Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: mr D on July 04, 2008, 11:58:46 pm
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well as some on here are awere i'm a 100% trad w/c. well up till now!
after buying my 1st van 6 weeks ago ive now saved hopefull enough for my 1st dip in to the pool that is wfp. ive got £1000 to play with and limmited knollage of the nuts and bolts of it all. because i've only a grand its gonna be the diy route i take.
i'm thinking of starting a website with a blog documenting what i'm doing mistakes and all for other new to wfp guys to follow and hopefully learn from and also for you 'ol sweats' to have a chuckle at. and no doubt critasize to bits!
what do you think to this idea? this site be a waste of my time clearly but i'm hoping it will help others to avoid the mistakes i'm bound to make.
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also i'd like advise as to where and what parts i will need. heres where i curently stand...
ive got a renault kangoo with 800kg pay load. the space is limited because ive got a factory fitted racking system in the back which takes the rear of the van up(photos to follow). the space ive alacated for a tank is 800mm x 800mm and 800mm high. there is prob a little room for manover but i mean little.
i'm not going to be trying to convert all my work to wfp just those i feel need to be so dont need a huge tank i've seen a 350ltr up right that should fit nicely.
also am i right in saying sureflow 100psi is the best way to go pump wise. if so wheres best to buy?
i live on the costa del bournemouth so my h2o is as hard as learning hebrew!!
will i need a water softener and what RO do you guys surgest?
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MR D,
I would say best option is speak to Alex Gardiner near your way as he is fluent in hebrew ;D ;D
Or give us a bell and will advise
Doug
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thank you very much. ive got a mate local who set up his own and has offered to help me but i would be a fool to work soley from one guys recomendations.
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You will want a static system at home and transfer when needed for the van.
This is a cheaper way and more convenient than doing it all from the van.
Ro-man for the ro and booster pump if needed.
www.ro-man.com/shop/index.php/cPath/22
A water butt from b&q is around £30.
Submersible pump + hose and shut off valve approx £80 from gardiners.
For the van:
A tank around £140.
Flojet pumps seem to have less posts on here about problems than shurflo. I have used flojet for nearly 2 1/2 years with no problems. Approx £80
Hosereel (metal) + microbore. approx £110.
17ft xtel is a handy cheap pole for most domestic windows. £80
Hose + clips £10.
That's it.
Approx £420 to kit the van out. £110 for the water storage at home.
di resin for a sack that will last ages with a ro is around £67.
700 ml di vessel around £25.
tds meter around £15.
All you need is a RO and you are away.
For £1K you could buy the above and get a 300gpd RO with booster pump.
Sorted! :)
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Mr D
pop over to the DIY WFP site / forum
loads of info and i would guess your problems would have allready been fixed by some1 else in the past ;)
<------------- e.mail for a link
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Mr D
pop over to the DIY WFP site / forum
loads of info and i would guess your problems would have allready been fixed by some1 else in the past ;)
<------------- e.mail for a link
thanks matt
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cheers guys
ive looked at your site in the past matt. its a good site but what i was thinking of doing is a bit diffrent, more like a diary. i started last nite and will post the link once its got some content. i'd be very glad of feedback espeshealy yours matt.
Mark,
what a diamond you are. just the sort of reply i was after. i thank you very much. would you be o.k for me to qoute you on my new site?
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I agree with everything Mark Dew said. Everything, even the bit's i didn't fully get.
There is DIY and there is DIY.
I do not believe in DIY. I am totally against it.
What you intend to do- if you follow Mark's advice- is to mix and match proprietory products. This is by far the best route.
For instance the 17'xtel is the best pole. It is lighter and more usable than any other, even the much talked about harris and SLX poles.
There are cheaper options than static water production at home, but again this is the best.
It maybe that where you live is not suitable, but the one big advantage is you can fill your van in a few minutes and do not need it tethered to a hosepipe outside your house for several hours.
The 17'xtel has the best closed length because it has four sections (as opposed to three). It has good clamps (not twistlock) and is not cold to hold even in very cold weather.
People say I am a hypocrite because I talk against DIY and I have a self installed
hot system, and an electric reel driven off a drill and a cobbled together dog leg clutch.But all I do is use other peoples already brilliant products.
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cheers guys
Mark,
what a diamond you are. just the sort of reply i was after. i thank you very much. would you be o.k for me to qoute you on my new site?
Use it for your site?? Yeah of course. :)
Just to clarify the post, i only looked at a couple of sites for comparisons to the cheapest price for same products.
There are many suppliers out there who do a top notch service and may have single items cheaper than i've put. So it will pay to have a look. Most suppliers seem to sell only shurflo pumps so a look on google or ebay is a good place to go as well.
I agree with everything Mark Dew said. Everything, even the bit's i didn't fully get.
Correct Mark.
As soon as they approached him over this he would have known, these things usually come about because they have been given information. (make a note never to divorced or confide in anyone over a drink).
:o
Discount, what is going on?? People might start talking. ;D
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discount,
you mentioning the electric real made me remember yho you are. thank you for the reply and backing up the advice mark gave, also thank you for the reasoning for the pole choice. just what i needed, there are loads of people that will say 'buy this' because every one else seems to but having a reason to go for one product over another is ideal. i know you have had some stick on here form other w/c's for some of your ideas/views and of course the ledgendry electric reel but so have i and i am greatful of the advise.
cheers again matt.
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ive looked on Alex Gardiners site at the pole list found the one youmentioned and hit another problem for the total beginner,
the options!
now i know yousurgested the 17 ft glass fiber pole at £52 but which brush would i be wanting? i'm guessing because the oval vikian brush is the top of the list its the most popula?
also which goose neck if any and what hose connector will i be needing? man i sound like a nag but this might as well be in swarhealy. if the parts were all layed out in front of me i could prob put them all together no prob or even if there were clear pics but...... nd ez-snap tail protecta-ball and G-fit type 2??????? :-[ :-[ :-[ ??? ??? ??? :'( :'( :'(
what the fook are they????
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ive looked on Alex Gardiners site at the pole list found the one youmentioned and hit another problem for the total beginner,
the options!
now i know yousurgested the 17 ft glass fiber pole at £52 but which brush would i be wanting? i'm guessing because the oval vikian brush is the top of the list its the most popula?
also which goose neck if any and what hose connector will i be needing? man i sound like a nag but this might as well be in swarhealy. if the parts were all layed out in front of me i could prob put them all together no prob or even if there were clear pics but...... nd ez-snap tail protecta-ball and G-fit type 2??????? :-[ :-[ :-[ ??? ??? ??? :'( :'( :'(
what the fook are they????
go for a 17ft xtel, will clean 99% 2s houses plastic gooseneck, I have on all poles vikan rect mono's they work and get in all corners, I have a few other brushes but start oof with that you will do ok, do not go for a bentley brush (superlite) IMO they are not up to the job on cleaning bird muck and hold dirt only imo.
connections depends on your hose fittings you have Alex G pure freedom, wintecs all help on the phone, I have rectus 21 fittings on my pole hose females, others have males. I went for females as the pole hose gets more stick than the hose from reel, I dont really see the point of cat balls on pole hose as they seem to get in the way think they are also called protecta balls not sure but my dad sells them or should I say looks the same to me, in his pet shops.
