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Trucks

topcoat

Contributing Member
Hey guys

I'd like to appeal to your good natures for some assistance in setting up a truck for next spring. Our work is large custom residential homes 6-12,000 s.f. that I am considering setting up a truck to service. I am open to your suggestions as to what would be the most practical for my needs...in terms of what I must have onboard. I couldnt find any threads that showed pictures of rigs. That would be most helpful. Thanks.
 

Ken Fenner

Active member
Setting up truck for wood restoration

Scott, check here first: You can fit a bunch into a van.
http://www.ptstate.com/index.php/topic,4793.32.html

With that being said, nirvanna is a 12'-14' box truck. I would include:

For Washing/Applying chemical:
• 5.6 gpm cold water unit
• Backup 4 gpm cold
• 75-100 gallon reserve tank with your unloader plumbed back to it.
• Hose reel holding 150' of non marking high pressure hose (optimal in my opinion for downstreaming). For backup hose have another 100' and two more 50's.
• Hose reel holding 100' of 3/4 contractor grade supply hose. Backup of another 50'.
• At least two guns rated high gpm for maximal downstreaming ability.
• Two 12V chemical pumps wall mounted. Pumps are made by companies such as Delevan, ShurFlo and others. As an alternative this is a neat setup http://www.pressuretek.com/chemicalbobcat.html. You could keep a 12V pump as a backup.

For Prep :
• 7" variable speed buffer with square cut osborne brish (for defurring)
• 5" random orbital sander (no higher numerically than 60 grit paper)
• Defelting pads

Carpentry
• Reciprocating saw
• Circular saw
• Portable table saw
• Nail puller, claw hammers, pry bars, assorted screws and nails

Applying Stain
•Decker or Deckster system. I would go wall mount and add another hose reel with 250' of 3/8" poly hose and a variable flow wand.
• Airless for solid stains (I haven't touched my airless in two years)

And of course all of the usual sundries, tarps etc. For applying stain to deck floors and getting between boards nothing beats a soft bristled truch brush in my opinion.
 

Ken Fenner

Active member
My list is just for wood service and restoration. If you are doing house washes or concrete you will also need a 30' Coress extension wand, possibly need hot water, a surface cleaner, a hot of different nozzles and chemicals. The nice part about a box truck is you can carry 55 gal drums.
 

topcoat

Contributing Member
Ken

Thanks for the info. Jarrod has removed his Youtube link, bummer, I would love to see.

I am pondering a dedicated service vehicle. Reading about pro wash companies, I feel kind of ghetto rolling in in a paint truck, unloading the washer and hoses and hooking up to the garden hose. On the flip side, for the relatively small washing volume that we do, is it practical to have a dedicated rig? It seems like it would be really efficient to be able to park and just start pulling hose out of reels. So, my ideal would be a truck set up properly to strip/wash houses and decks, and be efficiently geared up for all tasks associated with these jobs. I like your list Ken. Just need to research customizing it to my needs. All feedback appreciated.
 

Carlos Gonzales

New member
Scott - why not also make room for your airless (painting) and keep it a washing/paiting vehicle? Sale the customer not only on the washing but also on the painting to.

Just my .02
 

Tonyg

New member
Scott - why not also make room for your airless (painting) and keep it a washing/paiting vehicle? Sale the customer not only on the washing but also on the painting to.

Just my .02

I have a 12 enclosed and originally had mine set up with power tools and spray rig. Even though I don't keep as many chems in the trailer at one time corrosion is definitely a factor. I had to move all my tools, even hand tools out because of rust. Power tools can go quickly and I did not want to take a chance on ruining the 595. If you could section off the front end of a longer enclosed trailer I think that would be ideal. My goal was to have a mobile paint store with everything I needed. Acids, SH, and sodium hydroxide doesn't play well with others.

On a side note; I looked into an epoxy floor application for custom garage floors this year. Part of the agreement was a turn key trailer set up. Here is the inventory list that the trailer came with including work benches, cabinets, tie downs, etc. Almost nirvanna.



