Inside a ProTool Build
INSIDE A PROTOOL BUILD.
Your rig. Your rules. Our engineering.
Ever wondered what goes into building a professional pressure washing skid, soft wash truck, or fully loaded cleaning trailer? You're in the right place. Explore the platforms, pumps, water systems, and smart features that make a ProTool build more than a collection of equipment.
START EXPLORING ↓THERE'S NO ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL SKID.
A residential pressure washing business has different needs than a multi-crew commercial operation. Some contractors need a compact truck skid. Others need an enclosed trailer with pure water production, multiple cleaning systems, and enough controls to make a spaceship jealous. This guide walks you through the options, what they do, and when they make sense.
No pricing games. No mystery packages. Just equipment knowledge and good ideas.
FIRST, WHAT ARE WE BUILDING ON?
Before we pick a pump, we need to know where everything lives. Your platform determines available space, payload, storage, accessibility, and how you move from one job to the next.
Truck Skid
Keep your cleaning equipment on the truck and leave the trailer behind. A properly planned skid can maximize usable bed space while integrating tanks, pumps, reels, and controls.
Consider: Ladder racks, surface cleaner racks, water-fed pole holders, storage boxes, payload, and tailgate access.
Less trailer. More truck.
Van Build
Turn your van into a self-contained cleaning operation. Integrated pumps, tanks, reels, and storage keep equipment protected and organized without requiring a separate trailer.
Consider: Interior access, ventilation, vehicle payload, tank placement, compact equipment layouts, and curbside hose access.
Everything you need. All under one roof.
Open Utility Trailer
A flexible platform for everything from straightforward pressure washing setups to serious multi-system commercial rigs. Open layouts make equipment accessible and allow room for tanks, reels, and additional cleaning capabilities.
Consider: Trailer size, axle ratings, loaded weight, equipment exposure, tank capacity, and operator access.
Open access. Endless possibilities.
Enclosed Trailer
More protected equipment space, additional storage, and room for integrated systems. Ideal when your operation needs a dedicated mobile cleaning platform.
Consider: Trailer dimensions, tank loading, axle ratings, ventilation, interior access, and the ProTool Command Port.
Your equipment room. On wheels.
Flatbed
When equipment capacity and open access are the priority, flatbeds provide space for substantial water storage, multiple systems, and commercial-duty layouts.
Consider: Vehicle ratings, loaded weight, equipment protection, working height, and multi-operator access.
When the job gets bigger, so does the rig.
The ProTool Foundation
Our all-aluminum skid construction is designed for corrosion resistance, structural strength, and practical service access. But the frame is only the beginning. We think about how much usable bed space remains, where the operator stands, where the ladders go, and whether a filter can actually be reached when it's time to change it.
The goal: A clean, organized layout that uses space intelligently without sacrificing access, weight distribution, or the equipment you need to carry.
Compare Your Build Platforms
| PLATFORM | WHERE IT SHINES | WHAT TO CONSIDER |
|---|---|---|
| Truck Skid | Self-contained truck-based operation without towing a trailer | Payload, bed space, tank placement, access |
| Van Build | Protected, organized equipment in one vehicle | Ventilation, interior space, weight, service access |
| Open Utility Trailer | Flexible configurations, easy access to major components | Tow capacity, trailer ratings, weather exposure |
| Enclosed Trailer | Protected multi-system workspace and storage | Ventilation, access, weight and trailer dimensions |
| Flatbed | Large integrated systems and multi-operator layouts | Payload, vehicle size, equipment exposure |
HOW MUCH FLOW DO YOU REALLY NEED?