I dont mind helping you out i'll have a chat, give me a bell 07788732 789 or 01234 870 225.
Ian
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cheers Ian i might just do that. its good to see an exspertnation y to go for particula items rather than just 'buy this one!'
ive made a start on my new site/diary if any one is at all intrested?
http: // www. freewebs.com/ waterfedpole/
just fill the spaces.
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Agree with Ian too. Plastic angle adapter( I believe is already fitted on the 17' xtel). Do not buy a goose neck.
Cleantech is a good supplier you haven't mentioned- their site is clear and Mike gives good advice. You are fairly lucky because you can trust all of the suppliers.As far as I know there are no bad ones.
Cleantech sell a pump board. This has a varistream, filter and a pump already assembled. All you need to do is connect a black wire and a red wire to a leisure battery, and this has male hoselocks both sides to take water from your tank to your reel.
Cleantech give the dimensions of tanks on their site. Go for the biggest you can fit. Consider ripping out that racking you mentioned.
As regards differing opinions over best poles, the slx is the best but at £400 it is dearer and has a longer closed lenght because it is 25' (25' divided by four). The DIy harris is the cheapest and very robust but you will have to spend time biulding it (putting a hose through it that you will have to buy seperatly and a brush on the end). How much is your time worth? How much are you saving?
One hole in our advice though is that I/we keep harping on about the closed lengh of a pole.This is because we all use them for ground floor cleaning. You mentioned you will not be doing this in which case closed lenght is not such an issue.
It's only my opinion but I think total wfp is better. (I mean do ups and downs for business and practical reasons)
I like a reel fixed inside the van because lifting it in and out at every job is wasted effort.
A harness that fits over your head (Ian Giles idea) is the best way to attach the end of the hose to yourself- you walk away and the hose comes too! I have a unger pouch on my waist belt and in this I have a scraper, green scourer, and microfibre.This has to do with speed, wfp will get any stain off, but a scraper can be quicker and a walk back to the van for a tool wastes time.
Look back at Jeff1's posts when he was planning and then switching to wfp. The difference is stark for someone who already has, as opposed to someone who is biulding a round. He had been going for nine years, and then towards the end of his first WFP fortnight he had his best earning day ever. Imagine that, try and get your head round it. You are very good at what you do, you work hard, and then you make a change and even on an easy day when you finish earlier you still wipe the floor with all of your previous best earnings. Should you be happy? Or cry at all those wasted years?
One critisism I would make of his switch is that in deciding which were the best tools, preparing his work, and informing his customers too much time was wasted. Just get on with it.
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I would not use hozelocks fittings for connections on van as IMO they may leak.
You may start off intending to use wfp only for upstairs windows but may soon change your mind, so going for a pole with relatively short closed length is still a good idea.
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They are all hoselock fittings. Do you mean you would use a different make?
You have a short lenght of garden hose from the tank, and then another from the pump to the reel.These are always hoselock (type).
The only choices you have are with the reel. Here you can decide the fittings. For speed shrader are best- called ez by gardiners.
Your other choice is mini or microbore hose on the reel. I'm minibore100m, but that's all I know.
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wow discount what a wonderful block of advice. all will be taken on board and applyed hopefully.
i'm not to keen on ripping out my racking as its is sooo bloody handy. when it stops raining and the baby wakes up i'll pop out side and take a few pics to post on her so you can see the diamentions and layout i'm on about. i'm quite conferdent i'll safely fit a 350ltr tank in the back keping the beloved racking.
i hear you all scream 350ltr?? thats not gonna be enough!! but as i said i niavely built my round off the back of being a great trad window cleaner and boasted that i dont/wont use wfp 70% of my customas have me because i dont use a wfp. admittedly i wish i'd not been quite so anti wfp in my early days but i'd probaly not picked up as much work without being that way so its swings and round abouts!
if the time comes when i find i'm wfping more than trad and need more storage then so be it but untill then if need be i very rearly work further than 3 miles from home so it wont kill me to pop home kess the wife and baby and top up with H2o.
i'm very greatfull of the help and advise guys, my dad built his own wfp tight git he could of easyly aforeded a top of the range gucci model but thought he would do it him self. he got very little advice got a 1200ltr water bowser on a traler because he uses mitizbushi L200's so cant hold water on board, a fooking pucker long heavy as hell alli pole, and all the purifing gear and put it togerther and made an awful lot of windows look awful! his since cleaned up his act buying an all singing all dancing system to go in the back of his vivaro LWB crew cab but it put me off wfp because i was sic of the complantes we got. we only used it on jobs that they wouldnt let up use trusted ladders like the ministry ect so they couldnt say much but i did feel some times that we were taking the mick!
also i'm well aware that i probly live in the hardest water area in the country so pufifacation wont be easy but if others localy can do it then so can I!!
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the slx is the best but at £400 it is dearer and has a longer closed lenght because it is 25' (25' divided by four).
SL-X- It's 25 divided by five actualy (5ft sections, not 6ft), it may be too expensive for you just now but with this pole you have just one tool to (easily, quickly & effectively) do ALL your work from ground floor up to 28/29/30 feet. Fit it with a pinned swivel + plastic angle adaptor (can get both for a fiver) & it will serve you well for any situation from bottom to top.
IMO you will struggle with a 17ft pole- town houses, over conservatories, velux windows, larger houses etc. You could end up standing on step ladders, tip-toes etc. neither of which will be easy or help make a good job.
Just my oppinion. ;)
Tony
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cheers mac taken on board!
your right the slx will be to rich for my blood at pressent but def will keep that in mind for future.
if the 17ft is gonna be akward to use over conservatrys and on 2nd story then its not for me. one of wfp's biggest apills to me is i'll not have to carry my BIG ladder on the van day in day out. ive got a few jobs that my muched loved point just dont quite reach there for cayyly my (precously refered to 'harpoon') every day. i want to ditch this praptice and only pop it on when i'm doing 3rd story ladder work. using the pole for those odd windows that i currently carry it for i,e dormers, skylites, above conservatrys.
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I would seriously consider a longer pole, i've been in your shoes & made the same mistake, ended up using a 40ft pole for anything over 18ft! nightmare!
