I'm seriously considering an electric reel, looks like it saves a lot of time and energy! Have you got the remote control model or a button in the van?
I installed me reel above waist height and put a button right next to it, easy as pie.
Thats how I have mine set up as well, it makes it so much easier. However ive been re jigging the van around today. It is you Paul isnt it as PnSwindowcleaning on youtube who shared video of the new layout? Since ive seen that I have been thinking about doing similar and lifting the reel higher and so today ive made a start:
Dismantled my pump n controller from the mounted board from pure freedom and fitted my pump underneath like yourself but my controller is right next to the reel.
Just means I have to get up extra early to finish the van off. Need to re fit the electric motor to the reel and wire it up. Im placing the button to the other side of the reel, so its all in easy reach