Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Suffolkcleaners on June 10, 2020, 09:39:19 pm
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Hi guys
Right I need to take the leap(over though I’m years behind). Working from a backpack and barrels and sick and fed up with lifting 25kg drums all day long. Back and shoulders will eventually cause me probs I know that (I’m 41 now).
I do struggle with change and I’m rubbish when it comes to being practical.
I don’t want a fancy expensive system but just something very simplistic and easy to use. I’ve got a ford transit custom(17 plate) lovely van and ready for a decent setup.
Can anyone advise on what exactly I need. I might get a handyman guy I know to help me set it all up.
I’m thinking...
Tank(no idea size but payload is 1500 Kgs I believe)
Pump
Controller
Battery
Hose reel
Can anyone advise what they would get with the van I have? Also approx cost? Electric or Manuel hose reel?
I need to get the ball rolling as like I said all this lifting is doing my head in. Cheers
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Ps. I’m only a one man band so only a one man set up required (mainly domestic work) and I make the pure water in my garage so no need to make pure water on board. Currently use around 250-300 litre in drums a day.
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What’s your budget?
Are you planning to grow your business? Or are you happy the size you are?
One of the facelift compact systems from window cleaning warehouse might be good worth a look.
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Hi Hightower
I’m planning on staying as a one man operation. Much prefer to work alone. Budget wise I’m not too sure. I was thinking 1-2 grand. I know for about a grand you could prob get a DIY set up sorted of some sorts but I just don’t see the need in getting a fancy 3 plus grand system (unless I’m missing something)
Cheers
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Hi High tower. Just checked out the facelift system and looks a good option. Do they install? Or is it easy to do yourself? Will check it out. Think as my van is a good size I would go with the 425 tank option. Is that a good size for a transit custom? Cheers
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That’s what I bought for my Nissan nv200, it’s perfect for me and easy to fit.
Make sure you do all the preliminary stuff like protectakote paint on the floor before hand and fit direct to floor.
I got a manual reel but now wished I got electric.
I also put a reel feeder thing in the floor so that I can lock van and still have use of cable.
I’m sure theirs loads of windies here with more advise than me as I’m a newbie...
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I don’t think your payload will be anywhere near 1500kg, what is the exact model of your custom? e.g 290, 310?
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Thanks for that Ralphie.
So you have gone with the 425 tank facelift system? Is that right? Does it all come with fitting instructions? Do you bolt the tank down or ratchet strap it? Cheers. Ps sorry for questions as I’m clueless.
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I don’t think your payload will be anywhere near 1500kg, what is the exact model of your custom? e.g 290, 310?
Hi it’s the ford transit custom sport 155 ps 2.2 litre I believe. Actually 1075 kgs rings a bell also. Might have got the ton and a half wrong. It’s definitely over a ton easily.
I imagine I could get a 500-650 tank but no idea what size would be best?
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Hi guys
Right I need to take the leap(over though I’m years behind). Working from a backpack and barrels and sick and fed up with lifting 25kg drums all day long. Back and shoulders will eventually cause me probs I know that (I’m 41 now).
I do struggle with change and I’m rubbish when it comes to being practical.
I don’t want a fancy expensive system but just something very simplistic and easy to use. I’ve got a ford transit custom(17 plate) lovely van and ready for a decent setup.
Can anyone advise on what exactly I need. I might get a handyman guy I know to help me set it all up.
I’m thinking...
Tank(no idea size but payload is 1500 Kgs I believe)
Pump
Controller
Battery
Hose reel
Can anyone advise what they would get with the van I have? Also approx cost? Electric or Manuel hose reel?
I need to get the ball rolling as like I said all this lifting is doing my head in. Cheers
I also work with a backpack as I really can’t get on with hose reels and I am quicker with a backpack than I was a hose reel. I have a 500 litre upright tank with a 1 1/2” outlet and 1 1/2” hose and tap, it fills a 22 litre backpack in about 8 seconds.
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Ps pretty certain it’s the 290 2.2TDCI sport model L1 H1
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Hi KS
Little confused. Are you saying you still work from a backpack and you fill your backpack from your tank? Why did you struggle with the hose reel?
