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Post Info TOPIC: Open or enclosed trailer?


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Open or enclosed trailer?
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I was wondering what your thoughts are on open vs. enclosed trailers.  I have been pricing out both on ebay and local distributors and there is quiet a price difference but I was wondering what some of the pros and cons are that you guys have found.  I have been leaning towards an enclosed trailer, but was looking for some feedback to see if there are things that I haven't considered.  

Thanks 
Dustin


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when you have an enclosed trailer you need to worry about the Chlorine gas that will build in the trailer from your tank, small leak in connections, if something breaks, ect.. if you can vent this and have good air flow I don't see a problem with an enclosed trailer/ Box truck. Just make sure to check for damage done by the Chlorine gas on a regular basis

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You can purchase an enclosed trailer with vents or you can have the vents added to the trailer. The bad this is the cost of the fuel is higher because of the wind drag.
The good news everything is out of the weather, no rain or sun rays, Your able to store more items with the enclosed trailer.
The one I had built, with three 48in escape doors on it, 125.00 per door it helps to get access to thing to work on it & vent hot p/w out of the doors, this trailer is not for  roof cleaning.

-- Edited by harleyp on Tuesday 7th of July 2009 07:54:42 PM

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I was wondering about ventilation myself and I have seen roof vents before, so if I go that route I'll need to get one that already has them or install some.

Thanks for the feedback. There are a lot of things to consider and sometimes I think I'm over-thinking things a bit, but I don't want any regrets or at least limit them.

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Yes or have them to install them for you.


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  Ronnie g graeff



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harleyp wrote:

You can purchase an enclosed trailer with vents or you can have the vents added to the trailer. The bad this is the cost of the fuel is higher because of the wind drag.
The good news everything is out of the weather, no rain or sun rays, Your able to store more items with the enclosed trailer.
The one I had built, with three 48in escape doors on it, 125.00 per door it helps to get access to thing to work on it & vent hot p/w out of the doors, this trailer is not for  roof cleaning.




 This trailer you showed a pic of can easliy be converted to NON-PRESSURE roof cleaning. These acsess doors are just the ticket for both e-z access  to items when things get TIGHT inside. Just open a door and voila' ....instant access.


The key MANY guys forget is too make a set or one LONG narrow door on the passengers side for access to hose reels. In order to roll and unroll your reels (unless you can afford electric reels) you need room on one side for the SWIVEL and the OTHER side for the crank handle and arm. If you have more than one hose reel, i.e., one reel for water hose/fill hose, another one two for 1 or 2 man roof cleaning/pressure washing. These need to made into the trailer and thought out BEFORE the build takes place, cause its a real pain in the azz to add-on later, after the trailer is built. Been there , done that, didn't like the bill disbelief)

Anyway its easier (and far cheaper) to take a BLANK sheet of paper and get to work with a ruler and after some headscratchin' you will dial in just where everything will go. (read this forum) Then, have a trailer built with doors to access your Drivers side and Passengers side AS WELL. Hindsight is 20/20.

Plan your work and then work your plan.



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I would think there would be a few complications with an enclosed trailer, including gas vapors, exhaust fumes from any gasoline powered compressor, and just normal heat build up during hot weather. 

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I don't have a trailer so take this with a grain of salt.  I'm thinking about it though so I look forward to all the responses.  Seems to me that an enclosed trailer offers a nice big "advertising opportunity" as well as protection from the weather.  Of course, a tank could be used for this on an open trailer but it may be overlooked by the potential customer with all the other "stuff" on the trailer.  The cons that I would see with an enclosed trailer are pretty much already stated in the previous posts (ventilation, access, etc.).   Be sure to post your decision and results! 

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harleyp wrote:

You can purchase an enclosed trailer with vents or you can have the vents added to the trailer. The bad this is the cost of the fuel is higher because of the wind drag.
The good news everything is out of the weather, no rain or sun rays, Your able to store more items with the enclosed trailer.
The one I had built, with three 48in escape doors on it, 125.00 per door it helps to get access to thing to work on it & vent hot p/w out of the doors, this trailer is not for  roof cleaning.

-- Edited by harleyp on Tuesday 7th of July 2009 07:54:42 PM




 I can open all my doors & run two p/w's & gen & trailer will not hot inside
just like a open trailer.



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  Ronnie g graeff



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My Preference if you want to know is an open trailer with ladder racks and overhead signage.

My preferred method of doing business is going with an F450 1-1/2 ton FLATBED 8 feet wide and 12 feet long.

Why?

I have built every type and manner of open trailers, closed trailers, vans, box trucks, open 5th wheel goosnecks and more and all have their positive benefits and their drawbacks.

The best method out of all my past builds and the ones I have participated in have been using a Dually Truck and a flatbed.

Why?

It offers all of the benefits of all the other types of builds, all together in on easy to haul all in one vehicle.

Some do not have a place to store a large rig. Solution. Go rent a storage unit that has 10 ft. overhead doors so you can park easy.

