[Klean07]

When I first started in business over 20 years ago getting van insurance was quite easy and very cheap. However after around 5 years most of the usual ones that I used to use like Direct Line wouldn't insure me anymore because of the "tank" even though it had been bolted to the chassis by a garage. This then became an excuse that other insurers would use which was frustrating. Ever since then I've used A-Plan now called Howdens as they're part of only a few insurers that offer me the coverage that I need.

[Klean07]

Professional fit every time esp if you want a diesel hot system. Get it fitted into a brand new van if you plan on window cleaning for many years to come.

Nothing worse than messing about every few years switching systems from van to van.

I've had this van 16 years Daz but as I'm scaling down to doing less as I'm now only part time so for a start I don't need a 500 litre system a 350 will be fine I also want a nicer more up to date van etc which I'm hoping when I retire fully in around 3 years time I'll be able to sell for a decent price.

[NBwcs]

Professional fit every time esp if you want a diesel hot system. Get it fitted into a brand new van if you plan on window cleaning for many years to come.

Nothing worse than messing about every few years switching systems from van to van.

I've had this van 16 years Daz but as I'm scaling down to doing less as I'm now only part time so for a start I don't need a 500 litre system a 350 will be fine I also want a nicer more up to date van etc which I'm hoping when I retire fully in around 3 years time I'll be able to sell for a decent price.

16yrs,thats impressive, what van have you  got?

[AuRavelling79]

Professional fit every time esp if you want a diesel hot system. Get it fitted into a brand new van if you plan on window cleaning for many years to come.

Nothing worse than messing about every few years switching systems from van to van.

I've had this van 16 years Daz but as I'm scaling down to doing less as I'm now only part time so for a start I don't need a 500 litre system a 350 will be fine I also want a nicer more up to date van etc which I'm hoping when I retire fully in around 3 years time I'll be able to sell for a decent price.

Mine is coming up to 14 years in March. I want it and the (DiY) system to see me out over the next 3 years.

[NBwcs]

That's impressive too, what's your van?

[AuRavelling79]

That's impressive too, what's your van?

Hyundai iload.

[dd]

Professional fit every time esp if you want a diesel hot system. Get it fitted into a brand new van if you plan on window cleaning for many years to come.

Nothing worse than messing about every few years switching systems from van to van.

I've had this van 16 years Daz but as I'm scaling down to doing less as I'm now only part time so for a start I don't need a 500 litre system a 350 will be fine I also want a nicer more up to date van etc which I'm hoping when I retire fully in around 3 years time I'll be able to sell for a decent price.

I would just keep your van another 3 years. My van is 20 years old, had it from new.

Unless there is something seriously wrong with your van it should last 3 more years of part time work

[Klean07]

Professional fit every time esp if you want a diesel hot system. Get it fitted into a brand new van if you plan on window cleaning for many years to come.

Nothing worse than messing about every few years switching systems from van to van.

I've had this van 16 years Daz but as I'm scaling down to doing less as I'm now only part time so for a start I don't need a 500 litre system a 350 will be fine I also want a nicer more up to date van etc which I'm hoping when I retire fully in around 3 years time I'll be able to sell for a decent price.

16yrs,thats impressive, what van have you  got?

Citroen Dispatch 11 plate mate. Should have read van is 15 years old I've owned for 11 years.

[Stoots]

Ive never mentioned a tank to insurance, 10 years in now and no problem.

Only got old van though now third party, just go with cheapest quote.

[colin bird]

I’ve had four pure freedom 40 inch ro van mounted systems over 17 years never had any problems ,but I think there more expensive now than they used to be due to the business take over a couple of years ago

Ive found its better for me to just get one system fitted into a new van and keep it well maintained for 10-15 years before getting a new van and system.

I only use my van for work though. If it was my only vehicle I'd be changing it more frequently most probably.

I used to change my van every four years so would sell them with system fitted,I factored in the sale price of the van  the price to ncude the system I always got a good price for van and system as the van was low mileage.
My current van is six years old in march with same system since new,this sadly will be my last van as I’m 67 in a couple of years will then go very part time if health allows until I’m 70 and will subsidise my income with my pension. And government pensionim not looking forward to retiring as I feel work is good for you in many ways

[Bungle]

D.I.Y sounds great in fact on my first system that's exactly what I did it was delivered on a pallet. I remember getting my local garage to bolt the tank frame to the floor which they did with spreader plates on my old Ford Connect. TCW fits for free if you have a system off them but as I'm looking for a flat lay tank this time around I'm going to have to look elsewhere because they only sell upright versions.
I was led to believe that if your tank wasn't professionally fitted then your insurance would be void. I've just renewed my insurance with Howden who I've been with for a while at a cost of only £360. Very cheap I thought.

I always declare my tank is DiY bolted through the floor. Never had a problem with insurance.

No issues paying out after my significant prang of 2023.

No problem getting insurance afterwards.

Some insurance companies ask who fitted the system , some want a written certificate stating it’s professionally fitted , others don’t ask for anything

No 💩

[dazmond]

I’ve had four pure freedom 40 inch ro van mounted systems over 17 years never had any problems ,but I think there more expensive now than they used to be due to the business take over a couple of years ago

Ive found its better for me to just get one system fitted into a new van and keep it well maintained for 10-15 years before getting a new van and system.

I only use my van for work though. If it was my only vehicle I'd be changing it more frequently most probably.

I used to change my van every four years so would sell them with system fitted,I factored in the sale price of the van  the price to ncude the system I always got a good price for van and system as the van was low mileage.
My current van is six years old in march with same system since new,this sadly will be my last van as I’m 67 in a couple of years will then go very part time if health allows until I’m 70 and will subsidise my income with my pension. And government pensionim not looking forward to retiring as I feel work is good for you in many ways

There's absolutely no need to retire if your health is good.

I know a guy still going strong at 81!(on ladders too)🙂

[Scottish Cleaning Service]

I’ve had four pure freedom 40 inch ro van mounted systems over 17 years never had any problems ,but I think there more expensive now than they used to be due to the business take over a couple of years ago

Ive found its better for me to just get one system fitted into a new van and keep it well maintained for 10-15 years before getting a new van and system.

I only use my van for work though. If it was my only vehicle I'd be changing it more frequently most probably.

I used to change my van every four years so would sell them with system fitted,I factored in the sale price of the van  the price to ncude the system I always got a good price for van and system as the van was low mileage.
My current van is six years old in march with same system since new,this sadly will be my last van as I’m 67 in a couple of years will then go very part time if health allows until I’m 70 and will subsidise my income with my pension. And government pensionim not looking forward to retiring as I feel work is good for you in many ways

There's absolutely no need to retire if your health is good.

I know a guy still going strong at 81!(on ladders too)🙂

Funny you mention the guy at 81 because guy up the road from me is the same and over 50 years under his belt. He can't drive now after a slight stroke so he may retire and I will pick the rest of the customers because only he and I work the estate.

As for van, mine is a 57 reg and the AA guy I had out to get my starter motor going again told me to hang on to it as long as I can. Its a VW Crafter and most things have been changed, starter motor, battery, PS pump, alternator, brake pipe, timing belt and auxiliary, water pump, clutch and flywheel and bits and pieces. I have a Grippatank hot water system with RO system inbuilt, got them to paint on a speedliner before the system was fitted.

If you can afford a fitted system then its a no brainer for the backup. I knew nothing of window cleaning 7 years ago so I needed all the help I could get. At this moment it has all come together but only the weather is holding me back. So I have bought a few books on car maintenance to read so I can help my mate in his garage when he needs it.