Stone To Foam Trailer:


• 12’ Custom Blue, Single-Axle Trailer w/extended 4 foot “V” nose
• Beaver-tail style rear entry door
• Display Graphics featuring Dealer’s name
• Fully insulated walls and ceiling
• ¾” Plywood Floor surfaced w/high-performance vinyl coating
• Chrome wheels
• Thermostatically controlled electric heater
• Side man-door
• Skylight vent (1)
• Extended-height roof
• Spare tire
• Electric brakes
• Aluminum stone guards
• Door locks
• 12V lights
• Stabilizer jacks
• Hydraulic bottle jack
• Tie-down security straps
• GFI 110V outlet
• 110V light switch
• 30# Fire extinguisher, mounted
• Explosion-proof lighting system
• Cabinets
• Solvent cabinet (45-gallon)
• Wired for 110V electrical service
• Gas bottle holders
• Wheel chocks (2)
• Spring grip broom organizer
• Handy hooks

Application Equipment:

• Cobra® Multi-Prep concrete floor preparation machine (110/220 switch)
o Dust Control Vac w/floor tool
o Sanding heads (set of 3)
o Scrub-brush heads (set of 3)
o Wire brush heads (set of 3)
o Steel cutter scarifier heads (set of 3)
o Carbide floor scraper heads (set of 3)
o H/D quick-grind diamond heads (set of 3)
o Ultra-quick diamond grinding heads (set of 3)
o 60-grit sand disc (9)
o 100-grit sand disc (9)



• Edge Grinder

• Roll-on/Brush-On Equipment
o Caulk gun
o 5-gallon buckets w/lids (3)
o 9” x 3/8” roller covers (4)
o 9” x 1/4” roller covers (4)
o 9” roller cages (2)
o Roller extension handles (2)
o Large rolling pans (2)
o Rolling pan liners (6)
o Polypropylene spiked shoes ¾” (2 pair)
o Squeegee
o Canvas drop cloth
o 1-gallon mixer
o 2” Bristle brushes (4)
o Graduated stack cups (6)
o Gallon cans (3)
o M.E.K. (2 gallon)






Exh. E
Page 1 of 3


Misc. Tools:

• 5-gallon jiffy mixer (1)
• Flat/Phillips adapter for drill
• Lighter
• 50’ extension cords (2)
• 100’ extension cords (2)
• 3 prong electric adapter (3)
• Grounded T adapter 3/way
• Belt sander w/80-grit paper
• Electric leaf blower
• Flashlight
• 24” push broom
• Deep dustpan
• Bench brush
• Yellow sweep broom
• 32-gallon trash can (1)
• 33-gallon contractor trash bags, 12 ct
• 4’ Fiberglass ladder
• 25’ measuring tape
• 17-Compartment parts box (1)
• Master locks (3 pack)
• 20” Box fan
• Pole sander bases (2)
• Pack 80-grit for pole sander
• Knee pads (2 pair)
• Temperature & Humidity gauge
• 3” stiff putty knife
• 3” flexible putty knife
• Wire brush – stiff
• 24” Masking paper
• Paint paddles/stir sticks (25)
• 2” Masking tape (6)
• Plastic sheeting roll
• Bundle of Rags, 12lb.
• Utility knife
• Utility knife blades (100)
• Mr. Heater® gas/propane infrared heaters (3 units)
o 2 hanging infrared heaters
o 1 stand-up portable ceramic heater
o 30# Propane cylinders, filled (2)
o 20# Propane cylinders, filled (2)
Misc. Tools Continued:

• Toolbox
• Screwdrivers, 8pc
• Set of pliers w/wire cutters
• Crescent wrench set 8”, 10”, 12”
• Electric ½” variable speed drill
• 102-piece tool set
• Rubber mallet
• 16oz claw hammer



Safety Equipment:

• Cartridge respirator (2)
• Safety goggles (2 pair)
• Tyvek suit (2)
• Dust Masks (3)
• 1 Box (100) latex gloves
• Solvent gloves (2 pair)
• Industrial first aid kit
• Eye-wash station
• No Smoking signs (2)
• Fire Extinguisher sign (1)
• Cotton Gloves (4 pair)


Marketing / Support Tools:

• Marketing brochures (100)
• Samples
• Tech Sheets
• MSDS
• Quotation sheets (5)
• Yard signs (5)
• Sample Case (1)
• Customer Order forms (5)
• Warranty sheets (5)
• Stone to Foam logo shirts (2)
• Stone to Foam logo hats (2)
• Stone to Foam logo work T-shirts (2)
• Dealer Support CD
o Business Card template
o Letterhead template
o Logos
o Yellow Page ads
o Case Histories
o Flyers
o Magazine ad
o Photos
o Material Order Forms
o Sales PowerPoint Presentation







