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Steventhaddeus · Guest

Size of Truck?

Great White Technologies · Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Certified Roof Cleaner

That is going to depend on the size of tank and other equipment you will be hauling. Pulling a trailer or in the bed? Lots of variables.

One suggestion.... Buy used and let someone else take the butt kicking.

Guest

Steven, are you considering buying a vehicle solely for the purpose of roof cleaning? If so, that brings in a ton of variables. The depreciation factor, and how many jobs you must complete just to compensate for that one factor alone is enough to put you in the hole. If you don't own a vehicle, and are thinking of buying one just to start a roof cleanig business, then I would reconsider. not trying to bum you out, but I would definitely think it through first, and KNOW YOUR NUMBERS.

Roof Clean USA Georgia 229-227-0000 · guest

Steventhaddeus wrote:

Hello I am still in the research stage and haven't even got my name of the business going yet but I am in the process. I currently don't even own a vehicle and am in need of one, so I am wondering what size truck would be a good choice? I am pretty set on a diesel but don't know what size would be suitable and not rob me at the pump?

PS thank you all so much for the information on here!!

I can't wait to start!

What kind of money are you able to work with for the vehicle?

Is this a pipe dream or do you have a plan?

Diesel Smeezel?! The real question is....are you dead broke, or do you have a job now so you can fund this startup?

Can you really afford to be a roof cleaner?

How do you currently get to your job? Walk, hitch a ride , bus?

Does this look like easy money, cleaning roofs and is that why you choose to investigate this as a business or are you wanting to be a TRUE professional in this business?

Tough questions but they need to be asked?

Baltimore MD Roof Cleaning 410-482-4367 · guest

Good questions Dave. Amount of funds available, and if you have chosen trailer or flatbed will help us help you bro.

Steventhaddeus · Guest

Thanks for the questions. I have about 6 grand in cash right now. My fiance and I have her car to share. I would like to get a vehicle that is more usable for possibly adding a power washing service along with the roof cleaning eventually. I plan to pull a trailer. I like the thought of Diesel just because of the engine life of a used vehicle (personal preference)

No this is not a pipe dream I am reading and saving everything I can right now. Currently I make about 4 grand a month at my JOB. But am super unhappy to much travel and we have a young son and its killing me to be away the amount of time that I am.

Guest

Don't buy a sprinter for roof cleaning, lol. I would suggest a gas truck that looks good from the curb and a trailer.

If its a start up, buy a used older truck with some miles, you could outfit everything for $6000 with ease. We didn't start out with top of the line stuff, don't be fooled. My first work truck was a 72 chevy 2wd, I loved it!

As time progresses and you need the write off's then look at upgrading as needed. Do not over extend yourself, the first couple years is pretty nerve racking so spend wisely.

Roger · Premium Member Roof Cleaning Institute of America

Spend wisely! If you are planning to quit your job you will need finances to survive in case of slow times in the cleaning biz. Hopefully things boom quickly, but be prepared. Best of luck!

williamwinn1 · Guest

dont forget to check d.o.t. regs. and length (length can make the diff. of easly getting in driveways or having longer hoses). your local tags and reg. office can help you find lots of info, look for a dodge diesel, they are cheap because theres so many of them out there, but, dont forget to look at others

Guest

Steven, call me anytime. I can help you out with the basics of getting started, most of it you can find here. My best advice would be KNOW YOUR NUMBERS. I say that redundantly, because most people have no idea what their real numbers are. And some don't want to know, because then they realize that they don't make as much money as they originally thought. I would hold on to that job until you have at least $20-30,000 in the bank. Otherwise, you will have to complete about 20-30 jobs per month to profit what you make now from your job. 20-30 jobs per month starting out is possible, but very unlikely with no base.

SP Cleaning · Jun 29, 2009

I am writing this post in hopes that this information will help some in finding a correct truck for their rig. This info is my own opinion, but also my experience with work trucks.
In the past I worked for a company that made transmission bearings and other internal transmission components for the big 3 and others. I was in charge of R&D of these components. We built components from scratch and torture tested these components to failure in some of the most state of the art test rigs in existence. Then evaluated what caused the failure, then the application engineers would try and design a better component. So I do know a little bit about transmissions.

