How Do You Roll?

[TheCleaningDude]

I'm using a 2006 Dodge Caravan CV commercial mini van.

Love it! Great mileage and has been reliable so far.

However, it's getting cramped. Been thinking about maybe attaching a few things like the Grandi Groomer and the such to the ceiling but don't know if it's strong enough. Also might need to add a generator for empties that have no electricity. Also, there is no room for a ramp and I want to get a Cimex....

Anyway, what are you driving? How much can you stuff in your vehicle?

[encapman]

In addition to Excellent Supply and Releasit, we still maintain our ol' cleaning business Kleenstep. We used to run 3 trucks in our cleaning business, but for the past decade our primary focus has been Excellent Supply, so we don't run at the capacity that we once did and now we just run 1 truck. But there's still a nice little stream of work with Kleenstep. In addition to having a couple of part time helpers, I particularly enjoy getting out there on a few jobs. I don't wanna get rusty. And I feel that keeping my head in the real world of cleaning helps me stay on top of things with Excellent Supply too.

Here's our carpet cleaning van...


P.S. I love the Transit Connect for a commercial carpet cleaning van!

[SLOTOOLS]

Very classy.
I have a newer large Chevy van and I dream of a compact van providing professional service with total pro but portable equipment. However I see these tiny cars used for carpet companies in the field and have to chuckle, I have a rx20, assorted fans, a tile tool, 6 different wands 570 Sapphire Scientific and all chems for T&G, upholstery, carpet, repair equiment, heck my MSDS book is getting too big! and now the Yellow guy.....I get any more equipment I will have to look at a Kenworth 18 wheeler.

[David-Hebert]

We run two vans plus plus a trailer, trailer is set up to do hard surfaces such as wood, marble, VCT or large commercial jobs that will take several days to several weeks to do. One van is set up like a TM but with a high pro extractor and accessories, the other is set up for VLM with a Demon in it just incase

[Peter B]

I have 2 vans 1 dodge 2500 v-6( prochem // 1 chevy v-8 2500 extended ( 4.8 cds salsa )
i am looking at the new dodge caravan commercial panal van for low moisture cleaning service gas has been my largest expense serving 2 counties oh i almost forgot ALL WHEEL DRIVE LOL!! Peter B.

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I just noticed JR. ENCAPPER ?????? Peter B.

[patrickm]

Maybe hard to see but right behind or to the left of the wand is a 2 headed groommer held up by 2 regular clips, anchored into the "ribs"

[SLOTOOLS]

Rick-
I would love to see the inside of your van with the tools! I am sure it is fully organized and tidy.

[Cosway_Toronto]

Chevy Astro and GMC Safari.
4.3L V6 very tough motor and trans and van is low enough to fit in underground parking of commercial buildings.

Plus if you put the seats back in you can haul 7 or 8 people around

[prodrying]

We just bought a Ford Transit Connect also. Great mpg, 24-27. Compared to our TM at 10 and our box truck at 10mpg. We use it for water restoration. We have out grown just using one truck for water restoration. Plenty of times we get two jobs at the same time and need two trucks. So the little transit (or clown car as my employees call it) can haul 2 Phoenix 270 HTx's, 12 fans, meter box, tool box, 2 50' 10 gauge extension cords, tape, broom, dust pan, trash bags, and two people to a job. Since 80% of the time we don't need to extract on these jobs then it comes in handy. We also pick up and deliver rugs in it, occasionally.

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It's a miracle I figured out how to post a picture.

[patrickm]

I am looking forward to switching out to a Ford Transit or maybe the new Ram mini van. Less is more...going to a smaller vehicle forces you to carry only what you actually need and use. Just like in backpacking... why carry an empty 4-8 pound backpack when you can carry a 8.5 oz. unit that will carry everything you will need.... just not all of the overmade/blown nonsense!

[Derek]

the newer-style efficient vans like the Ford Transit or the Nissan NV looks great to me. BUT, i got used to an extended van. idk if these new-style vans have the same length as my extended GMC van

Rick is that a wrap? how many years until you think it will need to be replaced? i heard they last 4-5 years.?. of course, you don't have the road salt to worry about messing up your signage my Vinyl is peeling in many places

you can catch my van in this months Cleanfax mag

[prodrying]

Nice Derek. I was going to get a wrap on my transit, but I was told it would only last 3-5 years and I don't have to worry about salt on the road either. Also if it is not installed properly you could have issues. So I just went with my current set up on my other 4 trucks. This way if part of the vinyl fades out from the sun then I just replace that part. Also, I had the transit lettered for 800.00 and the price for a wrap was 2500.00. Just wasn't worth it to me.

[encapman]

I was told that you can pull the wrap off at any point in time and the paint under the wrap will be like new. It's been 3 years since I purchased the wrap for our Transit. I don't remember the exact price offhand, but I think it was like $1200. It's been on for 3 years now, we haven't waxed it like we should, and the wrap still looks very fresh. Plus it's parked in the Florida sun all day. I'm impressed with how it's holding up.

[prodrying]

That's really good Rick. I was told something totally different than you about the paint underneath and the price I was quoted was double yours. I even got three estimates. Oh well life goes on.

[Derek]

it sure has held up well! what a deal you got to, very fortunate.