Repair costs to truck mounts which have sustained freeze damage can run as high as $2,500.00 or more. Although these may be extreme cases, you can see the importance of protecting your investment. During non-working hours, a heated garage is naturally the best defense. If a garage is unavailable, other measures must be taken.

Portable cleaning equipment, sprayers, floor and upholstery tools, water hoses and other accessories can be removed from the truck and stored in a heated building. However, a truck mount must remain in the vehicle.

Many cleaners use electric heaters with good results. However, this can be a fire hazard and should be used with extreme caution. The use of a GFI (Ground Fault Interrupter) plug is highly recommended to help ensure against fire and electrical shock.

When running extension cords between a building and your vehicle, they should be rated for outdoor use. Lay them out in a manner that avoids tampering. If you have multiple cleaning units to protect, do not overload electrical outlets. A blown circuit breaker during the night will leave the equipment unprotected.

Also, be aware of storms and other weather conditions that may cause a power outage. Sometimes a space heater pointed toward the console of the unit will not provide sufficient heat to protect tools, chemicals and other accessories stored near van walls and doors. This is especially true in very cold weather and in vehicles with no insulation.

Anti-freezing your unit is a safe and sure way to protect your investment. This method is particularly useful when you must travel long distances with a possible overnight stay at a motel. For practical purposes, many find anti-freezing and flushing daily to be overly time consuming. However, when done properly this method is extremely reliable. Always use anti-freeze if taking your unit out of service for an extended period of time, such as going on vacation.

The story goes: A customer called saying he could not get pump pressure. His truck mount had been in recently for pump related repairs and he was questioning if this was a possible warranty situation. Several weeks had passed since the work was performed. The mechanic wondered why the customer had not called sooner about this problem. It turned out the vehicle had been at the auto dealer for some van repairs and was left outside for several nights. Temperatures had dropped below 32°F and inspection of the unit determined freezing, not improper repair, was the cause of the trouble. The moral of the story? Always ensure that your equipment is protected and your investment is safe in cold weather.

Keep the following tips in mind when dealing with winter weather:
Many equipment manufacturers give accurate, step-by-step instructions on how to complete the anti-freezing procedure. Bear in mind, pressure hoses and cleaning tools must also be protected.

• Do not attempt to anti-freeze water softeners. The resin inside the softener will be damaged, requiring replacement. Remove softeners from the vehicle and store in a heated building. Also, cleaning liquids susceptible to freeze damage should be removed and stored inside. If you need information on freeze guarding your equipment, contact the Jon-Don service department for assistance.

• During work hours do not allow your unit to sit for long periods of time between jobs. While in use, heat produced from the machine will provide protection for the equipment.

• After completing a job do not delay packing up your hoses and tools and closing your vehicle. Ambient temperatures from the equipment will heat the inside of your van for a period of time. Insulating and paneling the walls and ceiling of the van will extend this time period. Insulation will also quiet the machinery noise during those early morning and late night jobs.

• No one expects to be caught out in the cold with equipment frozen up. Unfortunately, not a winter passes without service personnel replacing components on equipment for this reason. Here’s some of the more common denials: “I couldn’t have frozen my unit, I always keep a heater in the van”, “I only left it out one night”, “It didn’t get that cold”.