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Ps doesn’t fill me with confidence if it’s quicker off a backpack lol.
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Ps pretty certain it’s the 290 2.2TDCI sport model L1 H1
Payload will be around 1000kg, which is plenty if you work alone.
Yes I work with a backpack filled from a 500 litre tank. I just found this to be the most efficient way for me to work.
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Ps doesn’t fill me with confidence if it’s quicker off a backpack lol.
It won’t be quicker for everyone but it is for me.
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So you save the lifting of barrels by filling from the tank? And then do you (like myself) carry the backpack around the house with you? Or put on a trolley? I never even knew it was an option to get a tank and be able to fill the backpack each time so it’s given me another option for those of us who struggle with change or don’t like the hose reel so thanks for that 👍
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Both options of the facelift and the filling up backpack(like KS) have really given me food for thought now. Just need to work out which way to go and brave the change. Whatever decision I make the lifting has to stop as dot want to do my back in at 41 with a baby to look after also. Need to think of all these things now I’m not a spring chicken lol
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Both options of the facelift and the filling up backpack(like KS) have really given me food for thought now. Just need to work out which way to go and brave the change. Whatever decision I make the lifting has to stop as dot want to do my back in at 41 with a baby to look after also. Need to think of all these things now I’m not a spring chicken lol
Don’t you know any local cleaners who use hose reels? Maybe you could tag along with them for a day or two?
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Good idea but might be a bit tricky at the moment with social distancing etc. Do you just carry the backpack around each house then KS? Or use a trolley? I guess you still have the lifting though if you carry around the house but at least you save the lifting of the weight of barrels by pumping water straight into the backpack
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I carry the backpack, but I work so that when it’s full I never have to carry it too far. I’m 51 and manage it no problem, maybe when I get nearer 60 I’ll have a re-think. If you do go down the tank to backpack route check out the enduramaxx upright tanks, they come with a 1.5” outlet which is ideal for fast filling a backpack.
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I have a home made system. 650L. (Hyundai iload 1065kg payload. Previous van - (Doblo with 736Kg) payload had a 400L. I've done it all. Backpack, trolley, smallish tank in an estate car, trailer and now van.
If you don't need room for other stuff, are mainly domestic, will never be two person I would put a 500L tank in. (Or get your handyman mate to do it)
Tank - filter - pump - (I don't faff with controllers but you may wish to.) - reel. (I put pole hose on my reel as it is so much lighter to throw about than microbore.)
Get a leisure battery to run it and ask an auto electrician about getting it charged from the (smart) alternator.
If you love your backpack then have a 11/4" tap in the side of your tank with a bit of hose to go out of the side door so you can put your backpack under it and fill it by gravity.
You can then choose which method for which job.
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Both options of the facelift and the filling up backpack(like KS) have really given me food for thought now. Just need to work out which way to go and brave the change. Whatever decision I make the lifting has to stop as dot want to do my back in at 41 with a baby to look after also. Need to think of all these things now I’m not a spring chicken lol
My advice:
You are struggling using a backpack. Then go to a van mount. Its saves lugging water around in 'bulk'.
Each of us is built differently. KS Cleaning is older than you, but that doesn't mean you should be able to do the job better than he does because you are younger.
Even with a van mount you can still use your backpack for those occasional times.
As regards tanks, everyone will have a different opinion. I fitted 500 liter Wyedale tanks to both the lad's vans. It gave them plenty in reserve. IMHO you will use more water with a van mount than you did using a backpack. My son does.
Setup time with a van mount will probably be longer than using a backpack, but cleaning time is quicker. in our experience on normal everyday houses. When there's a big job to do then the hose reel is far quicker and less tiring.
A good tank frame can be purchased from Purefreedom for a Wydale tank as can the other components.
My suggestion is to get PF to fit the tank as well. They will know exactly where to position the tank on your van so as to not overload either axle.
When your insurance company asks if the tank has been professional fitted you have the receipt to say it has.
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Thanks guys. 4 or 5 different options there will have to think it all over. KS with the system you have can you have the hose reel attached and the option to fill backpack? I’m assuming you can? Best of both worlds maybe?