Personaly i would look at 24ft BUT, then the cheaper poles become bendy. As this is your most important tool though i would consider it's purchase at length. ;)
Tony
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my local friend who i mentioned b4 said i should get a 24' pole he said i'd be looking at around £200. but on the gardiners site the 24' pole, oval brush, plastic ajustable neck, 9mm Hose and EZ-Snap tail and Protecta-Ball and Fitted Flow Valve comes in at £151.58 including vat.
so do you think he is refering to a diffrent pole? and is the X-Tel 24' any good or will it bend like beckham?
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My objection would be that the 24' is too heavy for daily use.Most of us have poles like this in garage unused.
I was interested in your marketing through trad and your change of direction.These changes have been forced on you and you'll now have to sell that.
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They are all hoselock fittings. Do you mean you would use a different make?
You have a short lenght of garden hose from the tank, and then another from the pump to the reel.These are always hoselock (type).
The only choices you have are with the reel. Here you can decide the fittings. For speed shrader are best- called ez by gardiners.
Your other choice is mini or microbore hose on the reel. I'm minibore100m, but that's all I know.
I have no hozelock fittings on my system. The hose is secured onto the barb/adapter (if this is the right term) by O rings or jubilee clips.
I have a van mounted hosereel which also does not use a hozelock fitting (except at end of hose). You do not have to use hoselock fittings atall.
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as i said befor i make quit a good living from my trad round so i'm not gonna lose any sleep by keeping the trad jobs i have. i enjoy trad w/c and am only adding wfp as a bonus to my business not a complete new change
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i too dont like hoze lock in genral. one thing my old man did do right is bin off the hozelock connections for jubile clips
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That bit must be wrong then,but all the bits i've ever bought have hoselock- even things like an inline filter are just so easy to slip in.
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That bit must be wrong then,but all the bits i've ever bought have hoselock- even things like an inline filter are just so easy to slip in.
my di's have hose lock as do reels connected to van, inlines pumps etc have J clips
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I think most systems use them somewhere, but the guy who fitted mine doesn't use them atall, not even on the di vessel. (I since removed di as I fill from static and do not need it in van)
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Thing is dean i had at the diary and the website, and thought both very good, and good job on the van by the way-bargain-. You are a clear thinker which is good.I think you already know not to get bogged down in detail. The bigger picture guys tend to do better.
Don't let the fear of hoselock connections, or having told everybody trad is king, or the notion there are some things you can't do with a 17' xtel put you off. The bigger picture is that you mentioned the baby, and you'll do a good job however you do it.
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Here is a complete shopping list of all the bits n bobs and major parts you will need.
Tank
Something to secure it down with.
Tank outlet with a tap on it and a half inch barbed fitting. I think the 350 has a 1 inch threaded outlet.
Pump.
Pump strainer (essential)
Barbed fitting for pump inlet and outlet.
Electronic flow controller (Some may disagree)
Batttery .. 85 Amp hours upwards. Deep cycle type. Charger for battery
Metal reel.
100 meters hose (I would go for minibore).. 8mm
Tap to fit end of hose ..8mm barbed fitting to go into hose/tap and a Rectus 21 male on other end of tap.
Pole... The 24 ft H-Extel is whippy at full extension but probably the best in your budget range with a Vikan rectangular brush and a Rectus 21 Female 5mm hosetail on the pole hose. These are stop fittings so you dont get water running back down the pole hose when not plugged in.
300 GPD RO system and a DI
TDS meter
(Produce your water through RO and DI into a static tank) You won't contaminate it transferring it.
About 5 meters of the clear reinforced 1/2 inch hose.
3 x jubilee clips
1 x roll PTFE tape.
3 x H/lok STOP type fittings. (Dont worry they work fine) You will have to replace the one on the end of the hose from your pump to your reel periodically.
Sub pump with transfer hose with a trigger or tap on the end of the hose.
I reckon you might JUST scrape into the £1k budget.
The only other thing you might need is a booster pump for your RO.
I would go to one supplier to get the lot. It will save you shed loads of time shopping around and a whole lot in delivery charges. Also a supplier would look at the whole deal and give you a decent price based on the bulk order.
If you need any help feel free to call me. I am not supplying DIY kits and don't intend to do so so don't worry I wont try to sell you anything :)
Andrew
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well here is the pics i promised of the rack i'm keen to keep and the space for tank, pump, hosereel etc etc
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A lot of us put poles in the roof space, the ends go through holes cut into the bulkhead above your head.
My impression is that the rack will have to go.
Obviously Andrews the pro but for what it's worth, he's described more or less what I have, i agree about the varistream, and the booster pump's a definite, but if that stuff on the top rack is weight lifters protein then good because you will need it for a 24' pole.
Will a closed 24' fit in your van anyway?
Allow some money in the budget for a roof rack and 8 tread steps.
It might be interesting to know how much Andrew would charge to fit a 400l system in you van?
At least you'd have the info to make a decision.
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My objection would be that the 24' is too heavy for daily use.Most of us have poles like this in garage unused.
I was interested in your marketing through trad and your change of direction.These changes have been forced on you and you'll now have to sell that.
Well you've never used a "proper" 24ft pole then discount! simple. Only people who dabble in false economy have garages full of un-used poles. ;)
Tony
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A lot of us put poles in the roof space, the ends go through holes cut into the bulkhead above your head.
My impression is that the rack will have to go.
Obviously Andrews the pro but for what it's worth, he's described more or less what I have, i agree about the varistream, and the booster pump's a definite, but if that stuff on the top rack is weight lifters protein then good because you will need it for a 24' pole.
Will a closed 24' fit in your van anyway?
Allow some money in the budget for a roof rack and 8 tread steps.
It might be interesting to know how much Andrew would charge to fit a 400l system in you van?
At least you'd have the info to make a decision.
Dude, if you're gonna give advise, make sure it's from experience & even more so TRUE!
Tony
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Mr D,.. is that 2nd pic from the side door, just behind the bulkhead???
If so, You'd prob get a 500 litre upright tank in that space,... BUT you're gonna be tight for space for the reel.
As for poles, IMO you'll need at least 24' if not more. A 17' pole will do 95% of the windows, but ones above roof's & conservatories can take a lot more reach. I've a couple of 24' DIY poles that are very light, and no problem to use all day.
My advice would be to find a pole that's 4' odd closed (perfect for ground floor) and as long as possible extended, and spend whatever is needed on it. Then for the longer pole, DIY something cheap till you get up to speed, then buy an SL2 or similar.
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To put Macmac's comment in perspective the slx has been out about two months, there was nothing before that. The xtel's that we are talking about came out about a year ago, people talk about them as if they are old hat, but they were a big design breakthrough. A light budget pole with a short closed lenght.
