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Enclosed Trailers?
- Thread starter AdkinsPwrWash
- Start date
the_GUNN_man
New Member
I have a 8 x 16 trailer. I have side doors on both sides of my trailer. It helps a lot with air flow. I also have two roof vents that have built in fans to help pull air out.
CaroliProWash
New Member
We've seen vans in use - the biggest thing to take into account when you are mounting anything in or on anything is that it had better support the weight. I don't think many could handle keeping an axle in the spare parts box. Water weighs ALOT. Also when you look at trailer mounted rigs, notice where the water tank is - pretty much all of that weight is best located on top of the axle. Can you do that in a van?
Just something to think about.
Celeste
Just something to think about.
Celeste
oneness
New Member
I agree with Tony...6x12 is too small. I have a 7x14 and only a 225 gallon tank, and I am still pretty limited for space. Wish I had an 8x16. There's no way I could get everything in a 6x12 and still be able to maneuver around at all.
500 gallons is way too much for MOST applications...If you're having to bring water to a job where there's no water, that's one thing. For 99.9% of residential, I don't need a tank at all. For most commercial accounts you won't need it. It is just going to take up way too much room, eat more gas if you tow it full, and put more stress and wear on your trailer and truck. If you do go with 500 gallons, and tow it full, you better make sure you're towing it with a truck that can adequately stop it.
500 gallons is way too much for MOST applications...If you're having to bring water to a job where there's no water, that's one thing. For 99.9% of residential, I don't need a tank at all. For most commercial accounts you won't need it. It is just going to take up way too much room, eat more gas if you tow it full, and put more stress and wear on your trailer and truck. If you do go with 500 gallons, and tow it full, you better make sure you're towing it with a truck that can adequately stop it.
D
Dave Ott
Guest
Other thought would be if you mount everything on a truck/van. What happens if it breaks down, then you have to unbolt everything or hope you have a fast mechanic. I'm not putting anyone down with vans, but if any of my trucks pulling my trailers breaks down I just get another truck. Every one has its pro's and cons. Truck/vans can get places my 16 and 24 fters can't. Not that I would bring my trailers with the weight they have onto a customers driveway. Also I don't like having chemicals, gas, diesel, kerosene or any other behind me in a truck/van, especially if it's cold and the windows are up. Things do happen God forbid.
AdkinsPwrWash
New Member
Wow, didn't think this thread would end up being so long. My reason for posting this originally, was I was selling my set-up, and doing something different...which, I did. I sold my whole set-up and bought another Alkota 5355J, only difference is this one is 4.6gpm@3,500psi as opposed to my old one being 3.5gpm. I decided against enclosed seeing as 1.) I'm not wanting to sink alot of money into this business right now, as it is strictly a side-job..I have my very own 50hr. a week job, where i'm working to take over my dad's business, and this is just a business to make money to support my overly expensive hobby. I ended up mounting this machine on a 77"x12' single axle trailer, turned the machine length wise this time, so everything is on one side. This set-up suits me just fine, for what I'm doing, but if I decide to expand my company one day, and have others work for me, I will probably mount a machine like the one I Have now, with reels/toolboxes etc., in the bed of a 1-ton dually. Then, if I feel the need to carry my own water, I can always buy a flatbed trailer with a couple of tanks mounted on it, for water carrying/recovery. That is, of course if I decide to get that big ever, and then I won't have to go drilling un-needed holes into my daily driver 
-Jason
-Jason
Clean County
New Member
I Just bought a 2000 Ford 350 extended cargo Van to go along with my open and closed trailer rigs. I'm finding that each set up has its major advantages.
The reason why I needed the Cago Van is because now I can go on the Parkways here so I can service my commercial accounts at a must faster pace.
The fun part I have now is setting up this Van which I'm picking up this Wednesday
The reason why I needed the Cago Van is because now I can go on the Parkways here so I can service my commercial accounts at a must faster pace.
The fun part I have now is setting up this Van which I'm picking up this Wednesday
Utility trailer setup
I came across a company that sells pressure washer trailers, completely set up and ready to go. I won't mention the company or site, as I don't believe I am allowed to here, but wanted to get your opinion on what is offered and the price. They look really good, but let's hear what you have to say. I have been trying to decide which way to go, and this looks like it may be a good deal?
