Power Wash Van
by Dean Dean

Power Wash Van Setup

POWER WASH VAN SETUP

Our Power Wash Van Setup is the main subject of this video post.  This video is unique as the recording was made with a new set of video glasses.  So I welcome any feedback viewers might have about this particular video.  So first off is the 8 GPM skid pressure washer.  This video post might help you as you consider which pressure washer to select for your start up business.  And then of course, the Kingslinger Soft Wash System is also on board as part of this power wash van setup.  At approximately 1:00 into the video, I talk about some recent changes to the Kingslinger.  For this particular build, the mixing station is not mounted to the compressor as it usually is.  But we were able to customize a wall mount with all the hoses hidden so everything looks nice and clean.  Later in the video, we also point out the Kingslinger drain kit as well.  This makes releasing pressure from the compressor convenient and is a big time saver.

POWER WASH TANKS

There are two 100 gallon tanks in the middle of the van.  One is for bleach and the other is for water.  Both tanks are well vented through the bottom of the van to protect the equipment from bleach gasses creating deterioration and damaging equipment.  There is space between each tank which provides ample room to walk throughout the van.  This makes work on the job and maintaining equipment extremely convenient with easy and spacious access.  Then we also include the Flow Pro Remote System for downstreaming along with the actuator for bypass and three way poly valve.  This valve means fast and easy rinsing of the downstream injector.  This particular custom build is easy to operates and delivers easy access to everything on board.

SIDE DOOR EQUIPMENT

While the previous equipment is from the back door, the side door opens up to the surface cleaner.  This 24 inch Lil’ Big Guy packs a powerful punch for concrete cleaning of driveways, sidewalks, and the like.  Directly behind this surface cleaner are the three Hannay Electric hose reels with circuit breakers.  Then you have the fierce jet pressure hose, and flexilla garden as well as soft wash hoses.  This van is almost brand new and is in excellent condition.  Guns and nozzles are all ready for action for this power wash van setup.  This particular customer attended our school about a year ago and is doing very well in his business.  In fact, this is his second custom build from the Doug Rucker Store.  Don’t hesitate to contact us if we can help with any equipment or custom build needs you may have.  You can call or text 281-612-1223 or email Info@DougRuckerStore.com.

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TRUCK SKID

TRUCK SKID

This is a basic TRUCK SKID system video that explores each piece of equipment available at The Doug Rucker Store.  This particular type of set up is extremely popular and we have built many of these in the past.  Keep in mind all of the rig builds are completely customizable.  You design your own set up, and we’ll build it for you.  But this TRUCK SKID unit is a great template to consider for your pressure washing business.  It is a compact system built on a pallet skid that can be moved with a fork lift.  You can move this from truck, trailer or van and then into storage if necessary.  They are adaptable to you particular space, equipment and transport needs.

SKID EQUIPMENT BREAKDOWN

This TRUCK SKID starts out with a cold water 8 GPM skid pressure washer.  There is a 14 gallon fuel tank, which will allows you to complete an entire day’s work without running out of fuel.  The FLOW PRO down stream remote system is also on board.  The video clearly shows how the bypass mounts between the pressure washer and the Flow Pro remote box.  The three way poly valve allows easily switching from mix to water.  This enables him to rinse out his downstream injector.  Keep in mind that the owner for this particular TRUCK SKID set up will be using it for downstreaming only.

HOSE REELS

There are two 12 inch King’s reels with a 200 foot fierce jet pressure hose and 100 foot of flexilla garden hose.  And finally, there is a 55 gallon water tank which supplies the pressure washer.  Some may suggest that this is too small of a tank.  However, if you are solely providing residential service, the water tank is continually filling.  At the same time, you are on and off the gun so using the water is somewhat sporadic.  This tank also has the Topaz float valve inside.  Don’t hesitate to leave a comment if you have any questions.  We always enjoy an opportunity to build a custom truck, trailer or van rig that you design.

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WATER TANK SIZE

WATER TANK SIZE

WATER TANK SIZE is an important consideration for your pressure washing business.  In fact, I was noticing in recent weeks that several people were asking questions about this through email or my YouTube channel.  “What size tank do I need for my power wash business rig?”  The first important consideration is whether you are doing residential work, commercial work or both?  My commercial rig has a 525 gallon water tank on it.

