Hey everyone. I currently have an open trailer and want to upgrade to either a box truck or enclosed trailer. Mostly because of storing in the winter months. I mostly do fleet washing with am occasionall house. Checking for some pros/cons of either… Let me know your opinions. Thanks
This topic has been discussed before, use the search tool.
But short answer they are the same thing, one just has a motor attached that cant be separated if the truck wont start.
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I was thinking that a big van with a sliding door would be great. Takes up less space and all of your equipment can be locked up when not in use.
what about ventilation?
I’ve been battling with this decision for a couple months, but after sketching out the pros and cons.
Insurance costs
Truck breakdowns/upgrades
Taxes
Insurance and taxes on a truck are higher than a trailer.
What if I want to upgrade the truck? Do I need to move everything from the box truck or keep multiple trucks?
What if the truck breaks down? I can rent another truck with a trailer.
I’ve completely written off the idea of a box truck and decided on an enclosed.
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In what regards?
If you get a big van- youll have your chemicals in there causing fumes, and PW and etc.
or no
There are a handful of folks here who run vans. @Jordie what are your thoughts?
Insurance/Registration.
Needs to be Commercial which will be more costly. Geico does not insure commercial auto in MA and HI, just FYI.
Functionality.
Can be overcrowded and difficult to service/operate/troubleshoot. Will things be bolted into floor? Hung from ceiling? Mounted to walls?
Ventilation.
Definitely a concern. Yes, the fumes do accumulate. Fuel, Bleach.
Heater exhaust needs proper escape. Most likely a hole cut out of side, exhaust duct fixed in placed and sealed.
PW exhaust also needs exit. Through floor?
Shop fan is most likely needed, which requires power outlet access.
Temperature is also a necessary consideration, as well as Carbon Monoxide monitoring.
Safety.
Do I need to replay the video again, lol?
2 Large fire extinguishers, accessible without having to enter enclosure.
If something goes up in flames in a box truck, what are you left with? There goes everything.
Other Considerations.
Your floors will get trashed and wet. Duraliner installed for Transit $1100 w/ angle iron installed on floor behind seats. Makes cleaning easy but smell is overpowering for a couple weeks after install.
Fuel transport. Make sure to check locals laws for limits in a box truck/van especially. Van cargo space may be considered “cabin” space by law.
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend a van. Get the open trailer and store it in a garage. It’s worth spending for in exchange for safety and peace of mind. Easier to service and operate.
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I prefer a trailer because I don’t do pressure washing everyday so on days we are doing windows or gutters etc. I can leave the trailer in the shop and still use the truck. If the truck goes to the shop for repair, I can rent a truck or use my window cleaning van to pull the PW trailer so I don’t have all my equipment tied up while the repair shop works on a vehicle. It’s all about having the most options for me.
Great points everyone. The only thing pushing me is the storage of the open trailer. I might build a carport for the trailer and get a bigger open one
I think that writing down on paper a pro and con column with as many pros and cons for every type of vehicle and trailer as Squid suggested is a great idea. My opinion is that you can make anything work for you but nothing is ever the perfect fit.
Open trailer would be easiest. But if going to the hassle and expense of building a carport, go enclosed. To help with convenience, you can get doors put about anywhere, vents installed everywhere, and make things very much easier to access if that is the case.
Storing an open trailernis the only reason i dont have one. My small 5x8 has suited me well thus far. I remove machine and will set up buffer and machine at each job. This will be first year with a buffer and larger machine, but it should take much time. Enclosed trailer always me to keep everything out of weather, and locked up while not in use.
If fleet wachine and having tk move around a lot more, it wud be a hassle to load up and move frequently.
With fleet I have a 275 gallon buffer tank and a PW hot water skid so it will stay mounted. If I come across a cheap enclosed trailer I will jump on it.