One bloke on here says he never uses his grand facelift now he has the slx ;D Now that's false economy ;D
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hey, wasn't someone giving a pole away free? Or has that gone now Nathaneal?
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hey, wasn't someone giving a pole away free? Or has that gone now Nathaneal?
It was a 24' HXtel that Arthur @ www.surecleansystems.com kindly put up for a prize draw for Guild members,..... but sorry Mr D,..the draw was Monday, and the winner was Peter Daley.
;D ;D ;D
He's off watching the F1 this weekend, so hopefully I'll have a pic of him with the pole to post tomorrow!
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i can help you call me on 0800 118 2490 with a new systems thanks.
www.crystalpuresystems.com (http://www.crystalpuresystems.com)
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Just make sure you keep the protein in the van.
Chris
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y?
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just a small what 'are these parts and there purpose' question:-
Pump strainer
Barbed fitting for pump inlet and outlet
half inch barbed fitting
8mm barbed fitting
Rectus 21 male
some of you willprobaly sayingto your selfs, 'bloody amature, these bits are so simple but without seening them its hard to ork out what they do.
i'm guessing barbed means like this:-
in which case yes there self exsplanatry but just want to conferm. and rectus21 male sounds like an advert in a gay mens classafides collum :-\
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Nathanael Jones
just read your post conserning the pole lenths, that is a good bit of advice. if i buy a 17' and use it where nessesery then when time comes, even if its next month i can upgrade to a bigger, better pole.
i know i said prevously that i need hight because i want if for akward windows but what i dont want is to scrimp on the bulkof the system too much to alow more for the pole. at the end of the day if i need a new pole its just a case of unplug old plug in new where as if i need other bit replaced ive got to mess about with the system its self.
oh dessisions dessisions :-[
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Discount Window Cleaning
i also forgot to say ive got a roof rack and there is a whole in the bulkhead at the moment its gotmy set of steps through it, weather i'd fit a 24' pole through it i dont know but thanks its something to measure and think about. after all i'm not keen on driving around with the pole on the roof rack like i see other guys doing,
oh andyes guys it was protein powder just green pads now, they make great water tight storage tubs but i'm very doubt full i'll struggle with the weight of the pole. its the looking up all day long i hate!!! >:( >:( >:( dont forget i'm new to wfp but ive done a far bit of it with my old mans system.
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just a small what 'are these parts and there purpose' question:-
Pump strainer
Barbed fitting for pump inlet and outlet
half inch barbed fitting
8mm barbed fitting
Rectus 21 male
some of you willprobaly sayingto your selfs, 'bloody amature, these bits are so simple but without seening them its hard to ork out what they do.
i'm guessing barbed means like this:-
in which case yes there self exsplanatry but just want to conferm. and rectus21 male sounds like an advert in a gay mens classafides collum :-\
A pump strainer is simply an inline filter to protect your pump from stray bits in the tank.
(http://www.gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/acatalog/flojetfilter.jpg)
Your picture of the barbed fitting is quite right, except that it is usually better to use nylon fittings instead of brass. They come in a variety of sizes of barb and screw threads to fit different items.
Rectus 21 male is usually used on the end of the pole hose.
(http://www.gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/acatalog/ezsnap_protectaball_copyrightGPS_Do_not_use.jpg)
The only way that any of us has learned about WFP is by asking questions, either from friends, manufacturers or on the forums.
You are quite right about getting the system right. Once you have your system working well and with the right capacity then you rarely have to think about it again other than to maintain it. Ancillary items like your hose and pole are the items that you will then be 'interacting' with most often and these are the most easily upgraded items.
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thank you Alex, strainer is alot clearer not silly of me its in the naming realy aint it.
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One bloke on here says he never uses his grand facelift now he has the slx Now that's false economy
The facelift has paid for itself many, many times over & is still used for everything over 25ft. False economy is having to turn good work down 'cos you can't reach it!
One of my points was you, a 50 odd year old man who gets knackered winding his hose back in advising a young fit lad that a 24ft pole was too heavy for him for all day use ::) & like i said, you've never even used a proper 24ft pole! :-*
Tony
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Hi, give Adepta/Pure freedom a call they will supply you with all bits. They will put them together and test them befor sending out. Their number 01472 347519
Matt.
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I can see why you like the racking but i think it will have to go. If you have a flat tank you can put stuff (racking or plastic containers) on it. You could also mount the reel on it and work from the side door.
There is a pretty good consensus and your van is pretty much designing itself. One thing I would say is that you are in this for the long haul, this may be the first of several vans, or just an excellent one man profit centre. Whichever the future is WFP whether you like it or not.
You may start only doing certain houses or only doing tops, but economics will kick in and that will change.
About macmac's comment about your being young and fit, and me being over fifty. Well I do find the job hard physicaly so where I can I try and use my intelligence.I have a glass fibre pole of 25' called universal and it's horrid, even you couldn't use it all day tops and bottoms at speed. Forget your youth and strength and look for better ways of doing things.(17'xtel is better and will reach over cons windows- used horizontaly i don't think there is a forum member on here strong enough to use a 24'fg pole at full reach)
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now please dont you all jump down my throte coz i'm aware pure fredom have done some great stuff for lots of w/c's but my mate orderd a 400ltr system from them and it turned up 4 days late with bits missing and bits broken. this is prob the only case of this ever but its made me a little weary.
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used horizontaly i don't think there is a forum member on here strong enough to use a 24'fg pole at full reach)
;) wanna put money on it? i bet you your pole i can
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I'm JW, we don't gamble, drink, or vote.
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About macmac's comment about your being young and fit, and me being over fifty. Well I do find the job hard physicaly so where I can I try and use my intelligence.I have a glass fibre pole of 25' called universal and it's horrid, even you couldn't use it all day tops and bottoms at speed. Forget your youth and strength and look for better ways of doing things.(17'xtel is better and will reach over cons windows- used horizontaly i don't think there is a forum member on here strong enough to use a 24'fg pole at full reach)
You're right, this is where the "proper pole" bit comes in! 8)
I am supprised at you discount, 50k turnover in 16 months, preaching to others about using intelligence to make life easier & you're still fiddling about with sub-standard equipment! :o I can't understand you. ;) tut, tut, tut.
Tony
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About macmac's comment about your being young and fit, and me being over fifty. Well I do find the job hard physicaly so where I can I try and use my intelligence.I have a glass fibre pole of 25' called universal and it's horrid, even you couldn't use it all day tops and bottoms at speed. Forget your youth and strength and look for better ways of doing things.(17'xtel is better and will reach over cons windows- used horizontaly i don't think there is a forum member on here strong enough to use a 24'fg pole at full reach)
You're right, this is where the "proper pole" bit comes in! 8)
I am supprised at you discount, 50k turnover in 16 months, preaching to others about using intelligence to make life easier & you're still fiddling about with sub-standard equipment! :o I can't understand you. ;) tut, tut, tut.
