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colley614

  • Posts: 1557
Backpack...What next!
« on: October 09, 2007, 06:29:29 pm »

Hi guys,

Right here is a strange one. I've bought a backpack and have marketed the fact that I am now a high level window cleaning specialist. Right the problem is I seem to have marketed this a little too successfully! I have sorted quotes out for local offices blocks and am now thinking I am in the process of taking on loads of new work through a few different channels. I was sub contracting work from a local firm now I'm water fed they had booked me full of schools for half term the week the kids went back. So I am looking at going one set further with the water fed pole and am considering a trailer system so what do you guys think about trailers?

Thanks,

Keith.

NWH

  • Posts: 16952
Re: Backpack...What next!
« Reply #1 on: October 09, 2007, 06:31:14 pm »
Trailers would be perfect for commercial work where parking is not an issue,the opposite for domestic.

colley614

  • Posts: 1557
Re: Backpack...What next!
« Reply #2 on: October 09, 2007, 06:37:22 pm »

Yeah, I've really aimed at the commercial market with this system because in my area there aren't many around. I Think there is 3 in my town at the most that advertise. I keep phoning companies and offering free demo's and quotes and have ended up quoting on loads of work that either never had a window cleaner or work were they are fed up of the window cleaner and are looking for a change. I have also pushed my hourly rate up a little but because I'm using my backpack people aren't noticing it!

I am looking at getting a trailer and was wondering if I need a licence to pull one?

Paul Coleman

Re: Backpack...What next!
« Reply #3 on: October 09, 2007, 06:45:20 pm »

Yeah, I've really aimed at the commercial market with this system because in my area there aren't many around. I Think there is 3 in my town at the most that advertise. I keep phoning companies and offering free demo's and quotes and have ended up quoting on loads of work that either never had a window cleaner or work were they are fed up of the window cleaner and are looking for a change. I have also pushed my hourly rate up a little but because I'm using my backpack people aren't noticing it!

I am looking at getting a trailer and was wondering if I need a licence to pull one?

Only if it's attached to a vehicle  :)

Seriously though, just check the maximum towing weight of your vehicle and that the trailer weight when full falls within that.  No extra license needed as far as I'm aware.  After all, you don't need an extra license to tow a caravan.
N.B.  You may be subject to lower speed limits on the faster roads.  Better check that bit out.

steve m

  • Posts: 796
Re: Backpack...What next!
« Reply #4 on: October 09, 2007, 08:25:01 pm »
when did you pass your test? If it was before 1997 you'r ok, if it was after check first you may have to take an extra test

Captain Scarlet

  • Posts: 3087
Re: Backpack...What next!
« Reply #5 on: October 09, 2007, 08:39:50 pm »
cars pulling trailers cannot go in the third lane of a motorway, and no license is needed. A trailer system is the cheapest form of a van mount, most trailers  can carry very heavy loads. I recommend Ifor Williams trailers, Luke




heres the trailer without the stickers, its the BV5



Ffenest ( est 2007 ) is a fully insured premium quality window cleaning service based at Llandderfel near Bala. All our work is guaranteed, rain or shine, year round.

jeff1

  • Posts: 5855
Re: Backpack...What next!
« Reply #6 on: October 09, 2007, 09:06:49 pm »
There are serious issues when thinking of trailer mounts, I use one every day.

No extra license needed, no 3rd lanes on m/ways and normally 10 miles per hour slower on duel carrage and m/ways.

Thats the easy bit, you need to learn to reverse the trailer, it helps when you can reverse out of the custy's drive and not looking like a Gonk ;D,
get some cones and go to a council carpark at the weekend and practice reversing into a bay from different angles, when you think you have mastered it, you haven't so do it again and again. skill will only come with time patients and practice, and don't let anyone tell you any different.

Make sure you can see the trailer in your rear view mirror, this also helps when reversing, but turn your body and head to reverse, as you need to steer in the opposite direction you want the trailer to go.

Get a trailer with brakes fitted  a jockey wheel is a must, and on the rear fit drop legs, when you unhitch your trailer drop these legs to within an inch or two from the ground, because when you least expect it the trailer will tip, but with the legs down the trailer will only drop to were you put the rear legs, again you won't look like a gonk ;D

Think of storing and parking, but most of all think of security, not only will you loose your trailer but think of all the gear in there, my own trailer has 3 lots of security, Tow hitch lock, its chained to the wall and is fuly alarmed, it also has a lockable metal lid.




Captain Scarlet

  • Posts: 3087
Re: Backpack...What next!
« Reply #7 on: October 09, 2007, 09:10:34 pm »
the shorter your trailer the harder it is to manouver, as a little movement on the steering wheel has more of an impact, it's to do with pivot. So the longer your trailer the better for reversing and manouvering. Also braking and mirror extensions, these will help, Luke
Ffenest ( est 2007 ) is a fully insured premium quality window cleaning service based at Llandderfel near Bala. All our work is guaranteed, rain or shine, year round.

Alistair@AWC

  • Posts: 880
Re: Backpack...What next!
« Reply #8 on: October 09, 2007, 09:26:44 pm »
 
my own trailer has 3 lots of security, Tow hitch lock, its chained to the wall and is fuly alarmed, it also has a lockable metal lid.


4 lots of security Jeff  ;)

Helen

Re: Backpack...What next!
« Reply #9 on: October 09, 2007, 09:40:15 pm »
think you will have to check out with your vehicle insurance too as this is a question I am always asked by them, believe it may cost more to insure if you tow a trailer. >:(

jeff1

  • Posts: 5855
Re: Backpack...What next!
« Reply #10 on: October 09, 2007, 09:47:48 pm »
think you will have to check out with your vehicle insurance too as this is a question I am always asked by them, believe it may cost more to insure if you tow a trailer. >:(

You have to have business Insurance, not just 3rd party fire and theft.

my own trailer has 3 lots of security, Tow hitch lock, its chained to the wall and is fuly alarmed, it also has a lockable metal lid.


4 lots of security Jeff ;)
If you count the Boss  ;D thats 4 lots, but I forgot my best mate.
Here she is just checking my car and Trailer are OK  ;D

colley614

  • Posts: 1557
Re: Backpack...What next!
« Reply #11 on: October 09, 2007, 10:22:49 pm »

Thanks for the advice guys. I used to drive a tug master on the docks so I'm pretty used to reversing trailers. Also the boss at my old place used to get me to reverse his reach and wash trailers around sites so I'm pretty used to them. I like the look of the double axle Ifor Williams trailer in the pics! Think with having a twin axle it will help reversing.

I have had a really good week with regards to work and am looking forward to the next month or so now. I just need to make sure everything is ok before I go out shopping for a trailer. I've just bought a ford focus and the wife loves is so I don't fancy telling her I need to trade it in for a van. I'd be single and the car would stay on the drive  ;D Lol

D.Salkeld_Ltd

  • Posts: 951
Re: Backpack...What next!
« Reply #12 on: October 10, 2007, 07:21:28 pm »
Hi Folks,

I use a trailer system all day AND a backpack ALL day.

Backpack for large commercials.................NO NO.....you'll be filling it up all day!!

Backpack for domestics......................YES YES.....you can go ANYWHERE.
But you need to set up a grab n go system like mine.

David
Not Perfect - But Honest