Welcome back to the Lean and Mean Academy! In today's post, we're diving into the biggest mistake I made with my pressure washing trailer and how you can avoid it. Before we get started, don't forget to check out our free web class on how I grew my business from zero to over $250,000 a year. You'll learn how to get clients, keep them, and position yourself as the top provider in your city. Click the first link in the description or the comments to sign up.
The Mistake: Not Coating My Trailer Bed
When I first got my pressure washing trailer, I made a costly mistake that many others make: I didn’t coat the bed of my trailer. Most trailers come without this essential step because it adds to the cost, but skipping it can lead to major problems down the road.
Why Coating is Essential
When I started, my trailer had wooden slats, and everything was bolted onto them. Inevitably, soft wash units will drip – whether it’s bleach or other chemicals – and this can turn the wood into jelly, leading to significant damage over time. This wasn’t just an inconvenience; it meant my trailer started to rot and rust much faster than it should have.
The Solution: Line-X and Other Coatings
Line-X Coating
I highly recommend using Line-X to coat your trailer bed. Line-X is a tough, durable coating that can preserve the bed and protect it from rot and rust. Here’s what you need to know:
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Durability: Line-X doesn't bubble if applied correctly. It’s crucial that the surface is sanded down and prepped meticulously.
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Protection: It guards against leaks and drips from your equipment, preventing the wood from turning into mush.
Alternatives to Line-X
While Line-X is my preferred choice, other coatings like Herculiner can also be effective. Coty at Southeast Softwash uses Herculiner on his trailers, and it's a viable option if you're looking to coat your equipment.
Tips for Protecting Your Trailer Bed
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Proper Preparation: Make sure the bed is sanded down, all loose paint is removed, and the surface is clean before applying any coating.
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Regular Maintenance: Even with a coating, it's essential to rinse your trailer bed with water regularly to remove any lingering chemicals.
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Consider Bleach Neutralizers: While their long-term effectiveness is still up for debate, using a bleach neutralizer can help minimize damage. However, good old-fashioned water is often sufficient for rinsing.
Treat Your Equipment as Consumable
In the pressure washing business, our margins are high enough that replacing equipment every few years is feasible. I treat much of my rig as consumable, meaning I expect to replace it within five years. If you manage your business correctly, you should have the funds to buy new equipment when needed.
Join Our Free Web Class
If you want to learn more about scaling your pressure washing business, join our free web class. It’s packed with insights on client acquisition, retention, and positioning. Click the first link in the description or the comments to sign up.
Conclusion
Coating your pressure washing trailer bed is a small investment that can save you a lot of trouble and money in the long run. Learn from my mistake and ensure your equipment lasts as long as possible. For more expert tips and in-depth training, check out the SESW Softwash 101 class. Until next time, hustle hard and keep your gear in top shape!
