For the horizontal surfaces I use a full sized bath towel. I have a big truck so by the time I'm done the towel is full of water. I'll then just use some small 100% cotton towels I have to gently blot down the side of the vehile. Sometimes if the bath towel isn't that wet, then I'll just fold it up smaller and do the same with it. Blotting does take some time though.
Sometimes I just go ahead and sheet water off the side of the vehicles using a open ended hose and a gentle stream of free flowing water. I'll then just use a microfiber towel to safely soak up the rest of the water.