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you can fit a separate 'fast fill' to most tanks for filling a backpack/trolley, either a large diameter outlet and hose to gravity feed or a higher flow 12v pump.
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You'll use more water using a van mount than your backpack and barrels for sure as your not having to scrimp on water....
If were you I'd go for a 500L wydale tank and pure freedom frame and get your local garage to bolt it down in your van....then id either get a ready made plug and play pumpbox or a controller and pump mounted on a board with a 105ah battery....
Reel wise I'd recommend a PF reelmaster fixed in your van(I screw mine into a piece of plastic covered chipboard).....then your ready to go......
You'll be able to fill your backpack up from the van mount if you really need too but I dont have any jobs where I use a backpack.....its just so damn easy to reel out some hose and get on with it! ;D
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Thanks so much guys
Going to look at a 500 litre tank with an option of the fitting so I can fill the backpack if necessary. Or maybe the facelift one also (425). For a first time user would you go Manuel or electric hose reel?
Also is a upright better than a flat tank?
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i would go electric if you can afford it, you'll end up wanting to upgrade anyway if you buy a manual.
Uprights are better.
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Thanks guys. 4 or 5 different options there will have to think it all over. KS with the system you have can you have the hose reel attached and the option to fill backpack? I’m assuming you can? Best of both worlds maybe?
I don’t have a hose reel but yes you can do it. Easiest way is by having a t-piece so you can have water diverting to either the hose reel or to the hose for filling backpack. Alternatively you can have a separate outlet cut out of the tank. If you are only going to be using the backpack now and again I would go for the first option.
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Thanks so much guys
Going to look at a 500 litre tank with an option of the fitting so I can fill the backpack if necessary. Or maybe the facelift one also (425). For a first time user would you go Manuel or electric hose reel?
Also is a upright better than a flat tank?
Better with an upright, less chance of airlocks and better if you’re using gravity to fill a backpack.
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Thanks KS and everyone for your input. Sorry one other question.... when you get the tank (if I buy online etc) what do I need to ask for/order to get the fitting I need to be able to fill the backpack from the 500 L tank? Also what do I need to transfer the water? Just a bit of hose? Sorry so many questions I know....
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Thanks KS and everyone for your input. Sorry one other question.... when you get the tank (if I buy online etc) what do I need to ask for/order to get the fitting I need to be able to fill the backpack from the 500 L tank? Also what do I need to transfer the water? Just a bit of hose? Sorry so many questions I know....
If you are having a separate outlet for filling the backpack let’s say it’s a 1” female outlet, from the outlet you would need, in the following order
1” BSP male /male equal hex,
1” BSP female/male elbow,
1” BSP female/female butterfly tap,
1” BSP male hosetail
approx 1 metre of 1” hose and a jubilee clip.
Obviously if you get a bigger outlet you just get the size to suit.
You can get all these 1” BSP items in stainless steel from BES.co.uk.
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Thanks for your patience Lol and advice. Looked on tanks direct and you can get a 500 litre upright for 200 odd quid. This comes with the option of the 1“ female BSP outlet. (So I would need to select that option). Then for tap/hose tail options I would pick the TPK1 option for tap with hose tail for 1”.(with option for a bit of hose)
Don’t know what the BSP plastic plug and filter basket options are but think (and hope the penny has dropped lol).
Plz let me know if I have got that wrong as don’t want to buy the wrong thing. In the meantime I can get the tank sorted in the van and then work on getting the other bits a little later 👍
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Thanks for your patience Lol and advice. Looked on tanks direct and you can get a 500 litre upright for 200 odd quid. This comes with the option of the 1“ female BSP outlet. (So I would need to select that option). Then for tap/hose tail options I would pick the TPK1 option for tap with hose tail for 1”.(with option for a bit of hose)
Don’t know what the BSP plastic plug and filter basket options are but think (and hope the penny has dropped lol).
Plz let me know if I have got that wrong as don’t want to buy the wrong thing. In the meantime I can get the tank sorted in the van and then work on getting the other bits a little later 👍
I wouldn’t get the tap kit, you will get everything you need from BES. The example I’ve given you is for a separate outlet for backpack fast fill. If you are using the same outlet for the hose reel and backpack fast fill you will need an equal tee in there somewhere to branch off, as well as the relevant fittings to get a feed to the reel. Someone that uses a reel should be able to give you advice on this?
