A vehicle wash system is set forth that comprises a main carriage that is movable along a length of a vehicle that is to be washed and a carriage drive system disposed to move the main carriage along the length of the vehicle. A plurality of nozzles are disposed for co-movement with the main carriage to dispense fluids used in the washing of the vehicle. A sidearm drive system is disposed for co-movement with the main carriage. The sidearm drive system rotates a sidearm cloth in a reciprocating manner for contact with a side portion of the vehicle. To reduce the footprint needed to operate the wash system, the sidearm cloth may be rotated along an arc that is less than 360.degree.. An overhead cloth drive system also may be disposed for co-movement with the main carriage. The overhead cloth drive system may move an overhead cloth in a reciprocating manner for contact with an upper portion of the vehicle.