Exh. E
Page 2 of 3


Chemicals & Products


• Floor Chips (two 50-lb boxes)
• STF-200 (4 kits)
• STF -707 Clear (4 gallons)
• STF- Thinner (1 gallon)
Cabinet Tools * SEE NOTE BELOW

 2 hand clamps- holds door jig in place and pulls cabinets together.
 5/16” hexhead driver- for Tech screws
 Bits:
o 3/8” drill bit
o 1/8” drill bit
o 5/16” drill bit
o 3/16” drill bit
o 1/16” drill bit
o ½” paddle bit
o Screw driver bits- #2
o Extra long #2 screw driver bits install closet rod
o Magnetic Extension for screw driver
 Levels- 4’ and 2’
 Squares- Framing/Combination/Speed
 Rubber mallet – non-marring
 Band Cutter (or Tin snips)
 Nail set
 Pry Bar
 Chisel
 Hand saw
 Chalk line with chalk
 Brad Nailer w/small compressor
 Brads for nailer
 Pencils
 Sharpie marker (for marking steel)
 Sand paper
 Alcohol
 Shims
 Carpenter Glue
 Hand Miter box with saw
 2 saw horses
 Rechargeable VSR drill and charger
 

topcoat

Contributing Member
Scott - why not also make room for your airless (painting) and keep it a washing/paiting vehicle? Sale the customer not only on the washing but also on the painting to.

Just my .02


Carlos

We are a bit of an anomoly in the sense that we do just about no exterior spraying - the occasional lattice or pergola HVLP shots and thats it. We dont do full on exterior spraying, so I wouldnt want to set up for both. As Tony mentioned the hydroxide doesnt play well with the other kids in the sandbox, so the more isolated things can be the better, it seems.

I will be researching this all winter I am sure. Ken and Tony, thanks again for the lists. I would still love to see some pictures of service vehicles for ideas.
 

Ken Fenner

Active member
Scott, I don't keep my trucks at my house or I would go snap a picture. My trucks aren't the model of efficiency anyway, truth be told. If I get over to the yard, I will take a picture top at least get you started. It may help if you mention the type of vehicle from which you will be working.
 

topcoat

Contributing Member
Scott, I don't keep my trucks at my house or I would go snap a picture. My trucks aren't the model of efficiency anyway, truth be told. If I get over to the yard, I will take a picture top at least get you started. It may help if you mention the type of vehicle from which you will be working.

Ken

Thanks, thats what I am trying to decide and want feedback on. I guess the fundamental question is, is it acceptable to be unloading the washer, hoses and all the gear each time or should it all be permanently attached to a dedicated service rig? In my mind, I see a one ton truck with a flat bed and low profile side boxes with machine bolted in and tanks, hose reels etc. Just trying to figure out the optimum set up for full service residential washing and restoration. If I can come up with a good plan and within an obtainable budget, I would like to set it up over the winter and be ready to go in April. Thats why I am starting to research now. Oh, by the way, Happy Thanksgiving!
 

Ken Fenner

Active member
Gotcha. Now is definitely time to get your ducks lined up. Will your rig also be serving to do other types of residential cleaning (ie vinyl-clad house washes)?

I would lean away from working from a pickup bed. You definitely want to have a vehicle mounted machine with hose reels as a minimum. I am not a fan of pulling trailers nor especially having employees drive around with a trailer taking out parked cars, stop signs and mail boxes. If you are not opposed to that route (which sounds like it may be your best bet) check out Ebay over the winter. This is when many fledgling businesses liquidate their assets. You may be able to get a turnkey setup well within your budget.

PS: Happy Thanksgiving!
 

topcoat

Contributing Member
Gotcha. Now is definitely time to get your ducks lined up. Will your rig also be serving to do other types of residential cleaning (ie vinyl-clad house washes)?

I would lean away from working from a pickup bed. You definitely want to have a vehicle mounted machine with hose reels as a minimum. I am not a fan of pulling trailers nor especially having employees drive around with a trailer taking out parked cars, stop signs and mail boxes. If you are not opposed to that route (which sounds like it may be your best bet) check out Ebay over the winter. This is when many fledgling businesses liquidate their assets. You may be able to get a turnkey setup well within your budget.

PS: Happy Thanksgiving!


Our washing market is primarily large wood sided homes (like the one in my avatar and in the other deck wash thread I started) and garden variety deck and porch restorations. I havent ventured into vinyl yet and will probably not push for it.

I dont want to get into trailers for the reasons you mentioned. If a truck flatbed is not advisable, then what? I am assuming that running the machine inside a van or box truck would not be such a good idea. This is why I am so curious about how you specialists do it.
 