Gallons per minute (GPM) measures water flow. PSI measures pressure. Both matter, but more isn't automatically better. The right pressure washer depends on your surfaces, accessories, water supply, and the number of operators you want working at once.
| YOUR POWER | WHERE IT SHINES | WHAT TO KNOW |
|---|---|---|
| 5–5.5 GPM | Residential and compact commercial work | A practical starting point for single-operator systems. |
| 8–8.5 GPM | Higher-volume residential and commercial cleaning | More available flow for suitable surface cleaners and rinse work. |
| 10.5 GPM | High-output commercial applications | Requires appropriate water supply, plumbing, accessories, and operating conditions. |
| Dual 8 GPM | Two-operator commercial systems | Two independent machines; combined-flow operation may be engineered for compatible setups. |
| Dual 10.5 GPM | High-capacity multi-operator work | Independent operation, with potential for approximately 21 GPM combined flow where the complete system supports it. |
The Siamese Behemoth
Two independent pressure washers can support two operators. With properly engineered plumbing and compatible components, certain configurations can also combine their flow for specialized high-volume work. That's a different animal from simply buying one larger machine. Supply capacity, pressure compatibility, controls, and safety all have to be considered.
LET'S TALK CHEMICAL DELIVERY.
Soft washing opens up cleaning applications where controlled chemical application is more appropriate than high-pressure washing. Your pump selection influences flow, pressure, power requirements, and how the system fits into the rest of your rig.
12V Soft Wash
Compact electric pumping for lighter-duty applications or budget-conscious configurations. A practical option when simplicity and equipment footprint are priorities.
Simple. Compact. Gets you started.
BPX25
Approximately 7 GPM with up to 220 PSI, depending on operating conditions. On applicable ProTool builds, our custom pressure-regulation arrangement provides convenient Set & Forget operation.
Dial it in. Get to work.
P40
Approximately 11 GPM for applications calling for higher soft wash flow. A strong candidate for larger rigs and demanding commercial operations.
Big flow. Serious capability.
It's More Than the Pump.
Chemical storage, compatible plumbing, proportioning, bypass arrangements, hose selection, and equipment controls are all part of a professional soft wash system. Our clear metering manifold and integrated plumbing options make chemical management more accessible and organized. The final configuration depends on your chemicals, application, and operating requirements.
Compare Soft Wash Pump Options
| PUMP | APPROXIMATE FLOW | BEST FIT |
|---|---|---|
| 12V Soft Wash | Varies by selected pump | Compact systems and lighter-duty applications |
| BPX25 | 7 GPM | Versatile professional soft wash systems; Set & Forget regulation on applicable builds |
| P40 | 11 GPM | Higher-flow commercial applications and larger systems |
MAKE YOUR OWN PURE WATER. THEN PUT IT TO WORK.
Water-fed pole window cleaning, solar panel cleaning, and certain drone cleaning applications demand purified water. A properly designed system needs to do two jobs: produce water of the required quality and deliver enough of it to your operators.
HydroPanel 2.0
Approximately 2 GPM RO/DI production. A practical option for smaller pure-water operations and compatible direct-feed applications.
Compact pure-water production.
HydroPanel 3.0
Approximately 3+ GPM production. A strong fit for tank-based systems that need to support one or more water-fed pole operators.
More water. More flexibility.
HydroPanel 4.5
Approximately 4.5 GPM production for larger water demands. Available with automatic flushing and suited to substantial storage and delivery systems.
Commercial pure-water horsepower.
Dual HydroPanel 4.5
Two high-output purification systems for builds with substantial water production requirements, including certain flagship drone and multi-operator configurations.
When one just isn't enough.
Tankless or Tank-Based?
Direct-feed systems use available purification output to supply compatible cleaning equipment without relying on a large onboard pure-water reservoir. They're simpler, but production must keep up with demand.
Tank-based systems separate water production from delivery. The HydroPanel replenishes storage while a dedicated delivery pump supplies the operator. This can support higher instantaneous demand, longer hose runs, and multiple operators when properly sized.
Production figures are approximate and depend on incoming water conditions, pressure, temperature, membrane condition, and system configuration.
Compare HydroPanel Production
| SYSTEM | APPROXIMATE PRODUCTION | BEST FIT |
|---|---|---|
| HydroPanel 2.0 | 2 GPM | Smaller pure-water operations and compatible direct feed |
| HydroPanel 3.0 | 3+ GPM | Tank-based systems with one or more operators |
| HydroPanel 4.5 | 4.5 GPM | Higher-demand commercial pure-water production |
| Dual HydroPanel 4.5 | Two independent 4.5 GPM units | High-demand and multi-operator builds |
BIG SOLAR ARRAYS? BRING THE RIGHT TOOLS.
