[Lee Burbidge]

It has been a while since I popped on in here, so I thought I would just let those that might be interested to know that Window Cleaning Magazine is now every two months. You can read online with instant clicks to video or buy the printed issue from mid January 2016. We did a test print with the November 2015 issue see video https://youtu.be/vs1PaC5QWWE inorder for us to gauage the paper and print quality. It came out awesome.
January issue we have an exclusive interview with Alex Gardiner and a review of Unger's new indoor window cleaning system. We also tell you about X-Lines new trolley system see X-Line Tank vid here https://youtu.be/WYYwScwK1yk ( not trolley system, we film that tomorrow)

So, I have wondered having seen trucks in the UK with US style ladder racks a lot, I wanted to know whether or not trucks are tending to trend over vans here. Now I know that vans rule as king in the UK generally, but I have noticed more and more window cleaners, especially those running a window cleaning business on their own going for such a vehicle. Larger companies may offer a 'truck' to an area supervisor or manager for example. Me, myself have just recently bought a truck with a 350L delivery only tank strapped in the back. The benefits of a truck ( double cab) is that you can still use it for the family ( with all high spec inside including media centre) maybe disadvantages would be if you offer other services needing other equipment as having a double cab leaves just enough room for your 350 tank, trolley system, collapsible ladders for access, mini A frame, CLX 22, bucket and kit, pole and toolbox with spares. What are your thoughts, do any of you run your window cleaning business from out the back of a truck?

[Clever Forum Name]

Speak to Matt Saxon he use a tuck setup.

[Lee Burbidge]

Speak to Matt Saxon he use a tuck setup.

Im very good friends with Matt, he is not the only one to 'truck it up' Im guessing - so genuinely interested in how many more on here run out of a truck, thanks for that

[dazmond]

hi lee i think theres a few but most of us generally will have a van.

i prefer having a van and a separate car for leisure.i used to just have the van and i hated going out in it in the evening with a full tank.i need a  500L tank(sole trader)plus i play drums in a band so the car comes in handy for rehearsals/gigs etc.keeping the van just for work helps keep work separate and easier for recording expenses .i also need room for  25 ft and 50ft poles,backpack,trad gear,ladders etc.

[Lee Burbidge]

Hey Dazmond, yeah it sounds like you need loads of room. Drums, eh? I can imagine your family moving around the house with big balls of cotton wool hanging out of their ears lol

500L is a lot to be slopping around on your down time. What tank you got? The small baffled tank in the back of my truck is not really noticeable at all.

[Smurf]

I think pickup trucks are as useless as a chocolate fire guard space wise if intending to use as a serious works vehicle in the UK.
Posers spring to mind   

[Smurf]

Seriously a pickup truck is probably the most impractical vehicle you could ever use for work if wanting to carry different type of large kit about. Stick a lid on the back and you might as well try to work out the back of an astra van.

Having the back open will create a bit more space vertically but the kit is then open to the elements then which is not ideal in our wonderful British weather.  Not to mention the safety & security side as kids have a tendency to mess about with things and scumbags will defo see an opportunity to nick stuff if it's not bolted down so to speak.

To overcome the space shortage some might then need a towbar fitted to pull trailers etc about which is then more hassle.

So in conclusion if you ask me sounds a hell of a lot more hassle than it's worth trying to work out of the back of a pickup truck in Great Britain opposed to using a decent size van.

Each to their own I guess.

[Dave Willis]

I think they are great if you want to wear rigger boots and show a bit of bum cleavage. Might need to subscribe to 'Monster Truck' magazine to get the appropriate stickers.

[Smurf]

I think they are great if you want to wear rigger boots and show a bit of bum cleavage. Might need to subscribe to 'Monster Truck' magazine to get the appropriate stickers.

 

[Smurf]

Hmmmm...Talking about bum cleavage maybe after all I should get a mud truck...Yeehaaa   
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJlGI1TEo4I

[dazmond]

Hey Dazmond, yeah it sounds like you need loads of room. Drums, eh? I can imagine your family moving around the house with big balls of cotton wool hanging out of their ears lol

500L is a lot to be slopping around on your down time. What tank you got? The small baffled tank in the back of my truck is not really noticeable at all.

500L upright in  lwb connect.pulls really well even with a full tank plus hot water system,poles,ladders etc.

i dont play the acoustic drums in my flat lee! (use them for gigging and rehearsals).i have an electronic kit set up permanently with headphones for practice at home.

[SB Cleaning]

I think they are great if you want to wear rigger boots and show a bit of bum cleavage. Might need to subscribe to 'Monster Truck' magazine to get the appropriate stickers.

 

[AuRavelling79]

I think they are great if you want to wear rigger boots and show a bit of bum cleavage. Might need to subscribe to 'Monster Truck' magazine to get the appropriate stickers.

 

This.

Also: No practical use whatsoever - just for posers.

[Lee Burbidge]

I think pickup trucks are as useless as a chocolate fire guard space wise if intending to use as a serious works vehicle in the UK.
Posers spring to mind   

I think you will be surprised. It doesn't seem like it would suit your needs at least.

[Lee Burbidge]

I hardly think the choice of a truck over a van is a 'posers' vehicle, unless you intended to offend. I have had a truck for a few months now, I think its great and suits my needs. It has all the room I need for what I need to use it for, plus have all the luxury for the family at the weekends. A win win in my case.

Of course there are big jobs that would not be suitable for this set up, in which I would send one of my guys with a 550L Ionic system in the back of long wheeled van.

Considering most window cleaners that make up window cleaners in the UK work on their own, you would be surprised how many would actually choose a truck over a van.

[Lee Burbidge]

Seriously a pickup truck is probably the most impractical vehicle you could ever use for work if wanting to carry different type of large kit about. Stick a lid on the back and you might as well try to work out the back of an astra van.

Having the back open will create a bit more space vertically but the kit is then open to the elements then which is not ideal in our wonderful British weather.  Not to mention the safety & security side as kids have a tendency to mess about with things and scumbags will defo see an opportunity to nick stuff if it's not bolted down so to speak.

To overcome the space shortage some might then need a towbar fitted to pull trailers etc about which is then more hassle.

So in conclusion if you ask me sounds a hell of a lot more hassle than it's worth trying to work out of the back of a pickup truck in Great Britain opposed to using a decent size van.

Each to their own I guess.

I can honestly say that this does not reflect my experience. You kind of gave yourself a whole bunch of issues there, it really is more simpler. As I said in my opening topic it depends what work you have, but a truck would be useful to a large portion of the window cleaners in the UK. I have been working out of one for 2 months now with no such problems.

[SB Cleaning]

How much will the magazine be to buy Lee?

[Dave Willis]

four dollars.

[Lee Burbidge]

four dollars.

6+ dollars exclusively from J Racenstein for US readers.

[Lee Burbidge]

How much will the magazine be to buy Lee?

4 quid, it can be bought from our website although X-Line will stock it, and others too.