and wash the roof with a long handled brush, as said standing on the wheel is an alternative, even if no roof rails a Defender has real gutters you can hang onto.

Speaking of wash brushes, my previous long handled brush finally snapped and i bought one similar to this design (ebay 303116738259), its multi sided so as you pass it by roof runners, door mirrors, back door mounted spare wheel cover etc the almost all around brushes sweep the parts normal brushes don't, has made my car washing much easier and better.

[Belle427]

You can buy microfibre mitt headed wash brushes which are handy too for reach.

[Mark V GTD]

Thanks for all the great ideas. I think the low level platform with something anti slip on it might to do the trick. The other suggestion i had was to find one of those very strong plastic storage boxes. The industrial type that you can stand on as it’s less likely to wobble or tip than step ladders. First world problem I guess!

[The Wookie]

vikingaero said:

Low level work platform:

https://www.screwfix.com/p/werner-aluminium-work-p...

I got something similar off FaceBalls Marketplace for £20.

This. I got the largest one available in B&Q

You can cover a much bigger area than a stepladder.

I’m quite tall though so might not be as useful for everyone

[mike9009]

The Wookie said:

vikingaero said:

Low level work platform:

https://www.screwfix.com/p/werner-aluminium-work-p...

I got something similar off FaceBalls Marketplace for £20.

This. I got the largest one available in B&Q

You can cover a much bigger area than a stepladder.

I’m quite tall though so might not be as useful for everyone

Damn, I need something like that, but a little taller to clean the hightop on my vw camper. Currently I struggle using a step ladder and a bucket. Totally impractical.

[drmike37]

https://www.masai4x4.com/Wheel-Step-fits-most-4x4-...

One of these (or similar)?

[mk1coopers]

Use this to reach the roof on ours

https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/bekvaem-step-stool-as...

[anonymous-user]

somouk said:

I used to open the rear door and stand on the door opening and rear wheel and then for front open the front door and stand on the opening to reach the front of the roof on my jeep.

Quicker than faffing about getting steps out and stuff.

Exactly what I do on my Volvo.