Solar panel cleaning is a specialized application. Large arrays can require substantial water production, consistent delivery, compatible brushes, and equipment that makes repetitive cleaning more manageable.
ProTool DualForce 25 Solar Brush
Our 25-inch counter-rotating solar brush is designed for professional solar panel cleaning. The brush is one part of the system: pure-water quality, delivery flow, hose management, and the working environment all influence the final setup.
EXPLORE PROTOOL DUALFORCE 25 SOLAR BRUSH→Build consideration: Will solar cleaning be an occasional service added to a window-cleaning rig, or a major part of your business? The answer changes how we approach water storage, delivery, brush equipment, and operating capacity.
Choose Your Solar Cleaning Setup
| APPROACH | BEST FIT | WHAT MATTERS |
|---|---|---|
| Water-fed pole and brush | Smaller or occasional solar cleaning work | Reach, brush compatibility, pure-water supply |
| DualForce 25 Solar Brush | Larger arrays and repeated panel cleaning | 25-inch counter-rotating brush, delivery flow, site access |
| Integrated solar cleaning rig | Dedicated solar cleaning operations | Water production, storage, delivery and operator workflow |
COLD WATER OR HOT WATER?
Hot water can make a meaningful difference when cleaning grease, oil, and certain stubborn contaminants. But it adds burners, fuel storage, controls, plumbing requirements, and more equipment to maintain. Choose it because your work benefits from it—not just because it sounds impressive.
Cold Water
A practical choice for many residential and commercial cleaning applications. Less equipment complexity and no burner fuel system.
Single Hot-Water Burner
Adds heated cleaning capability to a compatible pressure washer. Useful where hot water supports the cleaning chemistry and application.
Dual Hot-Water Burners
Two independently equipped pressure washing circuits can give two operators their own hot-water capability. Serious equipment for demanding commercial work.
Compare Water Heating Options
| CONFIGURATION | BEST FIT | TRADEOFF |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Water | General exterior cleaning where heated water is unnecessary | Simpler system without a burner |
| Single Hot-Water Burner | Grease, oil and suitable commercial cleaning tasks | Additional fuel, heat and maintenance systems |
| Dual Hot-Water Burners | Two independent operators needing hot water | More capacity, weight and integration complexity |
THE FEATURES YOU'LL LOVE EVERY SINGLE DAY.
Here's where the little decisions make a big difference. Controls, reels, storage, lighting, and access may not sound as exciting as another 10 GPM pressure washer—but use them every day and you'll understand why we care so much.
Command Port
Our pop-out exterior operating station on compatible enclosed trailers brings controls and working access to the curbside, instead of burying them inside.
Your command center. Right where you need it.
Electric Hose Reels
Convenient hose organization and powered retrieval. Curbside reel placement keeps the working layout practical.
All your hoses curbside. All your winding done for you.
Skid Nexus Remotes
Operate supported equipment functions remotely instead of repeatedly returning to the rig. Control options depend on the equipment package.
Less walking back. More getting it done.
Off-Road LED Lighting
Work lights can improve visibility around the rig when the job runs early, late, or in poorly illuminated locations.
Built to light up the job. Not just look badass.
Storage & Equipment Racks
Ladder racks, surface cleaner mounts, WFP holders, tool chests, and storage boxes can be planned into the layout rather than added as awkward afterthoughts.
Every tool deserves a home.
Power & Charging
Battery systems, charging provisions, power distribution, and appropriate circuit protection are considered as part of the complete build.
Power where you need it. Not wherever it fits.
