I am in the planning stages of purchasing a vehicle. It seems like most of you posting on here like pickup trucks more than vans/mini vans. What I’m wondering is why you like pickups over vans? I’m guessing that the only advantage here would be that pickups get better gas mileage and when compared to a mini van that can be disputed. I would assume that most window cleaning companies will eventually want to graduate to WFP systems but I could be wrong. I’m not sure I would want my WFP system to be sitting out in a truck bed uncovered so it can get stolen? I’m assuming that there is some kind of locking system that locks the system down to the truck? Even if your not using a WFP system, you will still have long poles that just won’t fit into a truck bed lockbox. It would also seem like a hassle to move your tools in and out of the truck bed to a safe place every evening. In your experience, what are the advantages of a truck over a mini van or full size van? Or, if you like Vans/Mini Vans, what are that advantages of them over a truck? I would like my fleet to be the same so getting the first one right is a big decision for me. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Kurt we run all Toyota Tacomas in our fleet. I like them because they are just easy to manage. Good mileage, easy to keep clean and our crews carry pretty basic equipment. We also have a place to bring in all the Power washers and WFP equipment every night.
If
I worked by myself or maybe with 1 helper, I think I would probably go the van route… Maybe even one of those cool sprinters. I wouldn’t have a stocked shop and I could keep everything I need inside the van.
Thanks for the reply Chris. For all of you WFP users out there, can you fit an entire WFP system in a Chevy Astro Van sufficiently?
I wouldn’t give up my van. It has tons of space to safely store everything I need on the job, but it’s a gas guzzling machine that takes up tons of space. I don’t service some parts of DC now because I can never find a space to park it.
It’s not uncommon to be performing multiple services at a home, so the van can hold everything we need for whatever circumstance. If I was just doing window cleaning, I’d probs just go with a small truck. In fact next year I hope to buy a little 4 banger pick up for small jobs and estimates.
I did a little research on fuel economy for the following vehicles. Thought I would share it. All vehicles are 2005 models, automatic and 2wd. The mileage shown is combined hwy and city mileage.
Chevy Astro Cargo = 17
Chevy Full Size Van = 14
Ford Ranger 4cyl = 21
Toyota Tocoma 4cyl = 21
Ford F150 6cyl = 16
There was a similar topic posted a few day ago.
The consensus was ultimately personal preference.
Smaller trucks are great “go getters” they function great for traditional and water fed guys. Space is limited for you and your equipment. Will you be providing other services? You may need to carry a pressure washer around. I personally drive a full size truck with a canopy. Drives nice, low road noise, lots of room. I sacrifice having to pay more in gas because it’s larger and I hull hundreds of pounds of equipment in back. The idea of a full size van is nice. I think when I have employees I’ll provide vans. Lot’s of room and look secure for storage.
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Up north in Massachusetts it’s nice to have everything inside a heated van in the winter time. I also like the fact that everything is under lock and key 24/7 as well. A mini van would look awesome in one of those advertizing wraps.[/FONT][/COLOR]
Do you have a heater in the van that keeps the temp above freezing during the night?
Art man you have the sickest wrap… It was great to see it in person.
Wait was it even a wrap or just a great letter job?
Wow, me too!
Hey Seth,When I was a carpet cleaner I left a small space heater in the van. Now I have everything that would freeze in a bucket that comes in the house at night. If I had an onboard WFP set up like you do, I would leave a small space heater in the van at night.
Thanks man and to meet u and alex was a good day. That truck has been the best investment. Parked out in front of homes like the 1 attached just seems 2 work. I am a lucky guy who loves his job.
Chris it is a wrap. 3 guys + 10 hours = yea man I just want 2 show it off
I currently run a cargo van, but am looking to get a little ranger or tacoma. Just get a decent topper and a ladder rack, and you are good to go. I like the cargo van, but it is a gas guzzler, difficult to work on, overkill really.
Do you use a water fed pole system? Can you fit an entire WFP system in a ranger with a topper on it? I’m thinking probably not but I could be wrong. Here’s my thinking on this situation. People usually buy work vehicles to keep as long as they run well. This could possibly be 10 years or more. If you currently don’t use WFP’s that’s fine, but your limiting yourself in the future to ever be able to carry them in that vehicle. I don’t know if I would want to limit myself like that. Or, I could be wrong. You may be able to carry one with a ranger/topper setup. What do you think guys?
I love my cargo van.
It’s a great rolling billboard and I carry a WFP setup, a roof cleaning setup, and a small cold skid pw in it with room to spare.
Yes, one could carry a pure water system and pole(s) in a small truck with shell.
I use a Ford Econoline cargo van to do the same.
Overkill for you, maybe. I find a cargo van fits my needs now. Years ago a small pick up is all I needed, and all I could afford.
When I started my own business all I had was a 50cc Honda scooter that I strapped a bucket and pole to the back, for store front work (not fun in the Winter), and borrowed a friends car/truck (1972 Ford Ranchero) for residential work on the weekends. I grew into a van.
