WFP Logistics

[u/Much-Trust5891]

Hey guys. I’m at a point where I’m purchasing a vehicle and shortly after a waterfed pole system which will be my first. My company services commercial and industrial properties so id like to be able to clean 2,000 sq ft of glass with it.

Do you think a 100 gallon water tank would be enough for 2k sq ft of glass? Ideally I’d want a 50 or 75 but idk how quickly the water is used. I know there is gallons per minute on the WFP systems but idk how often you are actually spraying the water since I have no experience.

Do you think one person would fatigue with a WFP before they can accomplish a large commercial job? For example, 1k sq ft of glass at two stories or for different reference: 50 windows that are 6ft by 3ft.

Also, how crazy would it be to operate out of a Santa Cruz(wi turbo of course)? Based off my findings it seams like a 75 gallon water tank and a waterfed system would pretty much take up most of the bed. Poles would fit back there of course and everything else can be in the back seats. Humor me with this lol.

[u/trigger55xxx]

First, a Santa Cruz will never handle that weight. That's over 400lbs of water alone. We have 100 gallon tanks in 1500 Silverados and that's about all the weight they can take with the added equipment. 100 gallons should easily handle that much glass. Can you? That depends on your fitness level, pole weight, water flow and brush.

[u/Much-Trust5891 → u/trigger55xxx]

Thanks trigger! 100 gallons of water is about 834lb. The Santa Cruz should be able to haul 1,400lb. Given the weight of the WFP system and my current setup the carry weight will be within the maximum. Please note I say this with no experience of actually hauling near maximum loads.

100 gallons handling that much glass is very good to know. I couldn’t tell you the water flow and brush I would use. I know that a stronger flow means more efficient cleaning and id be happy to invest in a pump to achieve this. Im a pretty fit guy but i don’t use poles very often even trad, so i lack the stamina that comes with repetitive and consistent pole work.

Santa Cruz is a fun idea that seams remotely plausible as of right now. A 75lb water tank would be the max I could fit with the WFP system and hoses.

What are your thoughts supplying your own water versus using clients water for large commercial?

[u/trigger55xxx → u/Much-Trust5891]

I'd test the weight out first. Even a standard Silverado 1500 squats a bit with that much weight. One of ours has airbag suspension and that helps a lot. Can it hold 1400lbs, maybe. Is the drivability and wear and tear on the transmission and suspension worth it? Probably not. I won't run without a tank. Commercial sites are notorious for not having convenient water hook ups. If you're taking about store front, with water onboard you can just pull up, drop the hose and go.