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View Full Version : If you were building a wash rig from scratch..


autumnleaf
12-27-2010, 08:55 AM
Hey guys, I've been lurking here for a pretty long piece, trying to glean as much knowledge as possible. I've decided to invest some snow money into a wash trailer and offer home washing as an add on. Mostly because I like to fit into niche markets and not deal with every idiot with an S-10 driving down prices.

I already have a customer base to draw on and a marketing plan for this part of the business, and plan on doing a few friends houses first to get a feel for pricing.

I plan on building a dedicated trailer from scratch. I am kicking around a few engine options, minimum 13 hp, max 50 hp. Pump wise, I know I need something like 6+ GPM to get the best performance. Still doing my homework on the pump I want.

I have a 200g transfer tank to use a buffer/remote location tank.

So...my questions:

If you were setting up a trailer, what would be some little details to make life easier? I am very picky about having everything look professional, and everything having a place on the trailer.

Is there a good place to look for used pumps? I want to do this right, but don't want to have 5 grand wrapped up in this thing.

Would you bother having a dedicated high pressure washer on the trailer to use on concrete or is that redundant? I only ask because I already have a 3000 psi washer that I use on equipment, my shop floor, etc.

Thanks in advance for any help and all of the information you guys have already shared on this site!

Mountain Gardener
12-27-2010, 05:35 PM
Hi Autumnleaf,

Iv'e been around this business since 1984. Never even thought about fabing my own washer. Too easy to buy new or GOOD USED with less problems. My washer is mounted on a 14' HD trailer with a 360gal tank, 2 65gal chem tanks, a large tool box, 2 hose reels, and a roof cleaning setup. $5000.00 would not touch my setup with all the goodies but all I have to do is start it and work.

My washer is a 5gal 3000PSI 120volt hot water unit. 16 HP Vanguard that I have always used Mobile1 oil in.

About the only high pressure washing we do is concrete with a surface cleaner, and heavy equipment. Our main business is "No Pressure-No Damage" roof cleaning and softwashing houses.

Call Bob @ PressureTek 1-866-700-0044. www.pressuretek.com

Hope this helps

autumnleaf
12-27-2010, 05:38 PM
I already have a suitable trailer to mount everything to, as well as the tank and engine. I really just need the pump to beltdrive and hose, reels, tips and valves.

FCPWLLC
12-31-2010, 06:57 AM
I already have a suitable trailer to mount everything to, as well as the tank and engine. I really just need the pump to beltdrive and hose, reels, tips and valves.

Like he said, call Bob at http://www.pressuretek.com

He is in Cleveland and can get you all the stuff you need.

Cajun Cleanin'
12-31-2010, 11:13 PM
I use Bob also he's good.

autumnleaf
01-08-2011, 09:45 AM
Thanks for the input guys, I'm looking forward to this. Have gotten a lot of good response from my current customers.

JCinNJ
01-08-2011, 12:39 PM
+1 on calling Bob. Great guy and the best service you can ask for in any business