Enclosed Trailers?

[AdkinsPwrWash]

I was just wondering how many people are using enclosed trailers with their set-ups? I've currently got my Alkota 5355J and hoses/toolbox/tanks etc. mounted on a Top Hat open utility trailer, and am thinking of moving them inside, out of the elements. Only "fears" are the burner/fumes being inside the trailer, and having a good way to keep everything ventilated. If anyone could post pics, that would be awesome...

Thanks In Advance Guys,


Jason Adkins

 

[Clean County]

Hi Jason,
I am only talking from my experiences about having a Hotwater Powerwasher mounted in my enclosed trailer. My Hot water Powerwasher has around 600hrs on it and in those hours I warped 3 valve stems. The first time I had the one valve replaced. The second time which was just recently I had to have the whole head replaced on my Vanguard engine. Apparently the reason why this was happening to me was because even though I had my Powerwasher vented out thru the roof of my trailer the engine was running hot due to lack of airflow inside the trailer. If I had a door on the side of my 7'x12' trailer I might not of had this problem because I could of kept the door open to get airflow to circulate between there and the open gate in the back of my trailer.

IF you look at my website at www.cleancounty.com you will see that Landa Powerwasher in the back of my Dodge Dually. Thats the one that I then installed inside the trailer. Today that Powerwasher is installed on the back of that Red Bucket truck you see on my website.

So for me the powerwasher did not work inside my trailer the way I hoped it would. IT doesn't mean that it can't be done. If your trailer does have that side door or maybe if it doesn't and you install a fan inside your trailer to blow fresh air towards the engine it could work for you.

Either way best of luck.

 

[Aplus]

Here's how mine is setup.

 

[Aplus]

Another view.

 

[MR ALAN]

A 12 volt electric fan would make for a cool trailer. Not those cheesy computer fans, but a automotive cooling fan like those on a race car. they can really move some air.

Tony,
Since that Honda is backed against the wall, did you, or have you considered putting in a vent right there for intake?

 

[Mark]

Tony,

I agree with Alan a vent in the wall for intake air in front of the engine
would be a good idea, it would help that engine to run cool.

[wsmile]

 

[Mike Gwas]

I use portable floors fans in the summer. In the winter so there are no holes in the trailer I use wall mounted propane heaters. I insulated all of my trailers... It is much easier to keep them cool then to keep them hot.

 

[Aplus]

I have thought about adding a wall vent, in the side, which would be at the front of the engine. The dealer where I bought the trailer carries them.

So far I haven't had any heat problems, with both doors open, and the roof vent open. I also run Mobil 1 which helps reduce internal friction.

But I have to agree....anytime you can get an engine to run cooler, it's better.

 

[Daryl O]

Flat Bed truck or 1ton van or 12ft Trailer

Hi I’m new in the power-washing field but I would like to up grade my current set up
I have a 5x10 trailer with ever thing on it .I wont to be able to give a demo when I get a called for a estimate and be able to park and store it safely. What works best and what are the benefits of that set up.
P.S I mostly wash homes, roofs and some flat work I wont to be able to wash every thing with the new up grade
Thanks Daryl

 

[DanKes]

Jason & Daryl,

I have been in the wash business for too many years. I have used an open pick up, an open trailer, a 1 ton van and an enclosed trailer over the years. By far the best solution for me was the enclosed trailer. I use a 6' x 10', but the size is not as important as being enclosed.

The advantages vs. the other 3 options I found are as follows: The enclosed is more secure, has more storage options, protects the equipment from weather, allows you to leave the equipment behind if you have an employee or large job, more professional looking (image is everything - almost), gives you use of the back of your truck for extras, & others. (I'll edit as I think of them).

 

[Daryl O]

Thanks for the info do you have any pic you can post..... [wsmile]

 

[Dave Olson]

Hello Daryl,

We use a truck chassis rather that a trailer. I will try post a picture of the inside showing our side and roof openings.

We have one roof hatch on the left side behind the boiler in the picture. Another roof hatch is on the right side above the ladder. We also have a sliding panel on the side of our box. Our genset pushes air out rather than pulling in.

If you are really interested I can take some closer pictures of these openings.

