[Smudger]

If things keep going to plan this year I'm looking to set up a dedicated PW van, with fixed hose reels inside ( similar setup to WFP window cleaning ) but a bit unsure on the size/make of reels to get and what's the maximum safe length of hose that can be used constsntly on the reel.

Currently we are barrow mounted, and apart from some large commercial car parks normally use 40 meters, it's still a pain to coil up after a job. So thinking fixed reel in van would better, but sometimes I'd need 30 meters of hose to reach the job from the road 

Does running through 80 meters of hose cause any problems to the pw or reel ? Do you need to unwind all the hose every job, or do you have say 30 or 40 meters on reel then add extensions ?
If adding hose what's the best and lightest that copes with 3000 psi ?

Cheers
Darran

[wpclean]

Damian at Qwashers fitted a good quality reel to my van roof, pointing out of side door with 3/8 50m hose.
I connect a 20m extension  hose to work with.   Had it tested, and doesn't lose any pressure.

[Smudger]

Cheers, didn't know if pressure would drop off over that distance, what reel did you get?

Darran

[wpclean]

It looks one of those fire reels you see in schools lol !  Good because it holds the hose without coming loose.

[Smudger]

I was considering fire hose reels - dead cheap 2nd hand  I was worried about the pressure, will have to make a handle for them

Darran

[Matt.]

Something like this mate, I nearly bought this machine last week, he may sell reel off system.

[Smudger]

Thx Matty - any idea how much and what size hose that reel takes, most seem only to hold 30 meters 😬

Darran

[Matt.]

Offered him a price for system, he has 2 the same but this one had reel with it, he says he wanted £150 more for this one as that's what reel cost.

Not sure where he got it from but looking at it, turn that up side down and bolt to roof maybe, or if you have trolley it fits perfect.

I reckon it only hold 30m tbh,

Something like this only a bit bigger

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=131422827208&globalID=EBAY-GB

[Rob@Blast off]

Have a look here www.redashe.co.uk
i like the look of the cox reels but there a bit pricey

[Matt Gibson]

I run about 80 - 100m on my reel. 3/8" hose. I buy it from my local hydraulics place, gives me a good deal. My hose reel is mounted on top of my skid facing out the back doors. I only pull off enough hose to do the job. I have 30m spare if i need to add any on, but you can do most jobs with 60m

Depending on where your tank is in respect to your machine, you could look at double hose reels, mounted on top of each other. one with fill hose, one with pressure hose. they look neat but can be expensive. Cox reels/Redashe reels are good quality. buy cheap buy twice.

[Smudger]

Thx - Matt, they must be quite big reel to take 80 mtrs.

I was thinking of 5/16 diameter, is is too restrictive??  You've not had issues with the remainder of the hose still being wrapped around the reel ? Someone told me that the hose would crush the reel centre 

Unsure of layout yet, 2 pw's - 2 reels - hotbox - 2 tanks ( poss ) large for pw, small with some pure - oh god, perhaps I'll get a LWB 7.5 tonne 

Darran

[BDCS]

I have 100m of 1/2" hose running 4k psi on my jetter and that wiould crush the reel if wound on tight but you either wind it on under pressure or don't wind it on tight. I run 60m of 3/8" on the washer with a 10m length of 1/4 next to the gun which would never crush the reel as you would struggle to wind it on tight. I also have used an electric reel with over 100m of 3/8 with no noticeable ill effects on performance

[Smudger]

Cheers guys, very helpful

Darran

[Matt Gibson]

As Carl said, no problems leaving some hose on the reel. My old hose stayed put, but with new hose i have to loop the hose around the handle before i start as the kick from pulling/releasing the trigger loosens the hose on the reel. But apart from that, its all good. Stick with 3/8 for the washer and have one tank and carry a DI vessel to produce water. Save on room. Ill be having a smaller tank in my next van for softwashing/big brick clean jobs but i just carry the DI for when i need to clean windows and connect it to my existing tank.

[BDCS]

I have a latch on my washer and that still throws loose loops as it does if you pull it off as it keeps spinning. I have thought of a friction system but never got round to it

[Smudger]

Can't just di Matt - hard water here of over 300 TDS 

Darran

[Matt Gibson]

Can't just di Matt - hard water here of over 300 TDS 

Darran

Thats why i love Scotland. 25tds from the tap.

[BDCS]

As all our water is from the cliffs our TDS is rarely under 360