Opening new two bay wash

Hello all,

I am in the process of finalizing what equipment I am buying for my car wash. My plan was/is to get one touch and one touch free from Belanger . I am referring to the Vector and the Freestyler, both with all the toys. Of all the touch less units I’ve used, I was most impressed with the Vector. In my area, PDQ rules, which I found odd since they don’t do a great job IMO, and the onboard dryers are just terrible.

At the AC carwash exhibit, I was very impressed with Aerodry, due to its high velocity, ducting, construction and low noise. I want to go with the 60HP units for both bays, but man, are they expensive! However, I don’t want to cheap out on the dryers, because to me, unless the cars are dry, the wash is incomplete.

Most, if not all the washes in my area leave the cars dripping wet, and that pisses me off. Customers deal with it because they have no choice, but I want to give them that choice!

Belanger seems to be suggesting that I go with only touch free, even though I’ve expressed the desire to have one of each. There are no Freestylers in my area and no in bay automatic friction machines for 50 miles or more. Yet Hoffmans, the local chain, has nonstop action from their friction tunnels. I figure that a Freestyler would be well received if it does a good job. Am I wrong for wanting one of each, to appeal to a broader market?

Gentlemen, any constructive advice would be appreciated.

Rick

I think that would be a great idea. I have an eight bay and am thinking that I will put in a touchless and a friction unit. I see it as the more options I can offer my customer, the broader my base will be. I say go for it. Good Luck!

What impresed you about the vector? I just recently got 3 sites that I am selling chemicals to. I was not impressed to say the least. If you don't like PDQ then that means Washworld, Ryko, and Oasis are out. I hate to say it, but have you looked at a D&S or Water Wizard? The freestyler is a beast, I have only seen that at the SW show. Looks like it should clean very well though.

I have a friction and a touchless with 7ss and I like having the option. So do my customers. Both are Mark VII and the touchless is fantastic, although older. Its an AquajetGT-700. Highly recommend having both.

A car leaving wet has as much to do with the chemistry as the dryer.

I have a site where I retained the belanger dryers and have been satisfied with them. I once owned a site with 4-15 sonny's dryers and I don't think they did much better-not enough to justify the extra cost IMO.

You may want to compare to other washes and gas stations as your primary competition. If they are predominately friction I would opt for touchless, and vice-versa.

I would opt for a wash that can clean wheels and tires somewhat.

Check out Superior Dryers. Mine are fantastic and have worked flawlessly for two years. I've got 3 producers; the 2 on the sides of the dryer arch are powered by 10hp motors and the top is an oscillating unit powered by a 15hp motor. They dry the heck out of cars!