5x10 single axle 3500 pound capacity trailer
205 x 15 radial tires with silver/gray modular wheels
4 gpm @ 3000 psi Honda-powered cold water pressure washer
225 gallon capacity water tank
35 gal. chemical tank / anti-freeze tank
100 ft. supply hose w/ reel (upgradeable to 200 ft)
100 ft. pressure hose w/reel (upgradeable to 200 ft) gun, wand, chemical injector and assorted tips
(Brass fittings, brass valves and industrial hoses are used for plumbing on the above tanks for excellent appearance and long term reliability.)
Price is $3975.00 and includes delivery anywhere in the U.S.
5x10 single axle 3500 pound capacity trailer
205 x 15 radial tires with silver/gray modular wheels
4 gpm @ 3000 psi Honda-powered cold water pressure washer
225 gallon capacity water tank
35 gal. chemical tank / anti-freeze tank
100 ft. supply hose w/ reel (upgradeable to 200 ft)
100 ft. pressure hose w/reel (upgradeable to 200 ft) gun, wand, chemical injector and assorted tips
(Brass fittings, brass valves and industrial hoses are used for plumbing on the above tanks for excellent appearance and long term reliability.)
Price is $3975.00 and includes delivery anywhere in the U.S.
oneness
New Member
5x10 single axle 3500 pound capacity trailer
205 x 15 radial tires with silver/gray modular wheels
$1000.00 at most
4 gpm @ 3000 psi Honda-powered cold water pressure washer
$1000.00 or less (if it is direct drive)
225 gallon capacity water tank
$250.00
35 gal. chemical tank / anti-freeze tank
$75.00
100 ft. supply hose w/ reel (upgradeable to 200 ft)
$400.00 or less
100 ft. pressure hose w/reel (upgradeable to 200 ft)
$300.00 or less
gun, wand, chemical injector and assorted tips
$Included in the price above for the pressure washer
Roughly $3000.00 for all the components, give or take a little...
$1000.00 to mount everything, plumb it all together, and drive it to you. Not bad, but you could put together a similar rig yourself for less...Just depends on what you're comfortable doing. You could put this thing together in an afternoon. If it were me, I'd do it myself with a used 5x10 trailer for $500.00 or so.
Make sure you upgrade the hoses to 200'...how much extra is that?
It's not bad for a starter cold water rig...It'll be adequate for both houses and decks.
205 x 15 radial tires with silver/gray modular wheels
$1000.00 at most
4 gpm @ 3000 psi Honda-powered cold water pressure washer
$1000.00 or less (if it is direct drive)
225 gallon capacity water tank
$250.00
35 gal. chemical tank / anti-freeze tank
$75.00
100 ft. supply hose w/ reel (upgradeable to 200 ft)
$400.00 or less
100 ft. pressure hose w/reel (upgradeable to 200 ft)
$300.00 or less
gun, wand, chemical injector and assorted tips
$Included in the price above for the pressure washer
Roughly $3000.00 for all the components, give or take a little...
$1000.00 to mount everything, plumb it all together, and drive it to you. Not bad, but you could put together a similar rig yourself for less...Just depends on what you're comfortable doing. You could put this thing together in an afternoon. If it were me, I'd do it myself with a used 5x10 trailer for $500.00 or so.
Make sure you upgrade the hoses to 200'...how much extra is that?
It's not bad for a starter cold water rig...It'll be adequate for both houses and decks.
O
OrangeCrest
Guest
Save your money!!
Get a real powerwasher....
Where is the burner, reclaim, extra room for your generator, tool box, surface cleaner, brooms, so on and so on...
That looks like a detailing machine, not a powerwasher...
Just my opinion
Get a real powerwasher....
Where is the burner, reclaim, extra room for your generator, tool box, surface cleaner, brooms, so on and so on...
That looks like a detailing machine, not a powerwasher...
Just my opinion
oneness
New Member
OrangeCrest said:
For a starter rig, it will do just fine for houses and wood. You don't need a burner for either, with the exception of the rare oil stain on a driveway.
Not sure about his area as far as reclaim. If they're not enforcing, it is silly to spend the money and time on buying and using equipment that isn't necessary.
He sure doesn't need a generator to do the type of work he's talking about, unless he's going to use an airless sprayer...Even then, an 1800 watt generator will be fine, and doesn't take up much room at all. Tool box can be mounted on the tongue.
Sure, it'd be nice if every guy getting into the business could afford a $15000+ rig, but that's just not reality. For most, they wind up having to start smaller and then upgrade as business builds.
