Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: ryanst1982 on November 03, 2009, 08:27:25 pm

Title: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: ryanst1982 on November 03, 2009, 08:27:25 pm
For those who remember or who commented on it, I have started using my inflatable roof rack on jobs. A few people asked for updates to see if they were any good and someone posted a video from you tube where you can see a video promo of rack. I have included a photo of what it looks like on my car
I must say that the rack has worked famtastic so far. Easy to put up and even easier to put away. Can take up to 80kg of weught so can handle a good sized ladder and for the price (£40) a very good roof rack.
I would recommend to anyone who doesnt want a permanent roof rack or to anyone who doesnt want to spend to much.


Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: ryanst1982 on November 03, 2009, 08:29:34 pm
Apologies for size of picture, didnt think it would come out that big :-\ ???
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: macmac on November 03, 2009, 08:35:29 pm
You should have fitted one to the side! ;D
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: bobby p on November 03, 2009, 08:36:29 pm
cool lookin ladder rack,  cool looking window wagon  ;D
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: Gleaming windows on November 03, 2009, 08:42:58 pm
You should have fitted one to the side! ;D

 ;D
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: dave.e on November 03, 2009, 08:45:14 pm
they look like d.i.y ladders to me? i mite be wrong ;)
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: Window Washers on November 03, 2009, 08:52:03 pm
OMG  :o
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: cozy on November 03, 2009, 08:56:58 pm
Dodgey roofrack Ryan, have you been flashing your firemans helmet at your custies, and some husband kicked your car? ;D ;D

Sorry mate ;D

C#mon guys, the guy has just started out ;)
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: EZclean on November 03, 2009, 09:00:56 pm
kit-kat tin foil ladders  ::)
they're everywhere.

no where for ladder clamps?
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: jonnyald on November 03, 2009, 09:15:28 pm
LOOKS GOOD MATE ! ;D
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: cornelius jemmerso on November 03, 2009, 09:19:52 pm
how is it held on inside of the car ?   do you leave it on all the time  etc
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: C.C.S. on November 03, 2009, 09:53:32 pm
diy roof racks for diy ladders.i don't think they will take some trade ladders plus a single  point ladder which in my opion it's a basic for every window cleaner
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: bobplum on November 03, 2009, 09:58:37 pm
looks good
does the job
and earns you money,wether diy ladders or not
keep on scrimming
bob
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: Murdie window cleaning on November 03, 2009, 10:06:01 pm
Ladder snob alert  ;D

How secure are the ladders when your traveling above 20mph, I like clamping my ladders so I know they are not going anywhere.
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: matt on November 03, 2009, 10:49:35 pm
what a thread, just about sums up how this place is heading, some people really have idea's of grandeur

a window cleaner is out cleaning windows , he has a inflatable roof rack to carry his ladders on his car

we have had people mention :

they are not "trade" ladders, so what ? ? ? ? they are lightweight to carry, he knows the risks that come with using them

no place to fix ladder clamps, he doesnt use ladder clamps, the roof rack has some kind of tie down / ratchet setup, so doesnt need ladder clamps


he really should go and buy a WFP system and van, then he can go and earn 10 quid a house cleaning windows, oh hang on, he is earning 10 quid a house cleaning windows, he is doing off "DIY ladders" and then moves from area to area in a car, ontop of his car is a inflatable roof rack , oh and he cannot secure the ladders with ladder clamps

its all a little bit judgmental to me, live and let live, he is happy, he is earning a living by doing exactly the same job as you, a window cleaner


 
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: cozy on November 03, 2009, 10:51:42 pm
And he's a fireman with a shiney helmet ;D Bet he gets loads of women asking to see it, lucky git ;D
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: Gaby P. on November 03, 2009, 11:01:41 pm
Well, I've read Ryan's story and I think he's doing well. Once he earns a little more, he can afford better ladders. Well done Ryan, for keeping at it. Good luck and stay safe.
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: JSMC on November 03, 2009, 11:15:31 pm
fair play to ye mate. igonore all the snob comments.
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: jeff1 on November 03, 2009, 11:30:43 pm
Well done Ryan keep shining  ;)
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: davids3511 on November 04, 2009, 12:16:15 am
i sometimes forget to tie mine on...came of on the motorway before got a police caution..three cars bumped into each other.. the first car didnt hit them..but the guys behind couldnt break quick enough..ther fault driving to close. ;D
Lucky it was a caution. It's a mandatory 3 points now.
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: ryanst1982 on November 04, 2009, 08:58:01 am
Cheers guys, appreciate the comment.

Gaby and Matt, pretty much spot on. Only got 14 customers at moment and for time I can devote to cleaning at the moment these serve there purpose fine. If things start taking off ofcourse il invest in better. But thanks for all comments all the same, and as for damage on car. Missus not me obviously!!