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Thank you KS. I’m assuming I would still select the option of the 1” BSP female outlet rather than select none and then fit the fittings necessary to have the duel backpack and hose options.(although no idea what I’m doing so hoping my handyman can help with all these extras)
Failing that the Facelift system looks fairly simple also. Just need to make a decision and go for it......
Thanks again
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Thank you KS. I’m assuming I would still select the option of the 1” BSP female outlet rather than select none and then fit the fittings necessary to have the duel backpack and hose options.(although no idea what I’m doing so hoping my handyman can help with all these extras)
Failing that the Facelift system looks fairly simple also. Just need to make a decision and go for it......
Thanks again
I will take a photo of my fast fill after work today which will give you some idea how it works.
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Right decision made. I’m starting off the same as KS. Enduramaxx 500 litre upright that comes with the 1.5 outlet. I like the idea of filling my backpack in 8 seconds. Just a final few questions KS(sorry)
1.... Does the outlet come on the side or front of tank? I have a back and side door on my custom but would prob prefer to work from side door
2.... The tap etc that I need I just buy from BES to attach to the already 1.5 outlet?
3.... How is the backpack filled? Is it a bit of hose and gravity is used? Or a gun attached and just blast it in?
4.... Final question if I want to then try the hose reel down the line I’m assuming I can change fittings etc as keep the existing tank?
Love the idea of no more barrels... and know deep down I will have to move to hose reel eventually but this is a compromise and still saves massively on the lifting if I can just fill backpack from tank.
Won’t ask anything more now lol. Really appreciate the advice 👍
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Just saw your message KS. Pictures would be great. Thanks so much
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Ps as long as it’s an option to potentially change fittings down the road for a hose reel then this seems the right choice for me currently. Plus (thanks to Darran advice) with the fold down trolley crate I wouldn’t do any lifting at all.
Ps the fold down trolley crate (used first time yesterday) was brilliant. Something you might want to try KS. I think if you had that as well you would have the perfect set up for you as you wouldn’t lift at all. Only lifting would be putting the backpack back in van once finished. £14.99 on eBay it’s a steal
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Here is pic of my set up. From the 1 1/2” male outlet, all in 1 1/2” BSP stainless steel I have, female/male elbow, female/female lever tap, male hosetail, hose. There is nothing on the end of the hose, the hose just goes straight into the backpack.
If you are also going to use pump and hose reel you would put a stainless steel reducing tee before the elbow and branch off towards the pump using the relevant fittings.(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1591968380_DE978B68-875D-40C6-BFB5-FA2EE405A7F3.jpeg)
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The pic is distorted a bit, my tank is actually a bit more upright than that and not as square as shown in the pic :-\
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Great. Thanks for taking the time KS to send that over. Really helpful advice. Cheers 👍
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Hi KS (sorry me again) I’m looking at BES.co.uk and trying to buy the fittings you advised as per above and struggling to find exactly what I need. I’m happy just to mimic exactly what you have got(as I am going to buy a 500 upright enduramaxx)
Can you advise exactly what I need as per BES as when I type on the search bar of website there are so many things coming up it’s doing my head in.
Thanks
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No need to apologise, it’s no problem mate.
Part numbers are 14287....14562....16839.
The parts I’ve listed are for a male outlet, if you prefer a female outlet which won’t protrude so far, you will also need an equal hex which would go directly into the female outlet, part No 14412.
Enduramaxx, the tank you want is SK171505, remember to ask for it in the clear colour so you can see the water level. I actually ordered my Enduramaxx tank from Agri-linc as it was cheaper, they don’t seem to list it on their site now but may be worth a phone call.
The hose I got from eBay, it’s just fish pond hose which is nice and flexible.
Are you planning on getting a cage built ( sorry for the question lol! )
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Hi KS. Much appreciated again. The fittings you have given me will they work in terms of working from my side door on my transit custom? Backpack on the floor by side loading door and stretch bit of hose so it can fill the backpack in 8 seconds? Is it just gravity then that fills it so quick? Will any hose do pretty much?