Tony
50k in 16 months i`m surprised he`s preaching at all,he must have had a lot of holidays in that 16 months lol.
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There have been some very construcive posts, and some not so constructive on this thread. It's okay to disagree with me, sometimes- quite often in fact-, I am wrong.
I use machines to do the work where i can, and brains to drive the business. What else can I say, some cleaners do better than others and this isn't the first business i've built. I've used plenty of other peoples ideas in moving forward and like to put a little bit back.
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guys please dont argue on this thread i'm taking all the advise and using it well to build MY BUSINESS! there is far to much bitching on this site.
as i said b4 discount gets lots of stick on her for what ever reasons but he has been alot of help on this thread. cant you let byegones be byegones?
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well i think anyone who has used a 25ft gf pole, unless they have never tried better, will say that using 1 all day is hard work, cumbersome and slow.
Better off with 17ft xtel as it is a speedy little pole, will reach 95% of domestic windows and is very cheap.
If you are trad, there will be windows that you can't reach on many houses anyway, so the 17ft xtel is the best starting point. Unless you can afford carbon fibre.
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there arnt many windows i can reach from a ladder in fact pretty much just over conservatys. i'll prob go for the 17' then buy a better one once ive got the hang of it. after all i could always use if from a ladder if needed.
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there arnt many windows i can reach from a ladder in fact pretty much just over conservatys. i'll prob go for the 17' then buy a better one once ive got the hang of it. after all i could always use if from a ladder if needed.
No..no...noooooo Please don't try using a pole up a ladder. That's a recipe for disaster. You would be MUCH safer climbing to the top of a big triple ladder and tradding a window than doing that from the 2nd rung up.
The 17 ft exel is a cracking pole for the money by the way.
The 24ft isn't too heavy to use all day either It is whippy though at anything above 18 ft...ish. It's a LOT lighter than the old universal 24ft ones which I think others might be thinking about on this thread.
Andrew
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:-[ i'm afrade ive used my dads 45 ft up a ladder b4 i wont tell you how high because 1. you wont belive me 2. people on her think i'm nuts as it is.
i'm gonna prob go 4 the 17' as i hate when the pole is as you put it 'whippy' anoying so i'd rather wait a month and buy a better pole and sell the other. they hold there money so well i've noticed.
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I had a 20-odd foot X-tel and I used it for one window before putting it back in the box.
Horribly whippy, almost bends 45 degrees.
Very heavy.
I wouldn't recommend one.
Fibreglass extender or superlite for me.
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Don't think that the 17'xtel is a second rate pole. Even when you've got an slx (24) you will still use the 17' most of the time because it's lighter and smaller.
But this is a detail as Alex pointed out.
Your main decision is what size tank? flat or upright? keep or get rid of the racks?
(get rid, remember the difference between the chicken and the pig in the bacon and egg cooked breakfast? The pigs commited.)
Further down the line the problem will be finding more work. Tank first.
Andrew mentioned a flowmaster (I have a varistream) I don't know what the difference is?
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The flowmaster needs a pressure switch in order to work me thinks,in that case it should be avoided.
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as i said i'm a not gonna be going 100% wfp. i've looked for a 350 tank on ebay and found one at £165. i think that is quit dear so gonna shop around.
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Bit smaller,.. bit cheaper,.. but FREE shipping!
www.surecleansystems.com/proddetail.asp?prod=85
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I had a 20-odd foot X-tel and I used it for one window before putting it back in the box.
Horribly whippy, almost bends 45 degrees.
Very heavy.
I wouldn't recommend one.
Fibreglass extender or superlite for me.
I used a 12ft extender as my main pole until i got a 17ft xtel. The extender was or is, a cracking pole as well for the price.
And andrew is right about info given on the basis of old poles. My 25ft is a 1 1/2 years old universal. And there have been so many pole innovations since then. The standard and choice now is much much better.
A flow controller is certainly a good thing to have if you want to conserve and have the cash. Although i have one 1, i run my van mount straight off a flojet pump most of the time now. And prefer it as i find it quicker to use a higher flow rate. I do have a plastic on/off valve between the tank and the pump which i use to adjust the flow to the pump.
Mr d, you say have 1k to spend. You are lucky that you can probably get yourself up a good set up with quality basics.
As suggested, getting the tank in the van done properly will be the most important single item. And getting the floor protected 1st will also make things easier for you.
You won't have to take your van out of action at a later date. A battery, pump, hose and pole are very quick to replace.
I notice many suppliers only sell shurflo pumps and not flojet. Maybe the deal isn't as profitable? I have had both for over 2 years and not had a problem with either.
But, whenever there have been pump problems posts on here, the vast majority seem to be with shurflo pumps.
Finally, if money is an issue, after a few cleans you will learn better what is required to suit your needs. I have 4 poles sitting in the shed that never really served their purpose from the beginning. But were the best of a limited option at the time.
You won't need to make that mistake, cos the choice is better.
A 17ft xtel or an extender will get you through until you have the cash to make a purchase that will last a few years.
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cheers NJ but thats longer in lenth than the 350 ive seen and holds 100lts less water. i've thought about a 250ltr alreadt but feel i should use as much of the small space i have.
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mark that is great advise buddy. your not the only one who has pointed out the problems with surflow pumps are commen so i shall defently be looking at flowjet's pumps.
as you said getting the van prepted is my 1st priorty as an ex-serviceman i follow the princibal pre planning and preperation prevents pi ss poor performance. so i'm making a check list of things to do 1st is resurch and 2nd is prep van.
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I've been keeping quiet about this but I can tell you that you will struggle to get a 350 into that Kangoo and have any space for anything else much at all..let alone that racking.
The Kangoo is a wierd layout Look at your bulkhead and you will see that it is shaped kinda like this > Not so prominent but it is. It sticks right into the available load space. I've looked at your pic and I honestly think a 250 upright is at the limits of what you will be able to fit in. Dont forget pump,battery piping and the rest and the reels take up quite a bit of space. I would seriously measure up again and look at tank dimensions.
Sorry to put a damper on your enthusiasm but I don't want you to try and fit a quart into a pint glass. :(
Hope you prove me wrong though.
Andrew
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no dont apolagise Andrew thats what i'm here for.
i'd noticed the > as you put it and your right it is a royal pain in the 'bulk head' :D
i shall measure and measure again. i'll post on here tomorow the diamentions of the avalabe space in the back. and i mean avalable so i'll not fool my self by measuring floor space just from the tip of the point in the bulk head if you catch my meaning.
i did this last time but i'll do it again and again just to make sure.
