New truck questions - Power Wash Network "The Power Wash Contractors Forum"

Fox-Ind · #1 (**permalink**) 04-01-08

We are looking to upgrade from our little tow behind to a truck. I primarily do interiors for a large truck load company. I have several new fleet washing customers and am looking to move into buildings, commercial customers only. We have several churches, stores and large apt buildings that are lined up this year.

I have seen several trucks and have my heart set on on certain truck. It will give me the room for both sets of equipment and a boom that will allow me the movement and reach. I have looked at box vans and stake racks. We are in the NE and would like enclosures for the equipment.

Any input and concerns will be greatly appreciated
-Josh

* could not get the pics to come through... Posted link on site link below.
Wish List

H2O WASH · #2 (**permalink**) 04-01-08

Ha Josh U Need To Check On What The Total Weight Of All Your Equipment Is , To Know Which Way To Go For A Truck , Stay Under 26000 Gvw Or U

DAFF · #3 (**permalink**) 04-01-08

Nice truck, here is the bad news. Must of the time you cant use those types of man lifts because of the grass you wold have to cross or obstices. Have thought many times about building a truck like that but on the long run it doesn't make much sense. Plus those lifts need to be anually inspected which can be very costly.

I would look for a mini tanker truck or a retired fuel truck and make it into a wash truck. For those jobs a man lift is reqd, rent a boom. Indoor or out. I much rather see more water on the truck and need no garden hoses than a boom which you might not use every day.

DAFF

Fox-Ind · #4 (**permalink**) 04-01-08

Thanks for the responses / feedback. I never thought about the inspections. We are still looking around at various trucks. Will probablt post more questions as we get closer.
Josh

DAFF · #5 (**permalink**) 04-02-08

If you want a good truck look for a Ford L7000. These are older trucks 91-97 but come with a 5.9 Cummins motor (diesel). They give the impression of the big truck and they still have hyd. brakes. This is a great work horse but not a hywy runner, top end of 65-70MPH. EZ to drive and will hold 2000GAL if you have the proper licensing. Plus any one could drive it with less payload. I have one of these trucks and looking to buy another. Looking at a 93 for $4900.00 w/24' box.

DAFF

DAFF · #6 (**permalink**) 04-02-08

Here is the one I'm looking at. Sure it might be a little ruff around the edges but a little paint and some stainless simulators and lettering.

Fox-Ind · #7 (**permalink**) 04-03-08

That is similar to the other trucks that we have been looking at. That is reassuring to hear that you are having luck with it. What is fuel like up there... we are pushing 4.40(US) gal in central NY.

Have a question on power. We have alot of detailing equip... vacs, steamers, lighting, etc; would also like to wire for better lighting and such. I have a 3k watt gen that I would like to install and wire out? any concerns or info i should know prior to getting into that?

Thanks again,
Josh

DAFF · #8 (**permalink**) 04-03-08

Fuel is insane!!! If you think you have it bad wait untill to absorb these #'s. Price of fuel is $1.26per litre on average. At 3.8l per us gal=$4.79. It's only going to get worse.

For all those extras run as simple as possible. Look for a reefer package with a bad compressor. Use the engine at the front and make it into a killer generator system. If you want to get realy fancy you coud run PTO's off the engine to run all the pumps and generators. It all depends on what your budget is and how mechanically inclined you are.

I use old reefers and gen sets to make our washers out of. My favorite is a 3cly. Isuzu diesel running (belts) two large general pumps. Runs all day long on 4-5 gal of fuel. Plus you can run it 3:00AM next to a residential area with no complaints. (noise)

DAFF

Fox-Ind · #9 (**permalink**) 04-04-08

That is awesome!!! My father has been a dsl mech for 40+ yrs... and avid creator of the abscure. He will get a kick out of that. He has been aching to get his hands dirty with this business

Our largest problem is that the area I do most of my businesses surrounded with resi and there are even some restrictions with noise. I really appreciate that advice, really

Thanks
Josh

DAFF · #10 (**permalink**) 04-05-08

The most important thing is to have an ample suppy of water. These bad boys will clean fast and will rinse with ease. You will save lots of time and get better results.

The hardest part of fabbing up things is the output shafts on the engines. These have to be customed built and bullet proof. Take your time on the gearing and make it possible to over clock the pumps. This will allow the diesels to run alittle past 2250rpm, and max out at 3000rpm. at 3000rpm the pumps will turn 2000rpm giving you allitle ,ore kick and gpm. Ya, you might have to rebuild a pump once and a while but the power and performace is amazing.

Total cost of the unit will be comparable to a new 20hp Honda one. Assuming you go used with the diesel.

Good luck

DAFF