When you start window cleaning your go to be using your car or your going to need to buy a van. Now let’s take a look at some to find what is the best van for window cleaning. We will give you all the information you need to help you make your decision if you are looking to buy one.
First we will take a look at some vans that are great for newbie window cleaning to get started. These are picked based on you only having £1000 to spend on your first van.
Transit connect T230
These vans are used by a lot of window cleaners, with a payload of 630KG you could comfortably get a 400lr tank in. And you will be left with a bit of space for storage and you reel and hose. Unless you go for a long wheel base that will be able to carry a heavier load.
You could pick up a cheap one for under £1000 if you keep looking around for one. Although it may have higher miles than what your use to. But that’s a small price to pay for starting your own business.
Citroen Berlingo
Another one that is used a lot by the window cleaning community. The Berlingo payload is 675 to 775 kg depending on which one you buy. Make sure you buy a turbo diesel version, as the non turbo lack the power you need.
There are always a lot of these on the market and should be hard to pick one up for under £1000.
Astra Van
These are not often used by window cleaners, and if i knew i could use one when i first started i would have bought one myself. If fitted out with the right setup, then it won’t look so cramped, the one above is a great example.
The only downside to using this type of van is it probably will only be able to fit a 300 or 350 litre tank in the back. Which will be fine for the first yer or two, till your round is huge.
Vauxhall Combo
Lastly is the vauxhall combo, i had one of these a 1700DI and i would recommend going for the turbo versions as mine couldn’t cope with the weight. Maybe it was just my van not sure, but other window cleaners use the same one and don’t complain.
Depending on your payload i was able to fit a 400litre lay flat tank, with my hose and reel on top of the tank. One thing i can say is that it never let me down, when i had mine apart from being a bit sluggish.
What to look for when buying your first window cleaning van
When your buying your first van there are a few things to consider like payload, price the space in the back and can you afford to buy it. Picking the correct one can be difficult if you have never done window cleaning before. Here’s what you need to look for when purchasing your window cleaning van.
Payload
Payload on a van is important, as this will determine how much water you can carry at any given time. And if you go over this limit it is illegal & dangerous. Check it before you buy, so you know if you window cleaning system will fit and be legal.
Space in the back
Another important factor to consider, you may just think you need a bit of space for water. But you need space for your pole, hose and hose reel, and if you expand your business later down the line.
Your going to need room for items such as gutter vacs, lawn mowers or maybe jet washes. Think about your long term goal, so you don’t need to change vans six months down the line.
Can you afford it?
Some window cleaners get there vans on lease, and if your just starting out window cleaning this is a bad idea. Because you may lease it from a company and may decide two months later that window cleaning is not for you.
The best thing to do is spend around £800 – £1000 on a half decent van. To cheap and it will fall apart and to expensive you won’t be able to afford it.
Conclusion:
The van along with you is the face of your business, so don’t buy a peace of shit. Like one with no wings mirrors and a big bore exhaust. Get one thats in decent condition, that will last you a while.
Choosing the best van for window cleaning comes down to where you are in your window cleaning journey. The vans we have listed are best suited to beginner window cleaners. You can always upgrade to a more expensive van when your business takes off in the future.