Haven’t even thought about a cage. I wasn’t planning to. What would I need that for? My handyman guy has recommended a local garage to bolt the tank in. Are these fittings super easy to fit for a cack handed idiot like me? Or best to get the garage guy to do them with the tank?
Cheers
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Hi KS. Much appreciated again. The fittings you have given me will they work in terms of working from my side door on my transit custom? Backpack on the floor by side loading door and stretch bit of hose so it can fill the backpack in 8 seconds? Is it just gravity then that fills it so quick? Will any hose do pretty much?
Haven’t even thought about a cage. I wasn’t planning to. What would I need that for? My handyman guy has recommended a local garage to bolt the tank in. Are these fittings super easy to fit for a cack handed idiot like me? Or best to get the garage guy to do them with the tank?
Cheers
Yes, the pic I’ve shown is the from the side door of my Custom. Any hose will do, when you go up to 1.1/2” you have limited choice, I find the flexibility of the pond hose works well and yes it’s only gravity fed.
You will need some kind of cage around the tank in order for it to be bolted through the floor. My cage was made by a local blacksmith using angle iron and he also arranged for it to be powder coated. When you get your tank it’s important to show the person making the cage the outlet position, if you go for the male outlet which protrudes, they will have to allow for this, otherwise the cage will get caught on the outlet as it’s lowered over the tank, if you look closely at mine there is no angle iron directly underneath the outlet. The fixings are easy enough and ptfe tape and compound paste should be used. You will need to have all the fittings in place and tightened before it’s bolted to the floor because the elbow won’t turn, it will hit the floor if you try to tighten it in situ due to its size.
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Gosh I’m glad you told me about the cage otherwise I just would have bought it and expected the guy to bolt it in. Ok need to think of Plan B. Maybe enduramaxx or another company might sell the tank with cage? I will start doing some more research and won’t just buy yet. Cheers
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PS. Ive just seen your previous picture for the first time properly as wasn't showing very well on my phone(much clearer from a computer). Actually looks really smart and professional. Is that against the side wall and back bulkhead? Will any cage pretty much be ok for the tank? Maybe could find out if pure freedom sell just the cages or if they can put these fittings on? Although sounds to me like it's only a select few places that come with the 1.5 outlet fittings........
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Purefreedom do a cage and tank but will come with a 1” outlet, which will do the job, but over the course of a day you will save quite a bit of time with a 1 1/2” outlet. The cage will be in stainless steel so more expensive than getting one made by a fabricator. Also the Enduramaxx tank is far better baffled than a Wyedale tank, you won’t even know it’s in the back of the van when driving.
Another option if the cage is putting you off, have a look at The Cleaning Warehouse website, they do retaining brackets for tanks where the base is secured to the floor then the metal straps are placed over the tank, they are primarily for Wyedale tanks but I’m sure if you were to phone them they can adapt them to fit other tanks.
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That’s great KS. Advice is appreciated. I will give them a call on Monday and keep you updated how I get on. Thank you
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Hi KS
Called cleaning warehouse and they don’t do them for other tanks. Arggghhh. If I was to get a tank with a 1” outlet how much slower would it be to fill a backpack? Any other options or places Lou know of that might sell brackets for tanks? Cheers
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Just called tanks direct and they don’t do either. I’m going to need to find a metal works/ironmonger to help personally make one. Arrgggghhhh
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Just called tanks direct and they don’t do either. I’m going to need to find a metal works/ironmonger to help personally make one. Arrgggghhhh
you can order a brand new 500L upright tank and frame from pure freedom....itll cost you around £650 with VAT and delivery for both.....this is what i did...i then got my local garage to fit it in my van for £80......
...or if you want to do it cheaper look on ebay.....im sure you could pick up a second hand tank and frame at a fraction of the price if you dont want to buy new.....
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Just called tanks direct and they don’t do either. I’m going to need to find a metal works/ironmonger to help personally make one. Arrgggghhhh
I got my frame made for £160 and it was a further £60 to have it powder coated. If you decide to go down this route let me know and I will take more detailed photos of my frame to give you an idea of how it’s made. Once a steel fabricator has measured the tank dimensions it really isn’t that difficult, just add 10-15mm for margin of error as tanks are not perfect in shape.
