Dependable carpet cleaning vans are the workhorse for any carpet cleaning business. They are used to transport and house the various carpet cleaning equipment, people and supplies. This is a mobile, service based business that relies on bringing the tools and expertise to the customers premise. Without a reliable and dependable carpet cleaning van, there is no way to run a successful carpet cleaning business. These vans have the flexibility to carry small, portable carpet extraction cleaning equipment as well as the larger truck mounted extraction type equipment. They also need to carry all the hoses, lines, cleaning wands, chemical products and any other accessories depending on the type of cleaning services offered.
The carpet cleaning vans of choice are the GMC Savanna and Ford E-series cargo vans. These are rugged and reliable workhorses that have been performing tasks like this for decades. These cargo vans have undergone little change over the years as most businesses, including carpet cleaning, customize the vans for their specific needs. They are usually available in ½ ton and one ton models depending on the load carrying and space requirements of the various cleaning equipment and accessories. The Dodge Sprinter van is a newer entrant that has some unique features that are particularly suited to the needs of a carpet cleaning business.
Dodge Sprinter, GMC Savana and Ford E-Series Vans
The key components in selecting a van are age, reliability, horsepower and load capacity. These features need to be matched with the needs for your particular type of carpet cleaning business. The key factors to consider when thinking about a carpet cleaning van purchase are as follows:
The size, weight and type of the truck mount equipment. The van is independent of the truck mount cleaning equipment and different vans can be configured to use different equipment although many companies sell them together as a package for ‘turnkey’ operation. Truck mounts can come as ‘slide-in’ for use in just about any properly sized van or the newer van powered models that have more stringent requirements regarding make, model and vehicle age.
The size of the fresh water and water recovery tanks. One of the benefits of steam extraction machines is that they are self-contained with no dependencies on the customer for operation e.g. water or power. That means they have to carry their own water and water is heavy. Care must be taken to correctly size the tanks for fit in the van as well as calculating the weight requirements.
Space for hose reels, lines and cleaning wands. Large reels are required for the hoses and lines depending on the length of each. Space needs to be made available for these items as well as determining the proper location to facilitate easy access. Cleaning wands are long and will require hooks or other suspension from the sides or top of the van.
Shelving for cleaning products and other small accessories. Space needs to made for the various chemicals and cleaning products that allows for safe transportation without spills. There are also a multitude of smaller items (tools, gloves, brushes, etc) that need to be carried and organized so you can find them when you need them.
Finally, a couple of thoughts on the interior configuration of carpet cleaning vans. While a cargo van looks roomy when empty, it can fill up quickly. Here are a few thoughts to keep in mind when laying out the interior.
- Make sure there is room to get in and repair your truck mount. It will break eventually and the service technician needs access to provide quick repair turnaround. Also make sure your truck mount controls are easily accessible.
- Are the inlet and outlet hoses to your water tanks easy to get to? You’ll be filling and draining all day, every day.
- Truck mounts get hot. Make sure to leave room for air circulation
- Where is the fuel inlet for the truck mount? Fuel spills are messy and dangerous. Make it as easy as possible to refill.
- Taylor you service offerings to your ability to transport the necessary stuff. If you want to up-sell services for upholstery, floors, stains, etc. make sure you have room for whatever special chemicals and supplies are needed.
Used carpet cleaning equipment can be a way to go also, to help save some money up front – especially for a new carpet cleaning business owner. Of course, there are risks with that also…. do your homework and you should be OK.
Great post
We are looking for a approved carpet cleaner, if you know of one please email me at http://www.furnacecleaning.info
Using used carpet cleaning equipment is an excellent way to reduce your startup costs, for sure! Plus you can usually get everything you need (or almost) in one purchase, ie. van, truckmount, hoses, etc. Great article, thanks!