Compare Popular Build Upgrades
| FEATURE | EVERYDAY BENEFIT | BUILD CONSIDERATION |
|---|---|---|
| Command Port | Exterior control and operating access | Compatible enclosed trailer layouts |
| Electric Hose Reels | Powered hose retrieval | Reel count, placement and electrical load |
| Skid Nexus Remotes | Remote control of supported functions | Compatible controls and equipment |
| LED Work Lighting | Improved visibility around the rig | Mounting, wiring and power |
| Storage & Racks | Dedicated places for tools and accessories | Space, weight and accessibility |
| Power & Charging | Supports electrical equipment and controls | Charging source and circuit protection |
GREAT EQUIPMENT IS ONLY HALF THE BUILD.
You've explored the platforms, pressure washers, soft wash pumps, pure water systems, and upgrades. Now comes the part that makes it a ProTool build: getting everything to work together.
A powerful engine, an expensive pump, and a big water tank don't automatically make a great skid. It's how the equipment is selected, positioned, plumbed, powered, and controlled that determines how the complete system performs.
Built Around the Job
All-aluminum skid construction, intelligent equipment placement, and practical access. We plan around loaded weight, available space, storage, and the operator's actual workflow.
Plumbing With a Purpose
Water supply, pressure, flow, chemical compatibility, valves, and hose routing all matter. Every system needs to work with the equipment around it.
Smart Power & Controls
From battery charging and circuit protection to remote operation and electric reels, we integrate electrical systems around the equipment they support.
Tested. Supported. Built to Work.
We test our completed systems before delivery and help customers with troubleshooting, maintenance, and solutions long after the skid leaves our shop.
Anyone Can Bolt Equipment to a Frame.
Making it work as one integrated, professional cleaning system? That's where the engineering comes in. We don't just ask what equipment fits. We ask how you're going to use it, maintain it, and grow with it.
More capacity. Better integration. Smarter controls. Commercial construction. Real support.
What Goes Into an Integrated ProTool Build
| ENGINEERING AREA | WHAT WE PLAN FOR | WHY IT MATTERS |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation & layout | Payload, tank placement, access and storage | Balanced loading and equipment you can actually reach |
| Plumbing & delivery | Water supply, flow, chemical compatibility and hose routing | Systems that work together without unnecessary bottlenecks |
| Power & controls | Charging, protection, reels and compatible remotes | Reliable operation and practical control locations |
| Testing & support | System checks, troubleshooting and serviceability | Confidence at delivery and help after the sale |
THE BUILD IS JUST THE BEGINNING.
A great skid should earn its keep for years. And when you need a hand, you should be able to call the people who built it. That's why our commitment doesn't stop when the truck pulls away.
Real people. Real equipment knowledge. Real support when your business needs it.
Support Doesn't Expire.
Need help months or years after delivery? Call us. We'll work with you to understand the issue, identify possible causes, and find a practical path forward.
Help From People Who Build It.
Your rig is more than a pile of parts. Our team understands how the pumps, plumbing, water systems, electrical controls, and accessories work together—and how to troubleshoot the complete setup.
Not Our Fault? Still Our Customer.
Not every problem is a manufacturing defect. Wear, damage, maintenance, and operating conditions happen. We'll still help you diagnose the problem and explore solutions. Replacement parts and repairs may be billable.
Repairs, Parts & Upgrades.
Businesses change. Equipment wears. New capabilities become useful. We can help evaluate replacement components, service needs, and upgrades—including retrofits to compatible rigs we didn't originally build.
A Fire Took Out Their Skid. Ten Days Later, They Had a Replacement.
When a customer's cleaning skid was lost to a fire, they needed to get back to work—not wait around for a perfect sales pitch. Our team helped deliver an emergency replacement skid in just ten days.
Because when your equipment goes down, your business doesn't stop needing to run.
We'd Rather Help Solve It Than Point Fingers.
We'll help you work through equipment questions, troubleshooting, maintenance, and next steps—even years down the road. That's not a promise that every repair is free or every issue can be fixed remotely. It's a promise that we'll take your call seriously and help you find a way forward.
Want to see the kinds of systems we stand behind?
EXPLORE THE PROTOOL BUILD GALLERY →YOUR BUILD QUESTIONS. ANSWERED.
