Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: hilland on March 03, 2012, 08:57:01 am
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I have just started wfp with a back pack and its great , but i have been thinking how would you set up a trailer system at the lowest cost , as i already have a nice trailer in the garage doin nowt , cheers hilly
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Hi
You have to treat this the same way as you would if buying a van.
The first question is to identify what weight the trailer will carry and then you will be able to make decision from that. I have provided a link to an Ebay seller who has this trailer for sale. Due to it's open design you will see what you need to do. You won't need the R/O unit as you must have that in your garage already, but you will need a pump, even if you continue to use your backpack and use the trailer as a water bowser.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/water-fed-pole-trailer-system-375lt-/251008273241?pt=UK_HomeGarden_CLV_Cleaning_CA&hash=item3a71424b59
In my own experience this trailer on sale is not up to the job as the wheels and axles are designed to carry the weight of that water. I have since scrapped mine.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/250-COMPLETE-PRO-RO-TRAILER-SYSTEMS-/190642293752?pt=UK_HomeGarden_CLV_Cleaning_CA&hash=item2c632a8bf8
This is an example of a properly designed unit and a trailer that will carry the load. Galvanised finish is also best to stop rusting.
Will your tow vehicle be able to pull it? I used a Suzuki Carry 1.3 to pull my trailer, but had to carry and additional 100 litres of water in the van to add 'balast' as my van according to towing law was too light to pull an unbraked trailer of that weight when full.
You have a garage to store your trailer so keeping to from freezing will probably be easier than it was for me leaving it outside on the drive. For me going to a van was the best decision.
Spruce
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Basically I was meaning a water bowser kind of thing, the water I would put into the container every morning , all I am thinking I would need is a pump and 100 meter hose , so not really a "true" trailer system just some thing to stop me having to carry around 25 litre buckets
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if you had 100 m hose /pump/ tank/ all you need add is a flowcontroller and you dont need backpack ;)
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Depending on the payload of your tailer then no problem. You could try a small 210 litre flat tank if that will go into the trailer and the trailer will carry 250 kgs.
http://www.gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/acatalog/Standard_Size_Tanks.html
Then try to find a 12 transfer pump like this,
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RULE-12V-SUBMERSIBLE-WATER-DIESEL-TRANSFER-PUMP-/220629710144?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_BoatEquipment_Accessories_SM&hash=item335e8e3540
Push a short length of garden hose on the end so you can fill your backpack.
You will need to power it so you can either use another small battery secured into the trailer or wire it to the cars battery with a proper cable and fuse. I fitted another socket and connector to my van and trailer (like the caravaners do) so I could charge the leisure battery while the engine was running.
Please also bear in mind that trailers can become a problem turning in tight closes. It won't be a good idea to upcouple the trailer from the car if you are on a hill as you will never control/hold onto it.
Spruce
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where are you based as I have a traior system for sale. 250ltr
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My trailer has a 200L with an immersion heater in it and it is a 400kg trailer bought for £130 in "trade-it".
I wouldn't put more than a 250L in it but I had a 200L so that's fine.
You need a reel a pump a tube for the pole and a cover and 50mm insulation for frost protection.
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My trailer has a 200L with an immersion heater in it and it is a 400kg trailer bought for £130 in "trade-it".
I wouldn't put more than a 250L in it but I had a 200L so that's fine.
You need a reel a pump a tube for the pole and a cover and 50mm insulation for frost protection.
Hi Gold
Hilland says he has a backpack so wants to use it as water carrier that he can decant water from. I'm with you though as I think he would be better to use it as a trailer mount and get those other things.
Personally, I thought about upgrading my trailer to a decent braked unit with a lid, but after I did the costings and considering my circumstances, I scrapped the trailer and bought a van. In hindsight I wasted £1500 on that trailer and wish I had gone directly to a van mount, but it also got me started in the business properly and off ladders.
Spruce