Besides the obvious reasons, I wanted to get input on what is the ideal vehicle for a window washing setup. Do you use more than one type? Have you switched from one type of vehicle to another. Why do you use the vehicle that you use?
Thanks from a window washing newbie.
What are the five most important characteristics of a work vehicle to you?
Examples are cost of ownership, safety and security, dependability, protection against weather, versatility for personal use, seating capacity, advertising, etc.
Trucks and pull trailers when needed
Van!!! Everything under lock and key, clean and dry, and warm in the winter months 24/7.
I currently work out of a pick up. I have to take my tools out each evening as I don’t have a secure place to park it. That said, I am thinking about a van to avoid the extra work. There are lots of choices.
Can’t spill a lot of water in a van. I hear they get stinkie if you do. I carry all buckets inside big heavy duty tote boxes. Love the van concept. Astros or caravans are great for just window cleaning. I think full size cargo vans are overkill unless you have lots of power washing and WFP reels and equipment to stow. JMO
I’ve got a full size ‘conversion’ van that I purchased for family use before starting my business. I LOVE being able to take my window cleaning gear out, install two captains chairs and be ready to haul seven people and a big 'ol dog in comfort in about 15 minutes!
I have a full-size cargo van – sometimes I wish it was an extended version. There are trade-offs regarding added volume v. increased parking/maneuvering length and turning radius.
Some have their vans’ interiors coated to protect the interior cargo area from water and ensuing rust. Mine has a rubber floor mat covering the entire cargo area – no real affect from any water or stink. I place lids on my 6-gallon rectangular buckets to prevent/reduce spillage.
I carry 1-gallon restoration chemical bottles in an appropriately-sized tote.
My full-size cargo van is a 1 ton. It allows me to easily tow a trailer (which I do), but the fuel mileage is low, comparatively speaking. It does allow me the space to conveniently carry my RO/DI cart, sectional ladder set, 2 LG ladders, WFPs, extension poles, step ladders, additional WFP reels, battery-operated backpack, Quiet Series generator, and a ****load of window cleaning tools.
Post up a picture!!
Truck (8’ bed, extended cab if you have crew) with contractor cap, pull box trailer when needed.
I will – just unloaded everything to haul some large boxes and clean.
We have a f-150, f-250,f-350 and a chevy extended van. The van is primarily used for pw.
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Being my 1st season as a contractor, I tow a 5x8 trailor. It works for me. Got my P.Wer, DI tank mounted, all odds and ends plus waterhose’s. It’s an enclosed trailor. Just hook up and go. Everyone tells me I look like a rolling billboard. Which isn’t a bad thing.
I started in a full size truck. The desire to advertise, get better gas milage and keep my stuff secure drove me to a mini-cargovan. Worst problem I have is lack of seats for extra crew.
i drive a small van,recently i fixed up a netting shelf in the roof space,held up by bungee cords to make access to scrubber sleeves and sponges easy,while keeping them clean and off the floor
I have a 5’ x 8’ Trailer that is wrapped. On my days off I like to park it in a busy shopping center and let the advertising work for me while I am working on my yard at home.
Larry
My Dodge Caravan is a residential stow and go model. No rubberized floor for me. I fold the seats into the floor and line the floor with rubberized mats with carpeted tops and the rubberized bottom. I only carry window washing gear and a set of sectionals so it suits me fine. If I decide to load up with extra gear I’ll follow your example and recommendation. I think Tony Evans started with a caravan and upgraded to a cargo van for more space.
Sure; blame it on Tony.
BTW, I started with a LandCruiser.
And I started with a Volkswagen Jetta. Sectional ladder in the trunk. LOL