I Always purchase a standard shift truck for work. Automatic transmissions rely on clutches inside the transmission to transfer the rotational power from the engine to the drive shaft. When you carry a lot of weight, you put tremendous stress on the rotating clutches. They tend to slip just a little at first, and with time, they will fail, and you will be able to tell the transmission is slipping, more and more before it's untimely death. The larger work trucks will have a beefier automatic transmission such as an Allison etc. but you still have the same scenario, just a longer life.
A standard shift transmission relys on gears meshing together to transfer the rotational power from the engine to the drive shaft. When you carry a lot of weight, this puts stress on the gears, but they are a better and stronger design and method of transferring this power. Yes, gears do wear out, but not as fast as the clutches do. You can also down shift, and let the transmission help with the braking, and stopping of your rig with heavy loads. This is a great thing when you have to stop quickly, as it aids the brakes, and you can stop a heavy rig in much less distance than with brakes alone.
I have over 220,000 miles on my truck, and haul around 5,000 lbs regularly, and have had no problems with it. Knock On Wood....... LoL.....
The smaller trucks (F-150, 1500, most 2500's etc.) have "regular" automatic transmissions in them. They are not made to carry or haul heavy loads. If $ is tight and you are on a budget, and these are your options for a truck, I would strongly suggest finding one with a standard transmission. It will last longer then the automatics. I hope this info was informative and helpful to someone out there.
Again this is my opinion, and only meant to aid in decision making of purchasing your next work truck.

Chris

Roof Cleaning Kissimmee FL 407-452-4526 · Guest

SP Cleaning wrote:

I am writing this post in hopes that this information will help some in finding a correct truck for their rig. This info is my own opinion, but also my experience with work trucks.
In the past I worked for a company that made transmission bearings and other internal transmission components for the big 3 and others. I was in charge of R&D of these components. We built components from scratch and torture tested these components to failure in some of the most state of the art test rigs in existence. Then evaluated what caused the failure, then the application engineers would try and design a better component. So I do know a little bit about transmissions.

I Always purchase a standard shift truck for work. Automatic transmissions rely on clutches inside the transmission to transfer the rotational power from the engine to the drive shaft. When you carry a lot of weight, you put tremendous stress on the rotating clutches. They tend to slip just a little at first, and with time, they will fail, and you will be able to tell the transmission is slipping, more and more before it's untimely death. The larger work trucks will have a beefier automatic transmission such as an Allison etc. but you still have the same scenario, just a longer life.
A standard shift transmission relys on gears meshing together to transfer the rotational power from the engine to the drive shaft. When you carry a lot of weight, this puts stress on the gears, but they are a better and stronger design and method of transferring this power. Yes, gears do wear out, but not as fast as the clutches do. You can also down shift, and let the transmission help with the braking, and stopping of your rig with heavy loads. This is a great thing when you have to stop quickly, as it aids the brakes, and you can stop a heavy rig in much less distance than with brakes alone.
I have over 220,000 miles on my truck, and haul around 5,000 lbs regularly, and have had no problems with it. Knock On Wood....... LoL.....
The smaller trucks (F-150, 1500, most 2500's etc.) have "regular" automatic transmissions in them. They are not made to carry or haul heavy loads. If $ is tight and you are on a budget, and these are your options for a truck, I would strongly suggest finding one with a standard transmission. It will last longer then the automatics. I hope this info was informative and helpful to someone out there.
Again this is my opinion, and only meant to aid in decision making of purchasing your next work truck.

Chris

Good advice Chris...i'm currently pulling my trailer with my SUV but I am looking to get me a work truck.

Great White Technologies · Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Certified Roof Cleaner

After I get going more I plan to purchase and convert an Ambulance. Look at all the storage. Hoses in the side compartments. etc.... Besides it would attract attention.

Roofguard Shingle Cleaning · Guest

Make sure whatever you buy will be able to do the job. I made
the mistake by starting small. I bought an almost new ranger
pickup. added a rollout tray and a utility cap with ladder rack, Nice truck but not heavy duty enough or large enough to carry everything
I now use a 2 axle trailer pulled by a full sizedodge 3500
pickup. Maybe over kill now. But plenty of room.

Guest

Hey Pat,
Put the sirens on because there a Roof Cleaning Emergency. LOL!!!!

williamwinn1 · Guest

Pat , if you do that you'll have to change the name to ROOF RESCUE.

However, look at all the advertiseing SPACE, and mabye even a pair pictures

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum "Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum
"Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"