Two single changers vs double changer

[OurTown]

We currently have a single Hamilton RNS that is updated and works perfect now. We would like to add redundancy and are comparing installing another RNS or selling it and buying a used DRS. Finding a used DRS seems harder to find than a RNS and of course more costly. Would security be better with having two separate cabinets vs one? Is there a disadvantage with going with two besides taking up a little more wall space?

 

[Main Street Carwash]

I would go with two separate changers given the option. Security wise, It would be harder and take longer to break into two cabinets instead of one and you spend less buying only one RNS. Other than those things, I believe a DNS has two of everything inside and each side does not share any components but I only own a RNS so someone else may confirm that.

 

[Earl Weiss]

I have both at different locations. The double is simply a single cabinet with 2 of everything. Unless you need to save the space, depending on layout just put the second one next to the first. Yes, it will take longer to break into 2. Hopefully you have an alarm system with motion sensors in the changer room.

FWIW when I took over a location with 2 changers I quickly decided to add a third. One chamber would go down and the second would be out of quarters in short order. Adding the third gave me a little more breathing room.

 

[Main Street Carwash]

On that note, at my busiest wash I have a single and a double unit installed. Food for thought.

 

[Main Street Carwash]

Standards though, not Hamiltons. I have a Hamilton at my other location and I think it is a little better than the Standards but they are pretty good considering they get 10x the use and are reliable for the most part.

 

[OurTown]

We only have three SS bays so I think two is enough.

 

[Randy]

I'd go with the Hamilton DRS, we've used them for well over 25 years and they are almost bullet proof. They take up less wall space and they are roomier inside so they are easier to work on. Stay away from American, Rowe and Standard. Whatever you do make sure the changers match one another. There's nothing more unappealing than pulling up to a car wash and seeing 2 bill changers in the front, one old tired looking one that needs a new face panel, peeling stickers etc. and a new shiny one next to it.

 

[OurTown]

Stay away from American, Rowe and Standard.

We already knew that.

There's nothing more unappealing than pulling up to a car wash and seeing 2 bill changers in the front, one old tired looking one that needs a new face panel, peeling stickers etc. and a new shiny one next to it.

Our's has the latest lexan from Hamilton so it basically looks new and if we went with another single we would update it too. (Mars validator too)

 

[Randy]

I don’t think some operators understand the importance of having a good looking and operating bill changer. A few years ago I was called out to give a quote to an operator who wanted to give his bill changer face lift and getting it working better. He had an older DRS changer with the black face panel, about 1995 vintage. I showed up a little early and while I was standing there in front of his car wash 2 people came up to the bill changer, one stopped and looked at the broken face panel, duct tape for labels and said “I don’t think I want to put any of my money into this machine it doesn’t look like it works” and walked off. Another person came up put a dollar in and it wouldn’t work on either side. When owner showed up I looked at the inside of the changer, it was in a complete state of disrepair and gave him a quote for replacing the validators with Mars, 2 wiring harnesses, replace the front face panel, polish the front of the changer and clean the inside. He looked at me and said “are you kidding me, I don’t make any money with this bill changer. I only was planning on spending around a $100 and no more than $150 on fixing this changer” as I left I thought to myself, this guy clearly doesn’t understand the importance of curb appeal. He’s got a prime location and he won’t spend any money on up keep. It looks pretty much the same today as it did a few years ago, bad, just a little more duct tape.