Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: jimlaffo on February 25, 2014, 10:45:46 am

Title: Installing system. Help!
Post by: jimlaffo on February 25, 2014, 10:45:46 am
Hi.
I bought my system a couple of months ago and I am still yet to be up and running with it.
I have a 350l flat tank and a DI system. Basically I need some advice and how to secure my tank in my van (dispatch) and a general demonstration on how to work the kit.
Is there anyone, or a company that can make a frame? Or does anyone know where I could go? I live in Warrington and would be willing to travel anywhere in the north west to the right person.
Any help or info would be greatly appreciated and I am desperate to get up and running this spring with my WFP set up.
Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Installing system. Help!
Post by: Smudger on February 25, 2014, 10:52:42 am
You can buy metal straps that bolt to the van floor, or pop into a local fabricators ( engineering ) shop they could knock you up some straps or weld you up a frame see also the window cleaning warehouse for ready made.

If you have a bulk head you can position the tank up against it then ratchet strap over the top using good quality straps

HTH

Darran
Title: Re: Installing system. Help!
Post by: dannymack on February 25, 2014, 11:17:59 am
+1 with Darran, the only other thing I would do is get a nice piece of thick ply or marine ply just enough for the tank to sit on as it may slip abit on the metal floor.

Good Luck with it, you can always buy a skid plate & tank, holds everything. I've built a wooden frame on mine which I can house the hose reel which gives me more space in the back  

Pic below 👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧👍
Title: Re: Installing system. Help!
Post by: Simon Mess on February 25, 2014, 04:58:05 pm
In your dispatch there is a step up from the load bay to the cab, this is a structural cross-member. If you have your tank strapped to the floor against that you will be fine, as there is no way that tank will come forward in the event of an accident.

As for your kit. Tank-pump-di-hose reel. Mount the pump low, and use as little hose and connectors as possible between tank and pump, this will minimize any airlock problems.   
Title: Re: Installing system. Help!
Post by: Matt Birk on February 25, 2014, 06:37:02 pm
I recently installed my flat tank using high tensile U bolts and heavy duty ratchet straps.
I used the U bolts with clamping plates, towards the bottom of this page:
http://www.trailertek.com/acatalog/u_bolts.html

And 5000kg straps to be safe!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PAIR-5000kg-50mm-x-2m-Heavy-Duty-RATCHET-STRAP-Tie-Down-5-Ton-6250kg-webbing-/200990706283?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Touring_Travel&hash=item2ecbfaca6b

Make sure you seal the bolt holes!

Pic attached
Title: Re: Installing system. Help!
Post by: jimlaffo on February 25, 2014, 07:42:05 pm
Thanks for the replies. You've made me realise that I don't need a frame.
Are the U bolts and clamps easy enough to fit or should I take it down to my local garage? Wouldn't want to drill into anything that I shouldn't!
I was thinking I would need to spend £200+ on a frame. Bolts and straps would be less than £50.
Cheers.
Title: Re: Installing system. Help!
Post by: Matt Birk on February 25, 2014, 08:27:27 pm
Choosing where to drill the holes  to avoid cables and so the clamp/plate fits is the hardest part. It  took me a bit of time! However if you were to take it to a garage I'm sure  it wouldn't take them long, and if the price is right it would save you the hassle!
Title: Re: Installing system. Help!
Post by: jimlaffo on February 25, 2014, 08:35:40 pm
Thanks Matt.
Just to confirm, would ordering the 50mm U bolts and 50mm clamps be ok?
Also, my flat tank is 350l, it looks slightly bigger than the one you've got, it's certainly a bit taller. Would the straps you attached on eBay still be long enough? If they are 2m each I would think they would be.
I'll get it ordered tomorrow!
Title: Re: Installing system. Help!
Post by: Matt Birk on February 25, 2014, 08:54:10 pm
Yes I got the 50x50mm U bolts. The 2m straps are just long enough for my tank, I think the 4m straps are only a few £ more.
Title: Re: Installing system. Help!
Post by: jimlaffo on February 25, 2014, 09:46:17 pm
Cheers.
Did you secure your hose reel in the van also?
Also, is the best way to secure the DI vessel to simply strap it to the tank?
I'm sure these are pretty obvious questions but new to the WFP game, been trad for 5 years!
Clueless!