Gravity feed a pressure washer???

C

chaotik

New member
I have a 5hp Honda pressure washer (2.1gpm, 2100 psi). I work in road construction/ excavation, where my work truck gets sometimes just dusty...to pretty dirty...just depends on the job that day.



If it gets really bad...I have a self-wash place about 15- 20 mins from me with bays tall enough to fit my semi...and the good thing is, its owned by a man that is in construction..so he welcomes me there with open arms.... (even set up an acount for me with a 20% discount).



If its only lightly dirty, I have just tried using Quick and Easy Wash ( based on peoples comments here) and LOVE IT!! Have even tried the tip of putting some QD in with the wash water.



But..on a big truck, you have alot of exposed suspension/ frame rail that also gets dirty. But, it would be too time consuming to clean it by hand. On the other hand would take like 3-5 minutes with some quick sprays from a pressure washer. I have no access to a water source where I park....but was wondering if there would be enough pressure in the hose if I gravity fed the pressure washer from a 10 gallon water tank (from an RV store w/ wheels) sitting in the bed of my truck. I know its not alot of water...but like I said..it will only take me a few minutes ( of non-continuous use) to clean the frame, suspension, etc.
 
I think the problem here might lie in the fact that gravity may not be makign enough pressure.



I dont know exact physics of any kind but I know you need to be making 2.1 gallons per minute of water pressure to be able to get 2100 psi. Ever run your pressure washer out of your house line and only get a weak stream because there wasnt enough water?



Now the only other thing I could think of is the fact that if you can use it in short bursts it might work. The pressure washer builds up pressure in the hose or somewhere I dont know how they work all I know is that when left un touched they stay pressurized even with the water off.



So not to sya it wont work, it just may be tough.



why not try it out?
 
Yeah...that is the only thing I am worried about in this whole thing...is the line pressure going in.



Might just have to try it and find out....
 
yeah I suggest you just try it.



It could work but it might not. But then again I think I remember an autopian bulding a mobile detailing truck with a tank on top and a pressure washer bieng fed from the tank. So in theory it could work.



I just wanted to chime in so your thread didnt die.
 
Water gravity fed to your pressure washer will work fine. However you need more water pressure from the water tank. Ten gallons really isn't enough. The more gallons in the tank the more sustained pressure. As your water tank empties the pressure will decrease. Ten gallons doesn't seem like enough water even at a 2.2 gal draw. When I pressure washed houses I had a 200 gal tank that drew 5.5 gal at 3,000 psi. It worked great for 5 years until I sold the machine. I realize you only want

to do a quick wash on your truck. Look for a tank 75 gal or more

to get the right pressure. Search on line for water tanks. RV stores are usually pricey.
 
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