Guide to Setting Up Your Pressure Washing Rig

Why Your Pressure Washing Rig Matters

Setting up the right pressure washing rig is the first big step to making money in this business. You need to pick between a truck-mounted system or a trailer setup. Each one has good points. A truck rig gives you more mobility and looks more professional. A trailer can be less costly to start with.

Essential Components You Need

Core Equipment

Let’s look at what you need to build your rig:

• Pressure washer: Pick one that puts out 5-8 gallons per minute for best results
• Water tanks: A 200-gallon water tank adds 1,669 pounds to your rig – that’s 74% of most trailer loads!
• Chemical tanks: You need one for water and one for bleach

Hose Systems

Good hoses make your work faster:

• Pressure washing hose: Get 150-300 feet of hose
• Garden hose: Keep 150 feet on hand
• Ball valve setups: These help control water flow better

Storage Solutions

Keep your tools safe and dry:

• Boxes for your cleaning chemicals
• Secure spots for nozzles and wands
• Weatherproof storage for tools

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Choosing Your Base

For Trailer Setups:

• Park on flat ground
• Use wheel chocks to stop rolling
• Make sure your trailer can hold the weight (water is heavy!)

For Truck-Mounted Rigs:

• 62% of new businesses pick trucks over trailers
• Trucks use 15-20% less fuel than pulling trailers
• Mount your hose reels on the outside for fast access

Assembly Process

1. Secure your tanks first
2. Add your pressure washer
3. Connect hoses and ball valves
4. Install downstream injectors for soap
5. Add a surface cleaner to your setup

Pro Tip: 87% of pros mount hose reels on the outside of the rig for quick access.

Weight Distribution Table

Item	Weight	Percentage of Load
Pressure washer skid	600 lbs	26%
Water tank (200 gal)	1,669 lbs	74%
Hoses & tools	~100 lbs	~5%

Legal and Business Things to Know

Before you hit the road:

• Get business registration
• Buy insurance (most jobs need $1-2 million coverage)
• Learn OSHA safety rules
• Companies with proper setups have 40% fewer job site injuries

Making Your Rig Work Better

Workflow Tips

• Make a pre-job checklist
• Use quick-connect fittings on hoses
• Keep your most-used tools easy to reach

Cost-Saving Ideas

• You can build your own or buy pre-made
• DIY ball valve setups cost less
• Add a buffer tank to improve water flow

Marketing Your Services

The biggest mistake new pressure washing businesses make is spending all their money on equipment and not enough on marketing.]

• Put 10% of your money back into marketing
• Set up Google My Business – it’s free!
• Make a simple website with photos of your work
• Use before and after pictures
  Need help with online marketing? Check out for ideas on equipment protection.

Maintenance and Safety

Keep your rig running well:

• Check hoses for leaks daily
• Clean filters weekly
• Winterize your system in cold months
• Store chemicals safely
  Learn more about proper equipment transportation to protect your investment.

Growing Your Business (2025 Trends)

As your business grows:

• Add hot water systems for better cleaning
• Buy more rigs to run multiple crews
• Add soft wash systems for house washing
  Expanding your services? Consider specialized cleaning vehicles for larger jobs.

Questions People Ask

Final Tips

1. Don’t overload your rig
2. Keep safety gear on hand
3. Use warm weather to test your setup
4. Join pressure washing groups online for tips
   Now you’re ready to set up your pressure washing rig and start making money!