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No prob :)
I can tell you that the Kangoo is a nightmare to fit a decent size tank into properlyand have much room left at all.
AND.. I would hate you to get a 350 and it wont fit... coz... it was me that convinced Wydale to make the 350 lol.. honest :D
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no worries Andrew thank you for all your help so far. ive added a new page to the site i'm building as part of a diary to what i'm doing. feel free to check it out. its not 100% wfp related but just exsplaines my reasons for heading in that direction.
ht tp:// www.freewebs.com/ waterfedpole/
just feel the gaps. the new page is intro to me
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Don't think that the 17'xtel is a second rate pole. Even when you've got an slx (24) you will still use the 17' most of the time because it's lighter and smaller.
But this is a detail as Alex pointed out.
"We use the 13ft Xtel poles as they are very light, quick to use, very compact and will still reach 90% of standard two storey houses."
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Don't think that the 17'xtel is a second rate pole. Even when you've got an slx (24) you will still use the 17' most of the time because it's lighter and smaller.
But this is a detail as Alex pointed out.
"We use the 13ft Xtel poles as they are very light, quick to use, very compact and will still reach 90% of standard two storey houses."
How much please ? ;D
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A 400ltr lay flat tank fits perfectly in a kangoo & still leaves about 3" either side of the wheel arches. ;)
Tony
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Cheers MacMac mate, ive got a spare flat 400l tank in perfect condition if anyone wants one £50 plus carriage.
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ta for the offer Discount but my mate has offered me one same price but i didnt want to take out the racking. been thinking long and hard today and i'm thinking more on the side of removing the racking and fitting a 400ltr now. i cound always build new racking above the tank couldnt i?
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Yes.
What actual tools do you like to stow? I saw the wellies. Shall I tell you what i have.
Tool bag, with tools spanners etc
different types of glue
If i break anything custy's pot or gutter or window bar, I like to be able to fix it fast. Same with my system (hoselock connections mean you can make a switch in seconds ;D)
I carry loads of microfibre, three applicators, several sqeegies, a bucket, a tray for carrying tools,limescale remover,cellulose thinners,green scourers,scrapers,fiairy,rubber gloves.....
On the roof rack steps and ladders.
I haven't got protectocote in my van. Are you sure it will be a benefit, and in what way?
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What I mean is how long are you likely to own the vehicle and what difference will this make to it's residual value?
you are going to spend £100 on 'stuff and spend a working day doing it (how much do you normaly earn?) then the van will have down time that in turn will cost you money.'
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well ive checked checked and checked again the 350 tank fits from what i can work out.
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i do hear you on that one but if the belly of my van rusts away because of not doing it it will cost me more. ive got the stuff for free from a mate he used normal floors paint with this grip stuff in it. looks a treat in his.
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plus thers still lots of room above for real etc
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Don't think that the 17'xtel is a second rate pole. Even when you've got an slx (24) you will still use the 17' most of the time because it's lighter and smaller.
Yeh right. ::)
Discount's on his third 17' Xtel already - shows how good they are! It pays to invest in the best you can afford and if you can stretch to an SLX you won't go wrong. ;)
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This place is full of snobs.
A few posts up Alex, the evil genius who created the SLX said that he and his team often use a 13'xtel pole.
We know that if you had to pick one pole the current choice is an SLX, but £400 against £60 is the main consideration here. Plus Dean is bound to be clumsy and have mishaps in the first few months.
Much of my being on my third xtel is my own fault.
1. over extending. (the extensions should have some overlap when extended horizontaly not be right at the end)
2 .the pole and the pole hose should be kept clean thus extending the life.
I have made some big breakthoughs in this (keeping the pole hose clean) and may post some photo's of how it should be done.However, as many of my invention posts are often met with derision i probably won't bother.
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This place is full of snobs.
A few posts up Alex, the evil genius who created the SLX said that he and his team often use a 13'xtel pole.
We know that if you had to pick one pole the current choice is an SLX, but £400 against £60 is the main consideration here. Plus Dean is bound to be clumsy and have mishaps in the first few months.
Much of my being on my third xtel is my own fault.
1. over extending. (the extensions should have some overlap when extended horizontaly not be right at the end)
2 .the pole and the pole hose should be kept clean thus extending the life.
I have made some big breakthoughs in this (keeping the pole hose clean) and may post some photo's of how it should be done.However, as many of my invention posts are often met with derision i probably won't bother.
Go om mate , I am watching and learning ;D
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This place is full of snobs.
A few posts up Alex, the evil genius who created the SLX said that he and his team often use a 13'xtel pole.
We know that if you had to pick one pole the current choice is an SLX, but £400 against £60 is the main consideration here. Plus Dean is bound to be clumsy and have mishaps in the first few months.
Much of my being on my third xtel is my own fault.
1. over extending. (the extensions should have some overlap when extended horizontaly not be right at the end)
2 .the pole and the pole hose should be kept clean thus extending the life.
I have made some big breakthoughs in this (keeping the pole hose clean) and may post some photo's of how it should be done.However, as many of my invention posts are often met with derision i probably won't bother.
Post them, you can only help people that want help, many on here will be wanting to see your pics, you do get quite a bit of stick though, then again so do I.
Your pics can/could help so post them ;)
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Nothing to do with snobbery Discount it's facts. I spent the first year using fishing poles because i couldn't afford telescopic carbon and got the p taken out of me. The advice i was given was to invest in the best i could afford - a carbon Facelift, way above my means but good advice at the time. I now use carbon SL2 and SLX not because i'm a snob but because they are so good to use and probably the best tools for the job. As for your pole tidy I can't see any point in coiling any excess pole hose and attatching it to the pole - why carry the extra weight?
I would also doubt very much that a telescopic pole wears from the INSIDE as you are suggesting. Most wear seems to come from the friction of the clamps on soft substandard fibreglass shafts. All your poles will have worn out either at the fully extended or collapsed position........... i'd put money on that. :)
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Mr D
You probably thought of this....but make sure you have enough space at the bottom of the tank for the water feed connection to your pump.
You should, just that some of the dimensions are tight.
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Lets not clutter this up with petty squables. you haven't understood what I said ftp about wear etc, my advanced techniques would probably help SLX users even more.
The only way a pole can wear is due to an ingress of dirt and grit. The main introductory agent of this is the internal pole hose which having been lain on the ground goes into the pole throught the sections.
I have solved this problem. You're not interested, fine.
The extra internal pole hose lain on the ground when you are working and the pole is closed is a trip hazard and leads to time consuming tangles.
I have solved this problem. You're not interested, fine.
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Lets not clutter this up with petty squables. you haven't understood what I said ftp about wear etc, my advanced techniques would probably help SLX users even more.
