Building a New 120–150 FT Express Tunnel — What Equipment Would You Choose Today?

[LuxCarWashandAutoSpa]

Hello everyone,

I'm in the early planning stages of developing a new premium express tunnel car wash and would appreciate advice from experienced owners and operators.

My background is in commercial construction and mechanical systems, but this will be my first car wash development. I'm doing extensive research before committing to an equipment manufacturer or final design.

I'm considering a 120–150-foot express tunnel offering premium wash packages, unlimited memberships, undercarriage cleaning, and potentially additional detailing services.

I've been researching MacNeil, Sonny's, and other tunnel equipment manufacturers, but I'm especially interested in hearing from people who actually own, operate, and maintain these systems.

A few questions for experienced operators:

1. If you were building a new express tunnel today, which equipment manufacturer would you choose and why?
2. Which manufacturers offer the best combination of cleaning performance, reliability, maintenance accessibility, and parts availability?
3. What equipment or features would you absolutely include, and what would you avoid?
4. What are your biggest maintenance headaches and unexpected operating expenses?
5. Would you recommend a 120–150-foot tunnel, or is there an advantage to going longer or shorter?
6. How important is local service and technical support when selecting an equipment manufacturer?
7. Are there specific conveyor systems, dryers, chemical delivery systems, or water reclamation systems you would recommend?
8. If you could build your wash again from scratch, what would you do differently?

I'm particularly interested in unbiased feedback from independent operators who have experience with multiple manufacturers rather than sales representatives.

My goal is to invest in quality equipment, minimize downtime, deliver an excellent wash, and build an operation that is efficient and reliable for the long term.

Any advice, firsthand experiences, or lessons learned would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Car_Wash_Guy]

Pick the one where you have the best trained and closest service techs. I had a mix of McNeil and Sonny’s and was happy.

Good luck in this market .

 

[washnshine]

Car Wash Guy is spot on. They all wash. I’d say the layout/configuration and equipment package selection to fit your site is a much bigger priority than the brand.

 

[LuxCarWashandAutoSpa]

I've been through several types and do notice they all don't wash the same or in some cases very well. Not knowing which brands are which (I can guess based on construction, material types and wash method) but do not know brand for sure. I just want the best equipment with top tier wash and of course local'ish service and parts!

 

[Car_Wash_Guy]

I've been through several types and do notice they all don't wash the same or in some cases very well. Not knowing which brands are which (I can guess based on construction, material types and wash method) but do not know brand for sure. I just want the best equipment with top tier wash and of course local'ish service and parts!

Do they spin the brushes differently ?

My biggest variable was obviously chemical application and the blower setup I felt made the biggest difference . I had 14 collector system designed by a well known operator and I put out the driest car around

 

[LuxCarWashandAutoSpa]

Some have brushes that spin, others have the mitters. Seems to be brushes on the sides and mitters for the top work best.