To assist the annual vehicle test it is always advisable to have a well prepared clean vehicle. Cleaning the cab and the trailer super structure is straight forward but cleaning the chassis is less easy. However, there is available now a range of under-chassis washdown options. There are the traditional ramps, washdown pits and recently introduced ramp and pit combinations. This means there is a solution to suit every operator’s needs.

Fully galvanised pits are now well established and are used by many large fleet operators. They provide better working conditions, take up less space than ramps and it’s possible to wash the upper vehicle and the chassis at the same location. Also, it is possible to fit automatic chassis washes, which can further enhance workshop efficiency.

Ramps are well established and are a simple straight forward solution. Usually fully galvanised, they take up more space than pits but it is possible to adapt them to fit into smaller spaces, for example, designing them so that a vehicle can be washed on the slope not just on the horizontal.

There are also now available half pit half ramp combinations. These give the advantage of saving space while offering some of the advantages provided by pits.

Pits can now be integrated with rainwater harvesting systems, where rainwater can be collected off building roofs. In addition to offering a ‘green’ option water costs are reduced by up to 80%, there is good quality soft water for vehicle washing and it can even help to beat hosepipe bans.

Premier Pits have been working in the under chassis washing area for some years and have developed their Under Chassis Washing range to include all the above combinations. All come fully galvanised to BS. EN ISO 1461:2009, and are manufactured to rigorous design standards, including full structural calculations to accommodate 6 or 8 tonnes per axle. So, with their design capabilities and experience Premier Pits can develop an under chassis washdown solution to suit almost any situation.