TANK TRANSPORTATION FACTORS

First and foremost, you will  want to compare the total of weight of your full tank or tanks with how your truck or trailer axles is rated.  A water tank size of 525 gallons is extremely heavy, and it’s very rare that much water would be used on a job site.  Water weighs approximately 7 lbs per gallon.  Don’t forget to include the actual weight of just the empty tank in your water tank size calculation decision.

SWEET SPOT

In my 30 years of experience, I conclude that a water tank size of 225 gallons hits the sweet spot.  This is even for commercial cleaning.  I just never saw the need on a job for a tank larger than this.  We have an 80 gallon bleach tank on the same commercial trailer.  We use the Kingslinger Soft Wash system and caution that if you do not have a mixing system like this, you’ll want a larger bleach tank.  This is because you will be batch mixing, and you’ll also want another thank for your full strength bleach.  Here’s another helpful post on transferring bleach from one tank to another.

ANOTHER EXAMPLE

At about 10:30 into the water tank size video, there is another trailer.  This trailer has two 100 gallon tanks.  This is perfect for doing mostly residential and light commercial work.  This is for an 8 GPM pressure washer.  Much of this depends on the amount and volume of water coming out from your water source.  Be sure and drop a question in the comments is there is more information you need about water tank size.

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BLEACH TANK TRANSFER

BLEACH TANK TRANSFER

We have been selling quite a few Kingslinger Soft Wash Systems recently as peak season is approaching.  One of our viewers who recently got the Kingslinger was asking questions about BLEACH TANK TRANSFER methods.  In other words, what are some of the ways to move stored bleach on to a tank on your truck?  So in this video, I go over several options you could use.  In fact, I go over some of the methods we have used in the past as well as what we are doing presently.  We hope this BLEACH TANK TRANSFER video post will help new guys in the pressure washing business.

USING YOUR SYSTEM

You may have a 12 volt pump or an air diaphragm or numerous other systems to leverage.  As you long as it’s plumbed properly or you have separate hoses to use, this will work.  In detail in this BLEACH TANK TRANSFER video, I show all the hook ups and transfer paths.  We always use uniseals as well as pvc to add weight to hoses to keep them at the bottom of the the tanks.  If you also have soap in your tank, this will prevent suds because it eliminates any air gaps.  I have a separate pump to transfer bleach but again, you could use your own pump system for this.  A supplemental hose kit would be ideal to use with the Kingslinger.  Details on this start at about 4:00 into the video.

RINSING IS VITAL

Regardless of the system and method you use, it’s vital to rinse your pump after any BLEACH TANK TRANSFER method.  I will put a little bit of water into the bleach tank I’m transferring to, but then let the water run out onto the ground.  I do that for about five minutes or so.  There are more methods, strategies, tips and issues that I cover in detail in this BLEACH TANK TRANSFER video.  So be sure and watch the entire video.  Also, don’t hesitate to let us know if you need our website services.

 

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Best Power Wash Trailer

BEST POWER WASH TRAILER

Doug Rucker Store features the BEST POWER WASH TRAILER for your business in this video.  While we are in the Houston, Texas area, we work with customers throughout the country on custom rig builds.  This particular build is for a local customer from Katy, Texas.  With the exception of the two tanks, all equipment on this build is from the Doug Rucker Store.  We provide a step by step walk through in this BEST POWER WASH TRAILER video.

POWER WASH EQUIPMENT

First, this trailer has an 8 GPM cold water pressure washer.  Next, you will see three Kings Hose Reels with a Kings Stack Kit.  For soft washing, he went with the extremely light weight and portable SOFT E electric soft wash system.  The Soft E is a 12 volt five gallon per minute machine.  He did a great job painting the floor of this trailer and securing all of the equipment himself.  He then brought it back to us to finish the trailer by plumbing the entire system.  There is something very important I explain at 3:00 into the BEST POWER WASH TRAILER video.  It is great advice for those who are just starting out in the pressure washing business.  This trailer also includes the fierce jet pressure hose as well as the flexilla garden hose.

