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Mr Maintenance · Dec 15, 2011

Set up in a cargo van

Dec 15, 2011

My first setup was a cargo van, at the time money wise it was perfect. But after the first year it was hell on my back and you could not escape the fumes. I moved on to a box truck { which I loved but it has pro's and cons} I am now using an enclosed trailer and starting a second " open " trailer as we speak. I would never go back to a van, how about a heavy duty pick up truck? I saw a guy using a mini van once, all the windows were removed and it looked like hell. Choose wisely because you will have it for awhile!

Roof Cleaning Cleveland (216) 323-0552 · Dec 15, 2011

I used my minivan for about a year. It worked, space was tight but it was very effective. Only problem I ran into was my werner little giant ladder was was only 20 some feet making some roofs hard to get to. Fumes could get bad at times. Bought a truck this year, didn't like my equipment out in the weather so I got a cap for it. The cap was a great investment.

Roof Cleaning Severna Park MD · guest

I run my pressure washing equipment from a trailer and all of my roof cleaning equipment is in my 2007 Chevy Silverado. Two things. 1: I love the ease of using my pressure washer from the trailer, everything is easy to get to, it just sucks pulling it in to some areas, especially townhome areas with limited parking. 2: I HATE using my roof cleaning setup from the back of my truck. It's a pain in the ass to work on when there is a problem, ducking under my ladder racks is annoying and SH is slowly working on rusting things out on my truck.

I'd suspect that you'd have the same issues working in the back of a van, but it might be easier to work on if you can access your equipment easily from more than one entry point.

How about purchasing a small trailer just to pick up 1-2 drums of SH when necessary? You could then transfer to your van away from their location afterward.

My next setup will either be a box truck or a bigger trailer.

Mr Maintenance · Dec 15, 2011

My 1st choice was going to be an open trailer 12ft or 14 ft long. So i could grow into it. Then ive seen some nice box trucks with the moving billboard so i started looking at some isuzu cab fowrads with small diesel engine. I just need to decide ans stop bouncing back and forth.

Dec 15, 2011

watch the diesel's, I had one and when they break they are more expensive to repair. Keep that in mind esp. when buying a used one.

Roof Cleaning New Jersey · Dec 15, 2011

I do well with a van. I would suggest laying down a sheet of epdm, or equivelant. Its not so much the fumes that kills the van. Its the constant little spills of sh and other liquids. Death by a 1000 cuts.

Mr Maintenance · Dec 16, 2011

going to take a break from thinking about what trailer or vehicle im going to use. I thinking to much! thanks for the info

MJ · Dec 16, 2011

A van and trailer works for us, a van hides your gear, it is secure, it has visuals, nice for non-spraying trips, SH in a van does not sound great if something bad happens. Suppliers won't like it. We have a ladder pull down, worth the money. Van gets 13 MPG, not great , but better than 7-8 box truck all loaded up. A trailer is easy to store.

Mr Maintenance · Dec 17, 2011

Thanks for the info, now just need to decide

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum "Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum
"Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"