SoftWash system truck - Certified SoftWash Roof Cleaning

Matt Lancaster · SoftWash Systems Pro Staff

SoftWash system truck

Dan Dykstra · Senior Member

What are the thoughts for the best truck for the softwash system. Regular cab or extended cab, 2 door or 4, 2 wheel drive or 4 wheel drive, 8 foot bed or 6 foot bed, V8 or V6, 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton.

Chevy, Dodge or FORD

Danny Cronauer · SoftWash Systems Certified

8ft bed is the only must, some will say you want 3/4 ton for the weight, but I usually drive to the job with just chemical and then mix at the HO house. Its nice having an extended cab, I put ALOT of stuff behind the driver and passenger seats. I know down in florida they have way more 2 wheel drive trucks, Living in PA, I decided to go with 4X4 for my first truck. I believe if you are looking for 2nd or 3rd truck in your fleet and you don't need to plow, then you only want 2 wheel for some added savings.

Danny

Matt Lancaster · SoftWash Systems Pro Staff

I believe an 8’ bed is best, I had a 6’ foot system built the first time when I went to softwashapoloza in 2012 and ended up coming home with the 8’ unit. I saw the extra room it provided and it was a no brainer. It caused a chain reaction for me I had to sell my 6.5 ‘truck and trade up to an 8’ I also traded my car on the truck. BEST move ever. It has served me well. I think ¾ ton is a big plus for anyone in this business 1. We carry on average 1000# of chemical/ mix. 2. it’s a better unit for towing a trailer. 3. Better for plowing with higher clearance. The ¾ ton and 4X4 both add to the insurance bill things to consider. I personally have always been a FORD guy but I did just purchase a DODGE as my second unit. I think the Brand is irrelevant they all have their good and bad points. I love my extended cab for storing items in the cab i.e.; eyewash, first aid kit and a lot of other things. My new unit is a regular cab and I will be putting side boxes on it for weather proof storage. The generation 2 skid has room at the cab for a storage box as well , Personally I will using this space for a battery bank, but it will be at the bottom of a box that will allow me to store my chemicals BW and GW and PW on top. In PA anything less than 60# in the bed of the truck has to be physically secured so this set up will allow me to do that.

I can tell you the truck search is a pain in the butt, unless you’re buying new (TOO EXPENSIVE) I wish you well there out there but it’s a search!

Dan Dykstra · Senior Member

Matt,
you made mention of the battery bank. How many batteries (3-4) do you consider a must have for the system. I placed my order for the system and would like to have everything else set by the time I pick it up.

Mark Fermoyle · Lead Tech Certified

Hi Matt,

Exactly what size and amp hours etc. is that Nautilus battery you've been using and where did you purchase it?

Thanks,
Mark

AC Lockyer · Administrator

You can get a 2005 Ford F-150, Cab and a half 8' bed in white just about everywhere for $5,000 - $7,500 depending on mileage.

AC

Michael Derose · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

The system dosent come with a battery?

AC Lockyer · Administrator

No.

1. Would run up the system another $100
2. Would run up the shipping.
3. Everyone has differing battery preferences.
4. System would ship hazmat.

So no bettery.

AC

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Please start another thread about batteries please. This thread is about trucks. :)

Thanks,

AC

Eric Owen · SoftWash Systems Authorized Professional

I have a 8ft bed more stuff will fit . Google off lease trucks. Or GT Leasing they have trucks for sale or lease. My Uber truck will be a custom diesel van or chassis cab with a 7x 10 or 12 ft bed. Ford has a new 2014 or Dodge Load Master 2014. Their is always a used Mercedes van Sprinter. Good luck with your search.

Huey Miller · SoftWash Systems Authorized Professional

The 8 foot bed and extended cab will give much more storage capacity. We have found that the heavier trucks that we use to carry weight or pull trailers last much longer and give better service for life of the vehicle I