SURFACE CLEANER

Last but not least, he went with the 24 inch Steel Eagle surface cleaner.  This is especially great unit for doing to commercial work.  Right at 6:00 into the video, Chris actually arrives to pick up his trailer.  For additional training for your pressure washing business, check out our events page and take advantage of monthly hands on training.  My passion is helping pressure washing business owners develop their skills and grow their business.  With over thirty years of experience in this industry, I look forward to helping you any way that I can.  Be sure and leave a comment if you have any questions about this BEST POWER WASH TRAILER video post.

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Building a Power Wash Trailer

BUILDING A POWER WASH TRAILER

We are always glad to help pressure washing business owners when Building A Power Wash Trailer.  In fact, we we work closely on this with owners from all over the United States.  Whether it’s a truck, van, or trailer, we build open air and enclosed rigs.  In this example, we are building a power wash trailer for a father son team from Lafayette, Louisiana.  This video provides customer testimony regarding the exceptional service and prompt communication we provide.  We even provide training to ensure you know how to use all the equipment effectively and efficiently.  They even won some homemade cookies!  (But the gift box is not included! :). We appreciate their business and provide a full walk around and equipment breakdown in this video.

TRAILER SPECIFICATIONS

This 20 foot trailer was brought to us and starts with an 8 GPM Largo Hot Water Pressure Washer.  It also includes an 8 GPM Largo cold water pressure washer.  Both of these machines rely upon the Honda GX 690.  He uses two large square tanks for water with the banjo valve for fast and easy draining.  He also has a smaller tank to use for degreasers but plans to switch that out to a larger tank.  There are some other plumbing items I cover in detail in this video so be sure and watch it in its entirety.

TRAILER BUILD HOSES

The hoses on this set up are one flexilla garden hose and two fierce jet pressure hoses.  These hoses stack nicely on the King’s Reel stack kit.  There is an additional 18 inch soft wash reel with a Soft Jet Soft Wash Hose which connects to the SOFT E.  The Soft E is the electric version of the Kingslinger Soft Wash System.  This is a light weight, portable system that requires very little footprint.  For additional pressure washing business supplies, check out Doug’s Link Deals on my school website.    If you ever need help BUILDING A POWER WASH TRAILER, don’t hesitate to let us know.

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SOFT WASH PLUMBING

SOFT WASH PLUMBING

This SOFT WASH PLUMBING video post is a follow up to an earlier post.  In the earlier post, I feature an introduction to the SOFT E electric soft wash system.  This is simply an electric version of the Kingslinger, which relies upon a gasoline compressor.  But in this video post, we focus on the SOFT WASH PLUMBING aspect of the SOFT E.  It is a fairly simple set up, so be sure and let me know if you have any questions in the comments section below.

TWO VALVES

There are two valves on this system.  One is for water, the other is for bleach.  If you are batch mixing, you could plumb both valves to one tank.  I have a ball valve set up for my bleach hose, and in this video I have two tanks set up.  After showing how to hook up the hose at the 2:00 time stamp, I also detail the tank end of the hose with PVC for added weight.  The banjo cam lock makes SOFT WASH PLUMBING hassle free as well.

PRIME THE SYSTEM

This is an important step to not overlook when using the SOFT E.  You will want to turn on power to the pump before before turning the valves to allow water and bleach to flow.  It’s best to prime one valve at a time for the best SOFT WASH PLUMBING results.  While you will need to order the hoses from us when purchasing the SOFT E, you’ll need to pick up PVC materials from Home Depot or similar store.  At the 6:30 mark, I also go over important factors to consider relating to venting your bleach tanks.  The entire video is over 20 minutes long, but contains other vital tips and tricks for SOFT WASH PLUMBING.  Be sure and stay up to date on all the training events that you can take advantage of to help grow your pressure washing business.

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Pressure Washing Water Reclamation

Pressure Washing Water Reclamation

Pressure Washing Water Reclamation is an important discipline in our exterior cleaning industry.  The BatGuard Pro T System is the best way to accomplish this through on site ground water filtration.  All exterior cleaning contractors must take responsibility for their wash water for residential and commercial property cleaning.  Perhaps you have heard or seen the letters “AHJ” which stands for AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION.  In our industry, this usually means there are either city or county code enforcement agencies ensuring environmental protection.  They have BMPs or Best Management Practice guidelines exterior cleaning contractors should comply with.

