How to set up? - Power Wash Network "The Power Wash Contractors Forum"

wow44 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-31-05

I am planning to buy some new equipment for another truck. I am wondering if anyone could give me some pointers on the set up. I want to do the right way. I am purchasing a 13hp honda with a cat pump. Belt driven or direct drive? which is better. I will have a 300gallon tank. I want to set up everything myself so I can learn a little more about it. The problem I had with my first set up I was having to run a 12v battery operated pump to get the water flow to the pressure washer. The washer wasn't any lower than the tank but I thought it should have had more than enough flow rate but the washer would not work without the 12v pump. I ran a 3/4 in. hose from the tank to the washer at first and when that didn't work we were stuck until I found the 12v pump. I was wondering if there is any way to get around the use of the 12v. I plan on mounting everything in back of the truck. What exactly do I need to do to hook this rig up so I can get away form charging a battery every night and back to the motor and the pump if you guys think I should do the belt driven what else do I need to buy and how is this hooked up. Thanks For all the great advice and help! Mike G. W.O.W.

Henry Bockman · #2 (**permalink**) 12-31-05

First question, do you need a 300 gallon water tank in your truck? Depending on what your cleaning, you could just use a small float tank and mount your pw in the back of the truck with some hose reels. Is this a hot water unit or cold?

Let us know what your cleaning, how often and some information on your equipment.

#3 (**permalink**) 01-01-06

one thing is 3/4 isnt enough .you need 1 inch from tank to unit.this is how i do it with no pump.the water wont flow unless you pull the trigger .we have to know what your gonna do with the equip.ive never used a pump to pump my water .my tank hose is 4 ft long to the washer.300 gallon on a pickup is gonna take a lot of room not leaving much room for other things to.belt drive is better then direct drive.

Mark · #4 (**permalink**) 01-01-06

I would suggest going with the COOL DRIVE with General pump,

I know first hand that that unit will pull from a flooded suction.

You can come of the tank with a in line strainer and then run
that to the pump inlet, I would then run the unloader bypass
back to your water tank.

3/4" Would suffice on a 4 GPM Belt Driven Pressure Washer.

wow44 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-02-06

We are getting into more fleet cleaning and residential pressure washing. We started out doing mobile detailing but will we are going to be using the equipment everyday so I want it to last. Thats why I was looking at the 13hp honda and a cat pump. Any other suggestions will be great. I want to mount it all in the back of the truck and my 300 gallon tank is square so it fits perfect in the back, it leaves right much room. If I make it belt driven what do I need to buy.

Thank Again,
Mike G.
W.O.W.