A 3700psi 4gpm unit from Home Depot will do just fine for residential and wood.
My suggestion would be to check the boards, newspapers, etc for used rigs in the next few months and find a better rig used.
Aplus
New Member
oneness said:
I agree 100% with these statements. I have two direct drive HD specials that are still in service, that I bought 9 years ago when I started out.
I've only had hot water for the last three years, when I started doing this full time.
I say each person should do what they are comfortable with, if they are p/w on a part time basis. For me going full time meant I had to be able to cover all phases and needs, so hot water is a must.
I have washed just about everything that is typically power washed. Now that I know what I like and what I don't like, and what type of requests I receive, cold water portables work very well for me.
At least 80% of my work is residential. The only commercial work I do now is concrete and building cleaning, both of which is appropriate for hot water.
The point is, until you identify your niche, and market demand, there is no sense in spending thousands of dollars on equipment you may decide you will not need.
GReat Advice Tony- Oneness
Too bad I didnt know that 11 years ago...............When I started out I had to have everything hot/cold all the new attachments.......... I have a garage full of un-used stuff ................stupid things like the extenda wand, roll-over nozzels, sandblaster kit,2 pressure washers that just sit taking up space. The list goes on.
I didnt need half of that to do what I do now. But I have them and it is a great reminder of stupid spent money.
a couple years ago I spent 10,000 for a franchise only to find out that I didnt like it or didnt want to do it. so it sits as well. STUPID STUPID STUPID.
SO as you can tell by my experience What you said makes the most since outa all these post, And for newbies starting out has a choice buy buy buy or only buy what they need. If you buy what you need you will make it just fine if you buy buy buy and dont use it you are just wasting your money. If a cold p/wer will do the job why buy a hot. if a x-jet will do the job why buy the x-wand ....etc..........
Buy smart and buy as you grow! dont let a few folks talk `ya into something that will just sit in the garage That wont make you any $$.
Too bad I didnt know that 11 years ago...............When I started out I had to have everything hot/cold all the new attachments.......... I have a garage full of un-used stuff ................stupid things like the extenda wand, roll-over nozzels, sandblaster kit,2 pressure washers that just sit taking up space. The list goes on.
I didnt need half of that to do what I do now. But I have them and it is a great reminder of stupid spent money.
a couple years ago I spent 10,000 for a franchise only to find out that I didnt like it or didnt want to do it. so it sits as well. STUPID STUPID STUPID.
SO as you can tell by my experience What you said makes the most since outa all these post, And for newbies starting out has a choice buy buy buy or only buy what they need. If you buy what you need you will make it just fine if you buy buy buy and dont use it you are just wasting your money. If a cold p/wer will do the job why buy a hot. if a x-jet will do the job why buy the x-wand ....etc..........
Buy smart and buy as you grow! dont let a few folks talk `ya into something that will just sit in the garage That wont make you any $$.
Hey Orange,
That is a real pressure washer..... What are you talking about ???? Instead of Orange Crest we should start calling you "POCKETS"..... What is it that you wash that you need so much more ????? Unless you are fleet washers why do you need anything else ???? If you are interested in a real rig , give me $30,000 and I will set one up for you..... It will do everything..... OK Pockets !!!
That is a real pressure washer..... What are you talking about ???? Instead of Orange Crest we should start calling you "POCKETS"..... What is it that you wash that you need so much more ????? Unless you are fleet washers why do you need anything else ???? If you are interested in a real rig , give me $30,000 and I will set one up for you..... It will do everything..... OK Pockets !!!
oneness
New Member
Dan S said:
Exactly!! I have a hot water skid that I bought used two years ago. I have maybe fired the burner 10 times. If I didn't have it, I'd have done fine without it. Granted, I plan to use it this winter as I begin going after more commercial accounts. Had I bought a cold unit back then, I'd have saved the money and would be able to buy a hot unit when I need it, rather than now having a four year old hot unit that I'm just now going to be using.
Better to start small and then grow as you see the need than to start big and find you don't need what you bought. I CAN see the need to leave room for growth in some areas, such as the truck you buy or the trailer you're setting up with. If you already have a truck that will work for what you're doing now, fine...but if you're buying a truck now, better to get one that will pull a larger trailer in a year or two. Same with a trailer...better to go a little larger than you need now than have to buy a whole new trailer in a year.
Dan, you're not the only one with things in your garage or on your trailer that were best left unpurchased.