The only way a pole can wear is due to an ingress of dirt and grit. The main introductory agent of this is the internal pole hose which having been lain on the ground goes into the pole throught the sections.
I have solved this problem. You're not interested, fine.
The extra internal pole hose lain on the ground when you are working and the pole is closed is a trip hazard and leads to time consuming tangles.
I have solved this problem. You're not interested, fine.
Well I'd be interested for one. :)
You may be Toilet Clean's right hand man, but I'm sure you've got got some useful tips. ;D
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So what do you do about the hosereel hose? Hang it from a tree? Discount you are as daft as a brush (an auto brush) ::)
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Hi Discount
I can't say that I have noticed dirt from the internal pole hose getting on the outside of pole sections thus causing wear.
I clean pole sections when they get dirty but find this is more from dirt/grit transfer from hands.
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1stly dd thanks point taken and no i'd not thought of it yet. it's o.k though it can be accomadated for. the hight is the one factor i can move as a shelf can just be taken out.
discount i'm very intrested in any inventions any one has as every one should be!
if joe bloggs dont think its any good then joe bloggs say sorry mate but... if the inventer disagress then joe bloggs should leave the matter alone, at least they have been told.
man i hate the bitching on here! stop it now please.
as for the £400 pole. without meaning to sound rude in the 1st post i stated i've £1000 to spend on the lot. now spending nearly 50% on just the pole when there are cheaper alternatives out there would dumb as fook. hardly good business praptice. i'm glad youpointed out if i had
3400 to spend on a pole where i should spend it but untill then its like telling a chap in a 2nd hand car showroom not to but the ford escort he can aford but opt for the audi TT and get in to debt doing so.
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Ian Giles came up with the best hosereel hose solution. This is that the end of the hose and the tap are attached to a harness or webbing that slips over your head and under one arm. When you walk away from the vehicle the hose comes too, when you return it also comes.The tap is always at hand and the hose can easily be slipped on or off your person.The hosereel hose plays no part in shortening the life of the pole and is cleaned by running it through a cloth while the electic motor draws it back in.
In the case of the looped pole hose the extra weight is not given to the pole.
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Hi Discount
I can't say that I have noticed dirt from the internal pole hose getting on the outside of pole sections thus causing wear.
I clean pole sections when they get dirty but find this is more from dirt/grit transfer from hands.
You extend the pole- the internal hose goes in- it touchs the insides of the pole sections and transfers dirt grit- you collapse the pole and the insides of the pole that have dirt on them are then against the outsides of the higher sections.
The dirt then concentrates itself near or inside clamps because of the sliding.
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Mr D
Re: water feed to pump. It is not the room above tank but the space at the bottom of the tank that could be an issue, i.e. sufficient width to accomodate fitting for the hose.
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Mr D have, a look at the Brodex thread if you want some cheap poles.
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Mr D
Re: water feed to pump. It is not the room above tank but the space at the bottom of the tank that could be an issue, i.e. sufficient width to accomodate fitting for the hose.
its o.k i know that i didnt exsplaine my self propper. the hight has loads more space there for i can raise the tank if need me to accomadate tap.
i'm not sure what tap your on about mind do you or any one have a pic?
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I just have a right angled barb fitting at the base of my tank which the hose is fitted to which then runs along side to pump. Sticks out a max of 50mm. Not very good at posting pictures.
I guess if you raise the tank off the floor and have fitting under tank you would be able to use pretty much all the water if need be. Never seen a system like that though.
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Lookat the right bottom corner of the tank in this pic. You willsee an opening. This is how the tank comes to you. Its a female threaded outlet so you need to put a male threaded fitting into it preferably with a tap on it. You couldput a straightforward 90 degree barbed fitting in there but it will still stick out a bit. You need this to attach the hose that goes into the pump to.
Looking at those dimensions I seriously doubt you will get a 350 in there.
I think you are going to have to do away with that racking. The 400 flat is a good idea.
Andrew
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andrew than sound like a challange? lol ioh i do love a challange. :-*
shame theres no supplyer near me as i could try one befor i buy. :(
i've looked and think it would be doable but as you know i'm no espert on the wfp so dont know how much goes on the out side of the tank.
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Good thing you like challenge coz u got one there ;D
I know you love your racking but in all honesty that van is going to be packed to the gills with somuch stuff you wont be able to work very well at all from it. I also doubt very much that you could fit a reel on top of the tank.
Here are the plusses for the 400 that was suggested.
It will be far easier to fix in safely. You can cover it with a bit of decent ply with a bit cut out for the tank lid so in effect you will still have almost the entire floor area that you have now. You can fit in in!! :)
Think about it... it makes sense :D
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What I wonder wth low level tanks - aren't they a pain when they get down to the last 100 litres or so to get the water pumped out if not parked on suitable slope.
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Take the line of least resistance. If you did manage to fit it, it would be a compromise.
The end result of a 400l flat tank layout will be superb and give the optimum use of the space available.
dd, there is some truth in that but it's not a deal breaker, if it's a problem you can put one wheel on the kerb or park the other way.With an upright tank there are very many drawbacks.
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Mr D im also in Poole and ive just done a sort of DIY job in my own van your welcome to have a look and chat sometime if you like ?
Ive bought some stuff from cleaningspot.com and some from B and Q and they seem to be doing ok at the moment!!!!
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Nice to meet you Dave. i know a few w/c from the area always glad to meet a new friendly one as there is one that floats about that is a propper pillock!! ;D
i might just take you up on that offer. my dads got 2 vans with systems in them, well one van and a mitizi L200 with a traller but the mitizi's system is pants and i've not had a butchers at the new omli pole one in the new van yet. i'm not the worse novice but i'm learning step by step. thing is i dont want to build a system that dont work!
Andrew I HATE YOU!! >:( >:( >:(
every time i think i've made my mind up on the racking/tank you say somthing that sways me. >:(
i'm going to my mother-in-laws furenal tomorow afternoon so i might, i said might take the rack out in the morning and see what it looks like.
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You too Dean the offers there if you want to have a look mate
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Lets not clutter this up with petty squables. you haven't understood what I said ftp about wear etc, my advanced techniques would probably help SLX users even more.
The only way a pole can wear is due to an ingress of dirt and grit. The main introductory agent of this is the internal pole hose which having been lain on the ground goes into the pole throught the sections.
I have solved this problem. You're not interested, fine.
The extra internal pole hose lain on the ground when you are working and the pole is closed is a trip hazard and leads to time consuming tangles.
I have solved this problem. You're not interested, fine.
Well I'd be interested for one. :)
You may be Toilet Clean's right hand man, but I'm sure you've got got some useful tips. ;D
Best one liner of the night ! LOL ;D
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The only way a pole can wear is due to an ingress of dirt and grit. The main introductory agent of this is the internal pole hose which having been lain on the ground goes into the pole through the sections.
