[The Bear]

I've been cleaning windows for about 20 years, and so far i have used a car to work from.

I'm not expecting to buy a WFP for some time. I'll use the Devils own for some time (Ladders!)

My reason for a car is that i couldnt afford to run 2 vehicles.


Now I can, ( infact we have 2 cars) so should I get a van? which one, an estate car, or what?

What do those in a similar situation use?

If you can show us a picture.

[ian davison]

Ive just bought a transit 80 swb after using a car since i started.
 It was the best move i ever made.
It looks so much more professional and the options always there if i ever wanted to go wfp.
Not to big either so parkings no problem.
Parts are cheap and they run forever.

[H h20]

I`ve just purchased a citroen berlingo,i`ve always had escort estates,
the escort has very good space when the seats are folded and can be used as a normal vehicle to,
the berlingo isn`t a van it`s  got windows in the side and has the same space has the van when seats are folded,again multi purpose vehicle and easier to sell on,
i`m just about to have it sign written so should look good for work,
multi purpose vehicles are well worth considering.

[UBA1]

Got a Golf SE 1.6  4 telescopic WFP poles, 150 litres of water (25ltr containers) 14"oblong bucket, scrims, Apllicator, Blade etc. 2x ladders on top, pulls a 375ltr WFP trailer, plus 100m of Torsino hose and Ta-Mac trolley in boot. Plenty of room.

Steve

[windolene]

Hi,

With my mot expiring next month on my nissan sunney I am now looking for an estate for about £400 with mot & tax if lucky to see me though another year best of both worlds with an estate i.e car van but not satifactory for wfp.

Kevin.

[Davindo Cleana]

I just got a VW Transporter - it's so roomy I am thinking of moving in - good size for wfp and ladders on the roof - not too big for getting round smaller streets  - I was also looking for something with a bit more prescence when working near busy roads - would have got the Hiace but none around for my budget

[matt]

i have a passett estate

nice car, i can carry 250 L's of water in 10 X 25L's barrels
my 3 X 2m pole, trolley, ladders and other stuff

i normally only carry 150 L's though

i paid 800 quid for it 3 years ago, just had 180 quid of weldking done on the rear seat belt mounts, its only ever me in it, so that was a waste, but the MOT needed it

[The Bear]

How do you manage to get ladders secured on a Transit?

I'm short, 5'6"! is it a problem?

[ian davison]

I use two roof bars and a two ladder clamps.
To get them on and off i use small step ladders kept in the van.
Takes about  the same amount of time as a car.

[marc al]

  I am very close to getting a Mitsubishi L200 pick up truck, single cab obviously, going to put a 450ltr tank in the back and a 100m hose.
  Taking it on a 2yr lease, limited mileage, very good rate in my opinion as I am unable to afford to buy a good van outright.

  Marc

[Paul Coleman]

Got a Golf SE 1.6  4 telescopic WFP poles, 150 litres of water (25ltr containers) 14"oblong bucket, scrims, Apllicator, Blade etc. 2x ladders on top, pulls a 375ltr WFP trailer, plus 100m of Torsino hose and Ta-Mac trolley in boot. Plenty of room.

Steve

How is it moving the trailer manually Steve.  Is there an electric motor to assist?  Can the water be purified within the trolley (RO unit?)  or do you have a static tank somewhere around?
I had dismissed the idea of a trailer as I thought they were only available in 200 litre units but, at 375 litres, it may be possible especially doing ground floor in traditional manner.  Living in a flat with the associated water transportation probs could prove tricky for me.  I have friends who may help with water supply though.  Also, does the murkier water need to be drained?
Ideally, when I do go for WFP eventually, I'd like to go the whole way and get a bigger van + 1000 litre tank and quote for the larger jobs too.  The finances currently prevent that.  I feel that I will need to see off another Winter before I'm ready to switch - possibly two Winters if I end up skipping over using a trailer and get a bigger van kitted out instead.

[UBA1]

Got a Golf SE 1.6  4 telescopic WFP poles, 150 litres of water (25ltr containers) 14"oblong bucket, scrims, Apllicator, Blade etc. 2x ladders on top, pulls a 375ltr WFP trailer, plus 100m of Torsino hose and Ta-Mac trolley in boot. Plenty of room.

Steve

How is it moving the trailer manually Steve.  Is there an electric motor to assist?  Can the water be purified within the trolley (RO unit?)  or do you have a static tank somewhere around?
I had dismissed the idea of a trailer as I thought they were only available in 200 litre units but, at 375 litres, it may be possible especially doing ground floor in traditional manner.  Living in a flat with the associated water transportation probs could prove tricky for me.  I have friends who may help with water supply though.  Also, does the murkier water need to be drained?
Ideally, when I do go for WFP eventually, I'd like to go the whole way and get a bigger van + 1000 litre tank and quote for the larger jobs too.  The finances currently prevent that.  I feel that I will need to see off another Winter before I'm ready to switch - possibly two Winters if I end up skipping over using a trailer and get a bigger van kitted out instead.

Paul,

Moving the trailer manually is easy. Even when full it ain`t too bad. what you need to remember is, it is a weight distributed across the trailers`chasiss. when empty, it`s a piece of cake!

Answering your other question. If you can drop the trailer off at a friends house and pick up in the A.M that would be ideal, as mine has a 300GPD RO on board, mine is full in about 5-7 hrs. You can get bigger than 375ltr, such as 500ltr or 1000ltr trailer.
But to be honest i get about 4-6 hours work on that. I also carry approx another 150litres in the car. This means i have plenty of water for a full days work.

Your other question was, "does the water get murky?" Mine doesn`t, but i guess if i was to leave it exposed to heavy sunlight, with water sitting in it day after day, it may go green, but it shouldn`t as i use the water up each day.

One thing to remember Paul is, because of the amount of business i turnover per year, i get great deals on most window cleaning gear. I also get approx 20% off one particular company! Bear that in mind before ordering!

Regards Steve