On board vs Freestanding dryers

[Bigmatthew86]

What is the consensus on dryers? Mine are going to have to go in bay for noise reasons. Bay is roughly 50’ long. So free standing inside the exit door or machine mounted to the Razor? I understand the extra weight but is it wearing things out much faster?

 

[cbchevy4x4]

I like Stand alone dryers. Most customers probably drive out too quick even though the timer is right in front of them. With Standalone you can load a car while a car is exiting thru dryers which can dramatically increase thruput on those busy days. I felt if i did on board i would probably charge more since the customer was in the bay longer, the initial cost was higher for OBD vs Standalone, and the machine was going to get more wear and tear by cycling down the rails additional times. With them being freestanding repairs are likely easier for both dryers and the wash since they are separate and not all together as well.

 

[Bigmatthew86]

I think having multiple cars waiting to enter isn’t going to be a huge issue at my location. Does that sway the opinion any?

 

[gomerpyle]

If I had room, I think I would go free standing. Having said that. Many of my customer, especially older ones. Like the blowers on the rails doing all the work. Especially in winter.

 

[Waxman]

definitely freestanding. Less weight rolling back-and-forth on every single pass of the car wash machinery is good for many reasons.

you will have some busy days and some lineups at some point when the current conditions call for everyone to wash. For that reason alone, freestanding is awesome because if customers blip through the dryer a new wash is triggered. Less wait time for the customer is always better and they will have a higher opinion of your car wash even if it's only slightly faster.

Plus I think the freestanding units are easier to work on.

 

[Greg Pack]

I'm in the freestanding camp. Allows for a higher throughput. However, Installation is going to be more expensive due to separate electrical.

 

[washnshine]

Freestanding for sure. Also, if you are concerned that your customers will not take their time for a good dry if you have freestanding blowers, spot free rinse will mitigate most of the water spots if the car is not thoroughly dried.

 

[PEI]

Since through put isn't an issue, I would do the onboard and put every pass through the inverted L. I would want the equipment installed a close to the entrance as possible. This setup with great chemistry will produce the best finished cars and it leaves you with lots of options to speed up the wash of business improves.

I wouldn't waste the empty space at the exit end of the bay. Maybe some projectors and white panels so that you can display your logo or advertise for other businesses.

 

[Blanco]

Free standing all day everyday. There is no reason to put the extra wear of weight and passes on a machine plus the difficulty of working on them. Power cables in a igus wear out unlike stationary runs . The most important is throughput. When you say "I think multiple cars entering won't be an issue" Its probably cause of a run down location and your old machine. Throughput may not be an issue now but HOPEFULLY it is after you install your new machine. Having a line is a good problem to have and if you do this remodel right that is what will happen. You're never gonna regret doing it stationary but you will regret onboard when you see customers leave cause of wait times. Good luck to you.