If you look at the pictures of the Enduramaxx tank and the Wyedale tank, you will see the extra baffles in the bottom of the Enduramaxx one, so you don’t feel the water sloshing about as much when the tank is near empty.
Using a standard 1” outlet it will add about 3-4 seconds per fill.
One other option, just to confuse you even more, would be to get a custom tank made, which would screw directly in to the floor without the need for a separate frame. I think it was Aqueous plastics that used to do them? If you are considering this option it would be worth opening another thread to ask who makes custom tanks.
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Buy a MIG welder and make a cage yourself.
It'll likely be no more expensive than buying a cage off the shelf plus you will have learnt a new skill to use in the future.
Welders always come in handy for something.
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Thanks guys. Dazmond the problem with the pure freedom is they don’t have the 1.5” outlet options(unless I’m wrong)
KS. Is the only difference between me getting a 1” outlet and a 1.5” outlet is 3-4 secs per fill of a backpack?
Gomo I can barely put up a shelf never mind learn metal work skills and make my own cage lol.
It might just be easier you know to get another tank like the pure freedom or look at the facelift systems. Why the earth do they not have a universal tank frame? A real Dragons Den opportunity for someone to make a lot of money.
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Thanks guys. Dazmond the problem with the pure freedom is they don’t have the 1.5” outlet options(unless I’m wrong)
KS. Is the only difference between me getting a 1” outlet and a 1.5” outlet is 3-4 secs per fill of a backpack?
Gomo I can barely put up a shelf never mind learn metal work skills and make my own cage lol.
It might just be easier you know to get another tank like the pure freedom or look at the facelift systems. Why the earth do they not have a universal tank frame? A real Dragons Den opportunity for someone to make a lot of money.
It will be approx 3-4 seconds slower when the tank is near full, when the tank is about quarter full it will be approx 5-6 seconds slower. The less water in the tank the slower the fill due to the volume of water.
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Thanks guys. Dazmond the problem with the pure freedom is they don’t have the 1.5” outlet options(unless I’m wrong)
KS. Is the only difference between me getting a 1” outlet and a 1.5” outlet is 3-4 secs per fill of a backpack?
Gomo I can barely put up a shelf never mind learn metal work skills and make my own cage lol.
It might just be easier you know to get another tank like the pure freedom or look at the facelift systems. Why the earth do they not have a universal tank frame? A real Dragons Den opportunity for someone to make a lot of money.
your over complicating it mate.....a normal 1" outlet will be fine,then youll be good to go.....if your not sure what fitting you need to have an easy fill up for your backpack then phone PF up theyll see you right with a suitable fitting before you order.....
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Thanks guys. Dazmond the problem with the pure freedom is they don’t have the 1.5” outlet options(unless I’m wrong)
KS. Is the only difference between me getting a 1” outlet and a 1.5” outlet is 3-4 secs per fill of a backpack?
Gomo I can barely put up a shelf never mind learn metal work skills and make my own cage lol.
It might just be easier you know to get another tank like the pure freedom or look at the facelift systems. Why the earth do they not have a universal tank frame? A real Dragons Den opportunity for someone to make a lot of money.
It will be approx 3-4 seconds slower when the tank is near full, when the tank is about quarter full it will be approx 5-6 seconds slower. The less water in the tank the slower the fill due to the volume of water.
hopefully he wont need to use the backpack often once he gets used to a van mount...i dont have any work where a backpack would be quicker/easier these days....
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That’s great Cheers. I think I’m fearful of the hose reel. Ok that’s a good plan. Call PF and look at getting a 500 with cage and see if they can fit both fittings for backpack and hose reel. Will just be so much easier than finding some metal works guy but appreciate your advice KS. I need to keep it as simple as possible.
I’m assuming the facelift systems would have the same issue of no cage/frame also.
Ok more research and some calls to make........
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Ps I honestly didn’t realise it was just a matter of a few seconds per backpack fill. If that’s the only difference between fittings it may make sense in my position to get a tank that comes with the frame but appreciate it may not be as good as the enduramaxx tank in terms of a baffled tank. Thanks again KS 😀
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Ps I’ve managed to find a guy who can probably install a system if I take the hose reel plunge. Maybe it’s time to grow a pair and give it a go!!!