RECLAMATION PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

For any pressure washing water reclamation strategy, pre cleaning is vital.  Make sure the entire area is well swept to eliminate as much debris as possible before you start cleaning.  This keeps the BatGuard Pro T system operating a maximum potential.  This system consists of a flexible 10 foot long boom which allows for various configuration set ups.  It is specifically designed to filter out heavy metals, suspended solids, odors and more.  Plus, it is extremely cost effective as it allows up to 200 cleanings before replacing.  It comes with test strips and a sliver reflective marker to enhance visibility at night.  And we always place a large cone in the middle of the drain grate for protection and greater visibility.

RINSING and STORAGE

Properly rinsing and storing the BatGuard Pro T pressure washing water reclamation system helps to increase longevity.  Store it dry in the bucket it comes in, and it’ll be ready to use again on the next job site.  If you have any questions about this product, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  You can email info@DougRuckerStore.com or call or text 281-612-1223.  You can also learn more about it on the product page of the Doug Rucker Store website.  For additional training opportunities, keep an eye on my Pressure Washing School EVENTS.

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ELECTRIC SOFT WASH

ELECTRIC SOFT WASH

The new ELECTRIC SOFT WASH system is much like the Kingslinger.  It the response to many requests for something like a Kingslinger but with a 12 volt power supply rather than gasoline compressor.  This unit is light weight, portable and easy to move around.  It doesn’t take up much room, and allows them to clean a roof or house as needed.  So we are glad to introduce what we are calling THE SOFT E.  This stands for The Soft Electric.  This electric soft wash system comes with a Remco 7 GPM 100 PSI 12 volt pump.  With the Kingslinger and the Soft E, you have two system for two rigs.  But you can easily take both systems to one job as necessary.

EASY HOOK UPS

This ELECTRIC SOFT WASH system is easy to hook up to tanks.  I discuss this in detail with pictures at the 3:30 time stamp in this video.  You can batch mix, or you can plumb it to tanks with uniseals.  It is an extremely flexible system which can be portable or mounted permanently, depending on your needs and desires.  Just make sure you make provision to vent any bleach fumes in hoses.  Another great feature is that it can easily be stored when not in use such as during winter time.  It’s also great for spraying our proprietary cleaning solutions such as RAP, Dougie Fresh, or Kings Kling.  You can even use it to transfer bleach from one tank to another.  You will find a separate follow up video for installing and plumbing instructions.

OTHER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

I just want to remind everyone of all the training opportunities available through my online education portal at my PRESSURE WASHING SCHOOL website.  You will find my online video school, as well as various training events.  In fact, I hold a monthly school in Kingwood, Texas with hands on training and classroom instruction.

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PRESSURE WASHER MAINTENANCE

PRESSURE WASHER MAINTENANCE

This PRESSURE WASHER MAINTENANCE video post deals with water inlet issues.  If you ever experience a pulsating hose or not enough water coming through, the water inlet should be the first thing to check.  There could be a clog or an air leak there.  The water inlet usually has six check valves which require a breaker bar and the right size socket.  Be very careful because these valves are made of brass, and as soft and therefore easy to strip.  I do not recommend using any sort of impact power tool for this.  At 3:55 of this PRESSURE WASHER MAINTENANCE video, you’ll see the open valve and o-ring.

CHECK VALVE

Using needle nose pliers, I am able to gently remove the check valve.  There is also another o-ring deep down below where the check valve sits.  You can usually look closely down through there with a flashlight. (see time stamp 9:45)  But generally, the issues are never with the o-rings but with the check valves.  I do provide instructions for replacing the o-rings if that is something you would prefer to do.  You will need a dental pick set for this part of pressure washer maintenance repairs.  But the main issue is checking out the small spring inside the check valve.  You want to make sure the spring is completely free of any dust, dirt, or debris and that the spring is not broken.  Again, there are six check valves so it’s important to examine all six check valves carefully.  Of course, always check and replace all fittings  regularly.  It’s important to keep all fittings clean and well maintained.

OTHER PROBLEM AREAS

There may be other problem areas to check when dealing with pressure washer maintenance issues.  There are various tanks to check in addition to checking the filter at the water inlet.  Check the oil of course, and make sure it’s not milky or that water is getting in.  And we always recommend using HIGH PERFORMANCE LUBRICANTS for our trucks and all equipment. If you are new to the industry, I invite you to check out my online video school for extensive training that will drastically cut your learning curve.

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