[Jason Hedges]

Hi,

I'm new to cc and now approaching my first winter. When I bought my equipment I was told to protect fittings if left in the van (wand / hand tool trigger assemblys etc.) by wrapping in cloth if expecting freezing temperatures.

My question is what about my machine, obviously water will be left inside after use. Do I have to take it indoors or are they built to withstand extreme cold.

I have a prochem steempro. Just wondering because obviously tm'ers cant drag their equipment indoors.

What do you guys do?

Any advice appreciated,

Jason.

[Dynafoam]

Jason,

It would take hours to unload/reload a packed Transit - "old-timer" or not.

The van is ply-lined to the waste, insulated with felt-backed carpet to the roof and the roof is insulated with polystyrene plus the insulated, metallised underlay used for laminated flooring.

At night, in cold weather I use thermostatically-controlled Frost-Fighter heaters.

Be aware that in extreme cold, the van contents (liquid chemicals included) are also at risk from frost-damage, hence the emphasis on insulation.

The really clever part of the scheme is to remember to disconnect the power cable in the mornings before driving off to the first job 

[Jason Hedges]

Thanks John,

I didnt relish unloading the van every night, its hard enough dragging myself indoors after a hard days graft 

Can you recommend a supplier and make/model of frost fighter heater and how much do they cost?

Thanks again,
Jason.

[Dynafoam]

Jason,

There are several makes to choose from - the best first step is to visit a good garden centre and look ay the greenhouse heaters. Unlike normal domestic heaters these are equipped with thermostats which can be set to switch on at lower temperatures. Lets face it, to keep a van at lounge temperatures would eat into your profits. with these they can be in place every night and cost nothing to run, unless the temperature falls near frost level.

Don't set the thermostat too low. I normally set to about 8C.

Having found a suitable heater you can make a note of the name and check the internet for the best price.

[Ian Gourlay]

What about if you park in the road you cant have power cables goimg to the van

[lee_gundry]

i use a oil filled radiator from argos approx £35.00.


Lee G

[Dynafoam]

Ian,

A valid point. As I said, my vans are fairly well insulated but in extreme conditions I have been known to run an extension cable to the van or just run the engine intermittently. I have not yet modified the new van, but on others I have routed the vans' heating system, via ducting, through the bulkhead so that other than windscreen defrosting all the heat is sent to the load compartment.

On my last van I also had a Gestpatch diesel heater.

Now that I have gained a small amount of floor space I may get a small propane 'caravan' heater for the really bad days - that should guarantee that we have a mild winter 

[David Ware]

Hi
Try buying highest tog ratting duvet covers and put these over equipement.Makro do some good items
David Ware

[Dave Parry]

I cant get get a power cable to my van so had a esparcher heater fitted. These run off thew diesel tank and use a minute amount, so no problem there. The advantage is that the ducting also goes into the cab so a nice frost free warm start to the day. No scrapping of windows. Down side is that they cost about £800.

[Glynn]

Eberspacher diesel night heater as used in wagons. Very very economical, and fully automatic.

[HolmansUKLTD]

Take it indoors i cant find an insurance company anywhere in the country that insures you machine overnight unless you prove you are working!

Belive me i have tried i used to live in a flat nightmare stairs but huge forarms

Nick

[John_McGavin]

Hi Jason

I agree with Nick on this one. Dont take the chance of leaving it in the van and take it indoors.

I keep mine in the garage at night with an oil filled electric radiator beside it. The heater has a frost setting on it so doesnt eat up the electricity if not needed.

Only takes 5 mins to unload my van of machine, solution hoses, chemicals and spraying equipment .. dont forget the wand. Had to replace some bits on my wand earlier in the year when I left it in the van.

Better safe than sorry mate.

John

[strakercleaning]

I leave my kit onboard.........but if weather promises to frost over, i send the wife out to kip in the back of the van. She normally hogs all the duvet so she can snuggle up and keep machine warm

[Ken Wainwright]

That's all very well Chris, but who'll warm the loo seat for you if your wife is asleep in the van?

Safe and happy cleaning:)
Ken

[williamx]

Jason
Take the machine indoors otherwise some low life will come and take it.

I had mine nicked last year, it took the insurance 10 months to pay up and now they won't give me any type of insurance even household.