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Now that you have different options it would be best to take your time and explore each one, once you’ve done this you’ll be able to come to a decision that best suits your needs.
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Thanks KS. I feel like I owe you a pint. Yep good idea. I need to take my time and not rush.
Seriously thanks for all your help. I’m sure I will come back on here and update shortly 👍
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Both options of the facelift and the filling up backpack(like KS) have really given me food for thought now. Just need to work out which way to go and brave the change. Whatever decision I make the lifting has to stop as dot want to do my back in at 41 with a baby to look after also. Need to think of all these things now I’m not a spring chicken lol
My advice:
You are struggling using a backpack. Then go to a van mount. Its saves lugging water around in 'bulk'.
Each of us is built differently. KS Cleaning is older than you, but that doesn't mean you should be able to do the job better than he does because you are younger.
Even with a van mount you can still use your backpack for those occasional times.
As regards tanks, everyone will have a different opinion. I fitted 500 liter Wyedale tanks to both the lad's vans. It gave them plenty in reserve. IMHO you will use more water with a van mount than you did using a backpack. My son does.
Setup time with a van mount will probably be longer than using a backpack, but cleaning time is quicker. in our experience on normal everyday houses. When there's a big job to do then the hose reel is far quicker and less tiring.
A good tank frame can be purchased from Purefreedom for a Wydale tank as can the other components.
My suggestion is to get PF to fit the tank as well. They will know exactly where to position the tank on your van so as to not overload either axle.
When your insurance company asks if the tank has been professional fitted you have the receipt to say it has.
Sorry to bring this thread up again. Just reread everything (takes time to digest)
Do the PF frames fit the wydale tanks? Also why not use a PF tank if I was to get the frame? Are the wydale tanks better then? What’s the difference? Cheers
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PF don’t make tanks, they buy in Wyedale tanks, which are decent enough tanks but not very well baffled. PF are part of Adepta engineering and both work from the same unit in Grimsby. Adepta manufacture the frames etc which are then sold under the PF branding
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Thanks KS. When you say not very well baffled.... do you mean in terms of the water sloshing around? Is it that noticeable with a wyedale? Any other benefits from say an enduramaxx (apart from fitting)...?
As I’ve reflected it seems your option is so cheap but I’ve also emailed PF to quote me just on the tank and cage with there 1” outlet fitting.
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The only benefit I can see in going with PF is that it’s relatively hassle free as it’s a one stop shop compared to getting the Enduramaxx tank then getting someone to make you a cage and fit a DIY system ....however this will be reflected in the price you pay.
The water will be noticeable sloshing about in the wyedale tank when the water level is low and sitting lower than the baffles, if you are using up all your water every day you will notice it near the end of the day. If it does become a problem you could always put some baffle balls in. The enduramaxx tank has baffles in the floor of the tank to negate this.
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Hi KS where are you based? Just wondering if the guy who did your frame for the tank is anywhere near me? I’m In Suffolk. Cheers
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Hi KS where are you based? Just wondering if the guy who did your frame for the tank is anywhere near me? I’m In Suffolk. Cheers
Nowhere near mate, I’m in Fife, Scotland. Just google blacksmiths in your area and ask a few of them for a quote.
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my system is a mixture from various companies.....
500L upright wydale tank and frame from pure freedom fitted by my local garage
pure freedom reelmaster electric reel
custom fit grippatank 9kw hydroheat diesel heater with frost stat
gardiner xtreme 25ft/47ft poles
if your really crap at DIY and need a delivery only cold water system id go with a pure freedom 500L system with a pure freedom electric reel....
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Thank you KS/Dazmond. I am biding my time with Covid etc but PF is definitely the way to go for me. Called up three other companies today and PF by far were the most patient (Lol) and friendly. Really really helpful and you got to go with your gut feeling. The system looks fairly easy to use especially with the electric hose reelmaster. Grab the bull and go for it!
Thanks again guys. I’m going to pay the extra and get a PF system fully installed. It will soon pay for itself and less strain on my back. Been a lengthy decision but I got there. I promise not to bring this thread up again 😂