Spot on.
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The only way a pole can wear is due to an ingress of dirt and grit. The main introductory agent of this is the internal pole hose which having been lain on the ground goes into the pole through the sections.
Spot on.
Dont feed the troll !
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I beg to differ. ;D
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oi stop arguing!lol
take it out side.
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I beg to differ. ;D
?
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discount you still got that 400ltr for sale? my mate has sold his else were coz i told him i didnt want it.
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discount you still got that 400ltr for sale? my mate has sold his else were coz i told him i didnt want it.
:-X :-X :-X
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discount you still got that 400ltr for sale? my mate has sold his else were coz i told him i didnt want it.
:-X :-X :-X
dont! oh this is such a pain i'm rubish at making my mind up thats what the wife is for!
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;D ;D ;D ;D
hahahaha
errrr I think you better take that rack out and measure for a 400 flat just to make sure ;D
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Have you ever seen Mr D and Discount in the same place ?
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what do you mean by that? were the same person?
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Yes tanks available. No idea about arranging carriage. I go away next thursday for a holiday.
The tank is mint condition, the dimensions are on the cleantech site- 400l flat.
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where are you up north i bet?
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Northampton
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my grandpearants live there. but i dont visit them :(
i'll look up postage. bear with me
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my grandpearants live there. but i dont visit them :(
go on. Visit your granparents. They would love to see you. ;D
You could pick a tank up while your there.
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What postcode are they? Isn't it time the came down to see you?
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i dont visit coz they live in a static caraan and theres no room for us to stay so they come to us. but i thought of that only thing is they wont fit a 400ltr tank in the back of the jag. :(
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Hi, Andrew McCann states you cant fit a 350lt upright tank in a kangoo, he's talking rubbish. Ive got one and if its fitted right there's plenty of room for all your gear. Got mine from PureFreedom.
Mart
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Hi, Andrew McCann states you cant fit a 350lt upright tank in a kangoo, he's talking rubbish. Ive got one and if its fitted right there's plenty of room for all your gear. Got mine from PureFreedom.
Mart
What a numpty you are mate!!!
I NEVER said you can't fit a 350 into a Kangoo. Take the time to actually read whe whole thread and maybe your tiny little brain will allow you to see that there is very limited room to fit a 350 in because the guy wants to keep the racking he already has in the van. In fact he went as far as to do a drawing with the dimensions of the space available.
I try to give good honest advice here and may well have saved the guy a lot of time and money.. Iam sooooooooo pleased that you have a 350 in your Kangoo. By the way you can thank me for that because it was me that got Wydale who manufacture the tanks to make the 350 for just the size and payload of van you have. ::)
Ohh and sorry Mr D. They made it to the dimensions I gave them :-[ ;)
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well andrew you will be please to know i took the racking out thisafternoon and :'( all the way through it.
i then painted the lining pics to follow on my diy site
http ://ww w.freewebs.com/waterfedpole/
i'm planning to keep the racking in some shape or form but to fit it around a 400ltr tank. i'm really we we'd off coz i turned down a 400ltr tank for £40 over a month a go from a mate coz i wanted to keep the racking. teach me not to be such a stubern fool!!
problem i hve now is how the hell am i gonna fix a tank in the back?
i was gonna weld a cage to the racking that would of secured the tank nicely but now i'm gonna have to look at other avernews. i used to have a berlingo it had fixing points in the back this kangoo dont seem to have :( although there are threads to fit bolts in that the ply board was fixed to. do you think i can get eyelets to bolt in and if so are they gonna be strong enough?
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You would i think be better off using something like this.
www.cleantech.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22_25&products_id=90
It cost me £80 at a local garage to get this put in my van.
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problem i hve now is how the hell am i gonna fix a tank in the back?
i was gonna weld a cage to the racking that would of secured the tank nicely but now i'm gonna have to look at other avernews. i used to have a berlingo it had fixing points in the back this kangoo dont seem to have :( although there are threads to fit bolts in that the ply board was fixed to. do you think i can get eyelets to bolt in and if so are they gonna be strong enough?
I'm glad you're going for the 400 litre tank,... realistically you couldn't go much bigger without worrying about payload,.. but 400 litres will be just enough to keep you going all day if you are careful.
As for fixing it to the van,.. think about it seriously. I know all the rubbish that Ionics have propagated about crash testing has got some people a bit worked up,.. but the general principle is right. You'll have 400KG of water right behind you. In a crash that might otherwise leave you uninjured, the tank has the potential to kill you.
Rachet straps can be strong enough,.. the problem is that the eyelet fixing points in the van aren't!
I would recommend getting a local welder/fabricator to weld up a frame,... this is a pic of one of the bast ones on the market:
(http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll154/steveclearmagic/tank1.jpg)
Get him to bolt it through the chassis of the van with some seriously heavy duty bolts (16mm High tensile if possible) and use spreader plates where the bolt contacts the chassis. 8 or 10 bolts would be required depending on the position of the tank.
On some vans the fuel tank needs to be dropped before the chassis is properly accessible,.. but so long as you don't have to do this it shouldn't cost a whole lot. My one was built and installed for €120
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As angle iron has been used to secure the tank in the photo above, what puzzles me is: if your tank develops a serious leak and you need to replace the tank, how are you going to remove it and fit a replacement. Also, is that mild steel angle iron welded together or stainless steel and why didn't you have a frame made of box section instead?
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Forgot to mention. angle iron twists out of shape very easily when involved in accidents. I should know, I've welded enough bits on tanks in the army. Would have been more practical to use box sections. :)
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shall i buy this?
http ://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Merlin-RO-Window-Cleaning-System-For-Water-Fed-Poles_W0QQitemZ140186449083QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item140186449083&_trksid=p3286.m14.l1318
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Go for it, I know the company, chap that owns it, runs the biggest WC in london, it does have a high waste! but I have one from them and happy with it
Andy ;)
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i was looking a merlin to combat the waste isshew :( on a mtere you see. :(
http: //www.ro-man.com/shop/index.php/cPath/22_93
the 300gpd was the other option i was looikg at.
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discount, if the offers still there ive looked it delivery up on the net. and parcel force do delivery for 30 odd £ i'll find out the esecat amount tomorow when i phone them. give me a call if your still willing to sell. numbers on the website bellow
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guys i'm getting there slowley but surely.
so far ive got 400 ltr tank for van,
100mtr 8 mm minibore hose on reel,
100psi sureflow pump,
varistream,
i know theres lots left to by but i'm stuck when it comes to feed hozes and conections etc. any advice? i'm gonna order from gardeners so if any one who know there shizzle could tell me what conections i need to order please do.