Ken Fenner

Active member
Two of my "fleet" are vans (E350 and extend E250) that house 4 gpm cold water machines. They are dedicated to wood restoration. It gets tight sometimes, but it is a very workable setip. That's why I sent you to look at Jarrod's van. That's probably the ultimate in efficiency. The other truck I have is a 14' box truck that holds a 10 gpm dual gun cold water machine and a 5.6 gpm hot. That is what we use for housewashes, roofs and flatwork.

You can work out of a van doing house restoration. Talk to one of the vendors.. Pressure Tek, Sunbrite, Delco, Envirospec, Southside Equipment, EasyClean, ACR Products that frequent the forums. Bob is probably the closest internet provider to you and he specializes in this stuff. I actually prefer to deal locally whenever possible so that I have service and recourse when something goes wrong.
 

topcoat

Contributing Member
Ken

I appreciate your suggestions. This is probably a silly question...in a van or box truck set up the machines are mounted? That seems like it would make for a dizzy ride home in a van. I do like the idea of vehicle mounted and contained, does it require an exchange or exhaust system for the inside of the rig? I will consult Bob on this setup as well. I bought a new machine from him this summer, which was life changing. I remember last spring when I told you that I was using a 2.8 and you advised on a better rig. Wow, I love washing now.
 

Tonyg

New member
Scott,

I operate with an E250 cargo van and a 12' enclosed single axle trailer with ladder racks. I like the idea of having a rolling shop when I go out and prefer to keep everything contained out of the weather and out of reach from window shoppers looking for new equip. EVERYTHING I need is with me including case supplies of everything from tape, roller covers, brushes, caulk, etc. etc. I have a 5.6gpm skid unit with a burner mounted over the axle with a 40gal float tank, 200' of hose on the reel and amother 250 hanging on the wall if I need it along with 150' of water hose. I built shelves across the front end to hold any and all PW tools, attachments, brushes, cleaners, powders, etc. I have enough room for 5gal containers of caustic, acid, TSP, SC, F-13, Wax, and 25 gallons of SH. I moved all of the painting equipment, tools, and supplies into the cargo van and will keep other liquids like paint and thinners in the trailer. The spray rig is mounted in the trailer as needed so the short time with the caustics won't hurt it.

If I had the cash and time to do it over again I would purchase a 12' enclosed double axle for the PW and a simple single axle with shelves and cabinets for the painting. Rarely do I need the arsenal that I carry when I am washing or doing a deck so having a separate trailer wouldn't matter. I hope to be able to hire a part timer this spring to try and grow the PW side of business and having both painting and PW combined would make things more difficult. If I had a trailer that I could send out for washing I could take the other out for painting. If I have others working on the site it would be great to leave the paint trailer on the job for a week or two to have as a base on the job and so that the crew would never go down because they have run out of something or don't have something they need. No more running to the shop or store means better productivity. I also like the idea of never using the HO house to clean up brushes, equip, and even quick bathroom breaks. The trailer in front of a job also gives you more of a presence.

You can find a lot of trailers on the market these days and I would consider picking up a couple for the value. Since its Christmas and wish time I would have the Bobcat and a Bandit along with your current rig. Don't forget all the bells and whistles like the surface cleaner (which is a must) additional guns poles, etc.
 

topcoat

Contributing Member
Tony

Thanks for the info. I am glad to hear that I am not the only who finds it challenging to run comprehensive washing and painting operations simultaneously. Between you and Ken, I am going to have a hard to time narrowing down my list of requirements. Problem is, I love this stuff. Sounds like you have a great set up. I will be back with questions when I process it all.
 

cleanhoods

New member
For me i haul a 6 x10 enclosed.I clean exhaust hood systems but carry almost everything just in case.

i carry from a chain saw, electrical tools, plumbing tools, tile machine, welder,steam jenny,scrapers,grinder,nuts,bolts screws,all kinds of hand tools, hammer drill,corded drills,to cordless drills,jig saw,hand saws,hose reels for the pw and the garden hose,100' pw haose 120' contracter grade water hose,50'back up pw hose, containers for the chemical mixs,one circular for wood one for metal,jacks,clamps,vice,32' ladder,24' ladder,10' step ladder,2 6 foot step ladders,extenions for the pw,etc.


If you are a jack get something you can carry everything you need just in case.Money is always there to be made its just if you feel like making it.Hope this helps.
Marko
 
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