Chers Cozy but ive told you before, the fireman thing is a myth mate  ;D
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: TonyD on November 04, 2009, 12:35:37 pm
I think you'll need a proper roof rack when busier, I wouldn't like to hit the M-way with that set up on the roof. 
Good luck with it though, if it does for a while then it's done it's job for you, thanks for posting up the pic.
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: ryanst1982 on November 04, 2009, 01:46:41 pm
Cheers, its definately secure, done 70 with it on today not a problem. Ive got all sorts of cables and straps keeping it in place so it doesnt even move an inch. And the rack itself connects through inside of the car so is going nowhere. Cheers for advice once again
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: martinsadie on November 04, 2009, 01:53:37 pm
hate to put a dampner on things but what happens if you get a puncture  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: dave.e on November 04, 2009, 02:45:57 pm
hate to put a dampner on things but what happens if you get a puncture  ;D ;D


just pop in to the nearest halfords and get some bike patches ho and don;t for get the pump  ps sorry Ryan keep up the good work mate and your look back on this and laugh trust me  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: ftp on November 04, 2009, 02:58:16 pm
Can you take it off and turn it into a canoe? I could do with one this week.
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: Stevie G on November 04, 2009, 03:01:50 pm
How are you getting work in an MPV? 

I know you have to start somewhere, but surely impression wise a van is the most suitable vehicle for window cleaning.  It's not as bad as a Nissan Micra with a ladder on top, but it's not far off.   ::)
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: MSTAV on November 04, 2009, 03:04:57 pm
Stevie G..you have a bit of crap under your name mate, just thought id point it out. millllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll.
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: ryanst1982 on November 04, 2009, 03:26:23 pm
lol

loving the replies this is getting. If it gets a puncture my roof will get scratched nothing more, and as you can see from side a few scratches aint to much bother. And as long as poeople get good results from my cleans (which they are) then the transport I use to get to there house really doesnt matter.

As ive said before, I work full time as aLondon firefighter so cant dedicate to much time to cleaning right now so this serves its purpose for moment just fine, if I start getting more customers and therefore more money, il look into a van then. At moment this is all I need for amount of windows I am able to clean
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: Stevie G on November 04, 2009, 03:41:39 pm
Very funny Mike, you muppet

I know you feel ashamed with your amateur pub team, but no need to diss the Hammers.
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: richywilts on November 05, 2009, 02:04:37 am
WHATS HAPPENS IF YOU GET A PUNCTURE!!!!
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: darren69 on November 05, 2009, 08:24:30 am
How are you getting work in an MPV? 

I know you have to start somewhere, but surely impression wise a van is the most suitable vehicle for window cleaning.  It's not as bad as a Nissan Micra with a ladder on top, but it's not far off.   ::)

I use My Micra to do my window cleaning - cheap to run - £10 fuel lasts me 2 weeks.  ;)
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: Murdie window cleaning on November 05, 2009, 08:34:35 am
How are you getting work in an MPV? 

I know you have to start somewhere, but surely impression wise a van is the most suitable vehicle for window cleaning.  It's not as bad as a Nissan Micra with a ladder on top, but it's not far off.   ::)

to be honest, when starting out not to many customers even see what your driving. When I'm out canvesing I park my CAR and walk round an area. So whether they take me on or not has nothing to do with what I drive.

Obviously if in time I feel as though I need a van and can justify the spend, then I will go down that rout. But in the mean time my car will suffice.
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: jonnyald on November 05, 2009, 08:37:45 am
How are you getting work in an MPV? 

I know you have to start somewhere, but surely impression wise a van is the most suitable vehicle for window cleaning.  It's not as bad as a Nissan Micra with a ladder on top, but it's not far off.   ::)
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micra is a cool window wagon ,,,, but i saw the coolest ever recently-its called a toyota yaris verso (06)   ,the rear door on this car opens sideaways , so the ladders can go on top and no bother .   the guy who has it tells me the backseats swivel so you can climb in and out the back door-how cool is that
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: ryanst1982 on November 05, 2009, 12:20:15 pm
Totally agree Murdie. By the time they know what im driving they are already my customer and already happy with the service so there not gonna change because of the vehicle I drive. Not sure this is an issue for anyone but id like to hope not. The service should be the main thing not the vehicle you use. And as for puncture, as I said before, ladder would still say secure but would prob suffer a few chips of paintwork from roof of car on side that has pucture. As long as you suecure ladder to rack properly, its going nowhere
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: dai on November 05, 2009, 08:00:49 pm
I bought the Handyrack about 18 months ago from ALDI.
If for any reason the van was off the road, I have the option of using my trailer with the car.
As said above, they are rated for 80Kg, and if they were not fit for purpose they wouldn't be allowed to sell them.
I have yet to use mine, but it's there if I need it, I think they are a brilliant idea.
Title: Re: Update on inflatable roof rack
Post by: ryanst1982 on November 05, 2009, 09:13:04 pm
Well said Dai.
They are good and definately useful, maybe not as a permanent roof rack but good to have all the same.