Portable for a backup?

[BIG WOOD]

In a few months I'll be investing in a backup to be there just in case my Box truck breaks down. I'm considering putting a portable in my trailer. So, for a backup unit, what portable would you get?

Keep in mind, I have no knowledge of portables. I've read conversations talking about different vacuum motors, and I am elementary to all that.

I'd like to get another truck mount to put back in the trailer, but that's not in my budget for a couple more years. Heck, in a couple years I hope to have the need for another van/tm setup.

But, in the meantime, I need a portable backup. So what's your thoughts?

 

[Cleanworks]

Matt, where you are it seems like you need a portable like you need another hole in the head. What you need to consider is, do you need a simple machine with one cord that can help you out if your TM breaks down or do you have a need for a high performance portable with 2 or 3 cords to attempt to duplicate what your TM can't reach.

 

[BIG WOOD]

Matt, where you are it seems like you need a portable like you need another hole in the head. What you need to consider is, do you need a simple machine with one cord that can help you out if your TM breaks down or do you have a need for a high performance portable with 2 or 3 cords to attempt to duplicate what your TM can't reach.

I'm thinking just a simple machine with one cord just to do one, maybe two days worth of work.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Demo one first.

After that humbling experience you'll have a whole new perspective on what a POS portables truly are.

 

[Bob Pruitt]

I have a Ninja 1200psi portable that I keep in the van for high rise condos. So high pressure but no heat. Use Customers hot...hopefully...hot water. I have used it a couple of times and did what I needed it to do but... if I never use it again the rest of my life...

 

[BIG WOOD]

Demo one first.

After that humbling experience you'll have a whole new perspective on what a POS portables truly are.

So using one at an upholstery class isn't enough experience? Lol.

That's the only experience I have on one

 

[Clean Response]

Save your money. If your truck breaks down it should be back up in a day or two tops for most things. Most people would be willing to reschedule if it does happen. Like Ron said if your going to get something get a cimex or something to encap with so if you had too you could use that in a pinch and would be handy for comcail jobs down the road. If your worried about your truck mount breaking down it time to get a newer one it another thing to consider... save the money and buy yourself a newer truck mount that much sooner. Also you can rent truck mounts from some local supplies store, or if you know someone else near by.

That my thoughts about a porty backup. I got a porty that I been holding on to. It the one I started out with 15 years ago and Since I got a truck mount I not used it on one job and I keep telling myself to keep it for a back up and I never have used it. I sometimes use the porty in the shop for some fringe work but that is rare. I had truck mounts for 13 or more years now.

 

[Clean Response]

They are twice work of a truck mount.

 

[BIG WOOD]

I'm not worried about the truckmount braking down.

I'm more concerned about my box truck having a hiccup

My downtime in 2016 was harsh from my truck

 

[BIG WOOD]

Wasn't @Larry Cobb talking about a perfected portable a few weeks ago?

 

[Clean Response]

You could also rent a portable unit if your truck did break down, but save your money, or get something to encap with. The last high rise I did I encaped and they loved it. I thought about taking my portable to do it but it was too much work.

 

[Desk Jockey]

So using one at an upholstery class isn't enough experience? Lol.

That's the only experience I have on one

No. They are actually pretty good for upholstery cleaning.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Wasn't @Larry Cobb talking about a perfected portable a few weeks ago?

 

[BIG WOOD]

You could also rent a portable unit if your truck did break down, but save your money, or get something to encap with. The last high rise I did I encaped and they loved it. I thought about taking my portable to do it but it was too much work.

If there were high rises in my area, I'd be full throttle on encapping

 

[Mikey P]

I have a RV Ranger 1200 if the 370 takes a shit



God forbid.

 

[Bob Pruitt]

If there were high rises in my area, I'd be full throttle on encapping

They still have a little dog and kids or grand kids...wouldn't encap residential even if it was a little easier.

 

[Cleanworks]

for a single cord machine, I would go with the edic 17 gallon with the 220 psi pump and 2-2 stage vac motors. Add the inline heater that slides onto the back with its own cord and you will have a nice little unit for upholstery or vertical blind cleaning and it is light enough to haul up and down stairs if your tm breaks down. use the wand that comes with it as your tm wand will be too big.

 

[Absher Carpet]

Matt, there is a guy from Texas that makes truckmounts. There is one on wheels called a prowler. You should buy one of those. The heat is great and they will run forever, but they are easy to work on yourself for repairs. Although they should not break down often, that is unless you don't know how to operate it correctly. At least that is what the guy that assembles the machines will tell you.

 

[DAT]

Matt, there is a guy from Texas that makes truckmounts. There is one on wheels called a prowler. You should buy one of those. The heat is great and they will run forever, but they are easy to work on yourself for repairs. Although they should not break down often, that is unless you don't know how to operate it correctly. At least that is what the guy that assembles the machines will tell you.

Amtex?

 

[BIG WOOD]

Matt, there is a guy from Texas that makes truckmounts. There is one on wheels called a prowler. You should buy one of those. The heat is great and they will run forever, but they are easy to work on yourself for repairs. Although they should not break down often, that is unless you don't know how to operate it correctly. At least that is what the guy that assembles the machines will tell you.

Ouch! That hurt

 

[Jimmy L]

I agree save your money. It would sit in your trailer or garage for years for non use. Just like a OP machine.

 

[Absher Carpet]

Just kidding Matt, I know you used to have one

 

[Absher Carpet]

Amtex?

Yes, but honestly I believe you would regret it after about 10 minutes of use.

 

[ruff]

Portables are great at helping one realize how much they prefer their truck mount.
It's a psychological feel good scheme contrived by the truck mount manufacturers. Knock yourself out Matt, buy one. You'll feel so much better about your rig.

Why not take the money you'd invest in a good portable and apply towards making your box truck less likely to break down?

If I wanted a portable as a backup I would get a two corded, 2x 3 stage vac motors, as these will do a decent job in short hose runs. Though you need to find out how homes in your area will handle the load. Usually you'd run one cord to kitchen (20 amp circuit) and the other to the lower load outlets. These days most portables have a light indicator that tells you when you're on the same circuit.

220 pump is ok, not great, but it will reduce load (the 500 psi pumps are heavier and take more juice, but nicer to have more psi). I would not get one with a heater as that will require to give up on vac power or load the circuits. You'll compensate by more time (dwell) and agitation. This will do a decent job on carpets and upholstery. For upholstery alone you'll do fine with less power.

 

[hogjowl]

He use to be in a trailer, so of course he wants a portable. He'll get a Mytee.

 

[BIG WOOD]

He use to be in a trailer, so of course he wants a portable. He'll get a Mytee.

You're such a douche.

I'm really surprised it took this long for you to squeeze in a trailer joke

 

[BIG WOOD]

The way Larry is talking about his portables, I'll probably get one of those when I'm ready to make the purchase

 

[hogjowl]

You're such a douche.

I'm really surprised it took this long for you to squeeze in a trailer joke

We both have a knack for stating the obvious.

 

[Jimmy L]

I live in a trailer park down by the airport. And I'm damn proud to be white trash!

 

[ruff]

So, which Wally do you frequent?