In the winter months, drain all pumps and tanks and winterize for next season for you guys up NORTH.



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David,

Can you explain your "overhead signage" or provide a picture?

Thanks!

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Midwest Improvement Services

Roof Cleaning Ohio

Ohio Roofing

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Yes Bill.

I would be happy to explain and show you and others just what overhead signage means and is.

What I mean when I mention saying overhead signage is that during your flatbed trailer platform build out, you should try and include an overhead ladder rack and box it in on the corners of the trailer bed by extending the small railing UPWARD that most utility trailers come standard with.

Make a rack that incorporates the ability to put signage with graphics running the length of your trailer and about 24" in height.

See Pics Below of my T-Rex Monster Roof Cleaner Trailer I built last summer/fall.

This is the Largest Roof Cleaning Trailer I have built to date at almost 25 feet long from end to end.

Capable of 8 hose reels, 4 LARGE storage tanks and 5 High and Low Pressure Pump Systems

This system I designed, built from scratch, and use often has a capacity to move up to 39.5 gallons of liquid per minute and can run up to 5 crew members simultaneously.

Just a quick mention,

If anyone wants a cleaning rig built by me I am taking orders for my fall build schedule.

Hope this info and the pics help you Bill!

Have a Terrific Day!

David W.- RCIA Admin. and Operations Manager-Roof Clean USA


-- Edited by Roof Clean USA Georgia 229-227-0000 on Wednesday 8th of July 2009 01:35:52 PM

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I would really love to go with a flatbed truck for all the reasons that you listed, however the cost for me right now isn't the best route.  Once I start cooking with gas I hope to upgrade to one.  Plus that would free up my window cleaning truck to go take care of business elsewhere.  

I'll be pulling the trailer with an 04 Chevy 1/2 ton that is already equipped with a ladder rack, so I don't need one on the trailer right now.  I was considering an enclosed trailer for the advertising potential and the weather resistance.  I was thinking that the ventilation problem could be solved with two roof vents.  

Do you agree with my logic or am I out in left field?  

By the way the T-Rex is a sight to behold.

Thanks 
Dustin


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Dustin Miller
Roof Cleaning of Iowa
Indianola, IA 50125
(515) 689-7663



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Roof Vents and Side Induction Vents will definitely help.

As far as venting for Chlorine vapors I would get vents installed that have "REPLACEABLE" exhaust mini-fans that could be run on the 12v wiring from a solar panel and a couple deep cycle batteries which you will have if you are going with a 12volt spray system?

Side vents or induction vents work when the trailer is moving but are of no help when it is stationary.

Both need to be installed on the enclosed trailer at build time, not as an afterthought. Any trailers I have seen that have had them scabbed on later all have either leaked or looked really ugly.



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Hi and Welcome Dustin. Listen to Dave about the flatbeds...trailers suck in general to drive with. I am getting a new trailer right now and I wish I could get the big boy truck. The gas in the enclosed trailers is no joke. It is salty and corrosive. It will eat your wires, the metal walls, and everything else inside as many experienced brothers on this forum have found in their past experiences.

Bravo for asking this question before you bought the trailer. That is exactly what people just learning this business should do, post before you build and let the pros catch any mistakes you may be making. There are other threads about this gas and trailer info throughout the forum so use the search bar and find out all you can.

I have a friend who uses an enclosed trailer to clean new brick construction with acid. He has a hole in his lung from the enclosed trailer full of acid.

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Bill,

I have listened to David's and your feedback and have decided against the enclosed trailer, although I think the advertising opportunities would be awesome. I've been looking at open trailers again and went and looked at a flatbed truck tonight that might do the job. I have a buddy that knows someone that also has a flatbed truck for sale that would be in my price range too. Thanks again for all the input and I'll let you know what I end up with.

Dusitn

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Dustin Miller
Roof Cleaning of Iowa
Indianola, IA 50125
(515) 689-7663



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Excellent Dustin, take your time and do your reasearch and you will have the perfect rig!!

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Accuwash LLC

Cell-240-425-2845

 



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I have been told thet you would want to avoid using your truck because no matter how clean you are the chemicals eat everything. So the trailker is the way to go. Im a newbie and I have a 2010 F-250. Any thoughts.
(I would love a mini T-Rex)

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Eric SCHNAIBLE wrote:

I have been told thet you would want to avoid using your truck because no matter how clean you are the chemicals eat everything. So the trailker is the way to go. Im a newbie and I have a 2010 F-250. Any thoughts.
(I would love a mini T-Rex)



My set up is in the back of my truck

 



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Dustin Miller wrote:

Bill,

I have listened to David's and your feedback and have decided against the enclosed trailer, although I think the advertising opportunities would be awesome. I've been looking at open trailers again and went and looked at a flatbed truck tonight that might do the job. I have a buddy that knows someone that also has a flatbed truck for sale that would be in my price range too. Thanks again for all the input and I'll let you know what I end up with.

Dusitn



We like Flatbed trucks, had a trailer get loose with 600 gallons of roof cleaning chemicals

 



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