General Lee:
I would suggest the Microfiber Madness IncrediPole Full Kit from Sky`s The Limit Car Care detailing supply (Sorry, no links due to forum rules) as a "less expensive" alternate to the now-broken boar hair`s brush-and-pole.
If you do go that route, PLEASE tell us what your thoughts are about using this wash cleaning device on washing your truck and how it compares to the boar hair brush. And if it sounds like I am trying to goat you into buying this pad-and-pole washing equipment and then you and your truck be the "Guinea Pig" for the trial experiment test-and-review, well, then I am guilty as charged.
(Captain Obvious: always tying to spend someone else`s money for them! Sounds good, though, doesn`t it. Just sayin`....)
My wife bought me a step platform MANY years ago for my birthday (Yes, I picked it out) and it is one of the best investments for washing and drying (or other detailing tasks) high-profile (AKA, tall) vehicles. AND, if you go that route, six safety-related admonishments to remember:
1) ALWAYS use the locking tabs on the two collapsible step end feet. They can easily collapse as you get up on the platform, even if it used to quickly reach and clean the bugs off the middle of the windshield. (Been there, done that, not good!)
2) Add some type of safety anti-slip adhesive tape to the top aluminum platform. It is similar (or the same as) to what skateboarders use to get more grip on slippery skateboard surfaces they stand on. Soapy water and formed aluminum, even with slight ribbing in them, are NOT a good mix for standing on.
3) If it`s a taller height step platform, use the intermediate step in the side feet to get up onto the top platform rather than just one giant step or jumping up onto the platform. It is just a lot easier on the (getting older) legs.
4) Consider adding some type of cushion or pad to the side edges closest to the vehicle side panel fenders. Even cut-up thin closed-foam padding (like that from an old, worn-out thin polishing pad) duct taped to the corners can prevent some nasty "accidental" paint scratches, even if it does look a little "redneck"
5a) When up on the platform, LOOK DOWN AT YOUR FEET BEFORE MOVING THEM. Sounds stupid, but if you are concentrating on what you are washing or doing while standing up on the platform, it is easy to mis-step off the platform and have a nasty or debilitating fall OR scratch the vehicle fender panel with the end of your shoes.
5b) Don`t over-reach beyond the end of the platform. Get down and move the platform as needed. Strained backs or falls are avoidable, although it`s easy to just reach a `little further" (or so it seemed).
6) Don`t use the platform on uneven or soft ground, like a hilly grass lawn. Sometimes that`s the best place to wash a vehicle in the shade or nearest the water supply, but you are asking for trouble doing it with the step platform, especially if it`s a taller height step platform. It just too easy for you to fall back off of it OR have the platform tilt or slide into the fender panel, depending on the direction and steepness of the incline. I run into this situation washing trucks or SUVs at cabins/cottages/trailer-homes up north in the backwoods (or at least in Wisconsin/Michigan`s Upper Peninsula it`s "Up Nort`) And yes, I have used ever-present flat limestone rocks to act as shims to level things out. Looks REALLY redneck.
The platform step also makes a great stool or chair to sit on while polishing/buffing the lowest part of side fender panels on high-profile vehicles, rather than bending over or kneeling. Saves on the back.