Dave Olson

 

[Daryl O]

Trailers pic

Hey Dave I would realy like that if you have the time

 

[Dave Olson]

Here are some pictures that I took today.

The first one is showing the top left side of our truck. This show the hatch in place.

Next from the same angle but higher. This shows our raised roof covering the genset. This entire roof section is removable. The 8" manhead and vent for our tank is on the right side.

Next is what the hatch looks like from the inside.

The next picture is from the inside looking up to our right side hatch and sliding door on the side of the box. This hatch is big enough so a man can climb the ladder and get on the roof to take on water through the manhole.

Last is our sideing door. You can also see how high we raised the roof to be able to carry our 34 Kw Genset.

All of these openings leak very little even in a driving rain storm. They allow us to move air into and out of our equipment.

Dave Olson

 

[Daryl O]

trailers Pic

Wow thats a real nice set up you have there. I would love to have one just like yours
Thanks Daryl O

 

[malsdad]

Trailer size

I'm in the planning stage of starting my new business and am contemplating what type and size of trailer would be best. I was looking at an enclosed 6x12. Do you think that would be large enough to carry a 350-500g tank and equipment? I've seen many different sized tanks. Any suggestions or ideas from those who already have and use an enclosed trailer?

Two other question folks. What is the weight conversion for water?
How much does a full 500 gallons of water weigh?
What is an average startup price for liability insurance?

 

[CaroliProWash]

Water weighs approximately 8lbs per gallon - 4000 lbs for a 500 gallon tank is a lot of weight. You have to take this into consideration if you are going to get a commercial tag, which is based in part on the total weight of the truck, trailer and everything you would possibly ever carry at one time.

Insurance premiums will depend on your location. (We are in NC) Also, our agent was extremely specific with exactly what all we were doing. Joe Walters is probably the most common insurance carrier for Pressure Washing. I can tell you first hand that State Farm won't touch it. Our General Liability is through Colony Insurance - we have 2Mil Aggregate for about $1350 annually. First Financial Insurance Co also insures Pressure washers. Our Workers Comp is through Liberty Mutual - premiums vary by state & # of employees. You may need WC to get onto construction sites if you do new construction cleaning for large building companies ie Centex, Portrait Homes, and the like (these are also a HUGE PITA to get your liability right for as well). Most General contractors require proof as well so that you don't fall under their policy if something happens to you on the job site.

Sorry this is so long.....hope something in it was helpful

Celeste

 

[Aplus]

I'm in the planning stage of starting my new business and am contemplating what type and size of trailer would be best. I was looking at an enclosed 6x12. Do you think that would be large enough to carry a 350-500g tank and equipment? I've seen many different sized tanks. Any suggestions or ideas from those who already have and use an enclosed trailer?

Two other question folks. What is the weight conversion for water?
How much does a full 500 gallons of water weigh?
What is an average startup price for liability insurance?

First off, you need a tandem axle trailer, with brakes on both axles.

I can tell you first hand that 6x12 is not big enough. I thought it would be, but with a 330 gallon tank and my equipment, mine is maxxed out.
If I had to do it over again, I'd probably get a 7x14. Sure, a bigger trailer would be nice, but weight is a concern for me as well as the ease of navigating around. It's not always easy to find a spot to park your truck plus a lengthy trailer.

Hope this helps.

 

[randyh56]

randyh56

I am new to this board and the industry. I am learning all I can so when I go out there I won't be totally ignorant. About the Insurance issue I went over to my agent to ask about their coverage and rates. They want a first yr. estimate on my earnings. They will charge me $100.00 for every $1000.00 that I project I will make. Then next yr. I have to fill out audit for the next yrs. premium. Even the agent thought this was strange. I would appreciate your professional opinon on this.

Thanks,
Randy
The coverage was 100,000 300,000

 

[CaroliProWash]

Only $100,000 coverage? You will be limited on where you can work - forget commercial. $100 / $1000 of earnings to figure your premium? I'd call Joe Walters and ask all the questions. I think that doesn't sound quite right - but it might just be me! What we were going to be earning didn't play into our General Liability premium at all. Our Worker's Comp is based on payroll but if you're just starting you probably won't have payroll which means you'll just pay the State's minimum premium.

Celeste