Choosing the right professional cleaning equipment doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some of the questions we hear when contractors start planning their next pressure washing skid, soft wash rig, or cleaning trailer.
What is the best platform for a pressure washing skid?
The best platform depends on your equipment requirements, available payload, storage needs, and how you operate. Truck skids and van builds provide self-contained vehicle setups, open utility trailers offer accessible equipment layouts, enclosed trailers protect equipment and provide storage, and flatbeds can accommodate substantial commercial systems. Each can support different cleaning configurations when properly engineered.
Should I choose a 5.5, 8, or 10.5 GPM pressure washer?
A 5–5.5 GPM pressure washer can be a practical choice for residential and lighter commercial work. An 8–8.5 GPM system provides more flow for suitable surface cleaners and higher-volume applications, while 10.5 GPM systems target demanding commercial work. Available water supply, pressure requirements, accessories, and the number of operators should guide your selection.
Can two pressure washers be combined for 16 or 21 GPM?
Certain dual-pressure-washer systems can be engineered for independent operation and compatible combined-flow use. Two 8 GPM machines may provide approximately 16 GPM, while two 10.5 GPM machines may provide approximately 21 GPM, subject to the complete system's capabilities. Proper pressure matching, water supply, plumbing, controls, and safety provisions are essential.
What is the difference between a BPX25 and P40 soft wash system?
The BPX25 delivers approximately 7 GPM and can include ProTool's Set & Forget pressure-regulation arrangement on applicable builds. The P40 offers approximately 11 GPM for higher-flow soft washing applications. The best choice depends on the required flow, pressure, chemical delivery setup, and overall system design.
Can a pressure washing skid also include soft washing and pure water?
Yes. ProTool builds integrated systems that combine pressure washing, soft washing, and HydroPanel RO/DI water purification on a single platform. Some configurations also support water-fed pole window cleaning, solar panel cleaning, hot water, or drone cleaning. The final combination depends on available space, payload, water storage, and equipment requirements.
Do I need a pure-water tank with a HydroPanel system?
Not necessarily. Direct-feed HydroPanel systems can supply compatible cleaning equipment when production matches demand. Tank-based systems store purified water and use a separate delivery pump, providing flexibility for higher instantaneous flow, longer hose runs, or multiple operators. The right approach depends on your cleaning equipment and water requirements.
Is hot water worth adding to a pressure washing skid?
Hot water can be valuable for commercial cleaning applications involving grease, oil, and certain stubborn contaminants. It adds a burner, fuel system, and additional integration requirements, so it makes the most sense when your cleaning applications benefit from heated water. Some ProTool dual-pressure-washer builds can include two independent hot-water burners.
What makes a ProTool skid different from a basic equipment assembly?
ProTool designs integrated cleaning systems around equipment performance, layout, water flow, plumbing, electrical controls, storage, service access, and the operator's workflow. Our builds feature all-aluminum skid construction, in-house testing, and long-term technical support. The goal is a complete professional cleaning system—not simply equipment bolted onto a frame.
Can ProTool build a custom skid for my truck, van, or trailer?
Yes. ProTool offers established cleaning skid configurations and custom builds for compatible trucks, vans, utility trailers, enclosed trailers, and flatbeds. Our team evaluates your cleaning applications, equipment preferences, vehicle or trailer specifications, payload, and operating requirements to determine a suitable configuration.
Can ProTool upgrade or retrofit an existing cleaning skid?
Yes. ProTool can evaluate existing cleaning equipment for potential upgrades, including water purification, pumps, controls, plumbing, and other system improvements. Retrofit feasibility depends on the condition, available space, compatibility, and design of the existing rig—even if another company originally built it.
NOW LET'S BUILD YOURS.
Truck skid, van, utility trailer, enclosed trailer, or flatbed. Pressure washing, soft washing, pure water, solar cleaning, hot water, or a combination of everything.
Tell us what you want to accomplish. We'll help figure out the equipment, layout, and engineering to make it happen.
EXPLORE BUILDS & GET INSPIRED →
More capacity. Better integration. Smarter controls.
Commercial construction. Real support.