Understanding Different Spray Foam Rig Options - Oak Ridge Foam & Coating Systems, Inc.

When it comes to spray foam and polyurea coating, your spray foam rig is likely the biggest investment you’ll make. Choosing the right rig involves tailoring the entire spray foam trailer setup to fit your workflow, job requirements, and budget.

From trailer styles and layouts to the equipment housed inside, every decision matters. Let’s break down some of the key components of a spray foam and polyurea rig to help you better understand what to consider throughout the process.

Trailer Style

There are three common styles for spray foam rigs — pull behind trailers, gooseneck trailers, and box trucks.

Pull Behind Trailers

Pull behind trailers are tow-behind units that attach to the hitch of your truck. They’re relatively simple and affordable, making them a great option for new contractors who are just getting started or for residential contractors handling smaller spray foam jobs.

Pros

Cost-effective compared to other trailer options.
Easy to tow with most standard trucks.
Simple to park and store when not in use.

Cons

Limited payload capacity makes them less ideal for commercial or large-scale jobs. (depending on the size of the trailer)
Less stable on rough terrain or longer trips compared to gooseneck trailers.

Gooseneck Trailers

Gooseneck trailers attach to a special hitch in the bed of a truck, which improves stability and capacity compared to pull behind trailers. This type of trailer is a great option if you plan to take on a lot of large, multi-day projects or commercial spray foam jobs that require a lot of heavy materials and equipment.

Pros

Increased payload capacity for larger equipment and materials.
Improved weight distribution and stability during transport.

Cons

Adding a gooseneck hitch to your truck can add to upfront costs.

Box Truck Rigs

Rather than towing a separate trailer that you hitch and unhitch, box trucks house all the equipment within a single vehicle. They’re a great all-in-one solution for contractors frequently on the go or working in crowded urban areas where navigating a trailer is more challenging.

Pros

Compact and self-contained.
An all-in-one solution makes it easy to secure and protect equipment.
No hitching/unhitching is needed, which speeds up deployment.

Cons

Higher upfront cost compared to trailers.
If the truck breaks down, your entire rig is out of commission.

Door Types

The most common type of doors for mobile spray foam rigs are ramp doors or barn-style doors that swing open.

Ramp Doors

Ramp doors fold down to create a sloped entry. The ramp makes it easier to load and unload drums as needed. The ramp is not strong enough for any forklift, barrels need to be rolled up, and equipment is permanently installed.

Barn/Swing Doors

Rather than a ramp, barn doors open outward, splitting in the middle like traditional double doors. These doors provide more temperature control and weather resistance than ramp doors. They’re a good option if you’re doing a lot of cold weather spray foam projects or temperatures fluctuate significantly.

Trailer Size

Spray foam and polyurea spray rigs are typically 16, 18 or 20 feet long, though there are some larger options available. When considering the length of your rig, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Shorter trailers tend to be easier to maneuver but offer less space for your equipment and materials.
Larger trailers provide extra room but require more powerful vehicles to tow, can be harder to maneuver and park, and are overall more expensive to operate.

Flooring

The most common flooring materials for polyurea spray rigs include steel, and coated wood. Steel is durable and resistant to chemical spills, while coated wood is more affordable but generally requires more upkeep and maintenance over time.

Consider insulated floors to help maintain a constant temperature and protect your temperature-sensitive chemicals, especially when working in areas with extreme temperatures or weather conditions.

Walls & Ceiling

Walls and ceilings are typically made from wood or fiberglass panels. Fiberglass is lightweight and resistant to corrosion from chemicals. Wood is lightweight and painted, while insulated panels help maintain a controlled climate. Again, insulation is key to keep your foam, coatings, and equipment at optimal temperatures.

Equipment Considerations

While the trailer itself is important, the quality of the spray foam equipment inside can make or break your operations.

Air Dryer

An air dryer removes moisture from the compressed air used in your system. Moisture can cause inconsistent material application, clogs, or equipment damage, so this is a key piece of equipment in any rig. Look for an air dryer designed for continuous use in tough environments, rated up to 180°F.

Agitator

An agitator keeps materials like polyurea or spray foam components properly mixed, which minimizes separation and improves consistency during application. Follow manufacturer instructions to find an agitator designed for your specific materials, especially high-viscosity coatings.

Spray Gun

Your spray gun is a cornerstone of your rig used to apply the insulation or coating material. Your spray gun performance directly impacts quality and precision. Find the right gun for the material you’ll be spraying. Different spray gun chambers are optimized for open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, or polyurea coatings.

Proportioner

The sprayer, or proportioner, is the engine of your system. It heats your spray material to achieve the proper chemical reaction for effective application. The three most common types are electric, hydraulic, and air sprayers.

Consider your typical jobs and ensure your system can handle the output capacity. If you plan to grow your business, you may want to invest in a proportioner designed for larger jobs or higher volumes from the get-go.

Compressor

The compressor supplies the air needed to power your spray gun and other pneumatic tools. Reliable air pressure ensures smooth operation and consistent material flow. Match the compressor to the specific CFM and PSI needs of your spray gun and other equipment.

Generator

The generator powers all the components of your rig, so you need one that can handle all your equipment. Diesel generators have become increasingly popular due to their efficiency and durability in a variety of environments.

Transfer Pump

Your transfer pump is what moves the coating or insulation material from storage drums to the sprayer, ensuring a steady flow. You want a pump that aligns with the viscosity and chemical properties of your materials.

Heated Hose

A heated hose keeps your chemicals at the correct temperature as they travel from the proportioner to the spray gun. Without it, materials can cool, thicken, or fail to react properly, especially when working in colder temperatures.

Look for hoses with even heating and temperature monitoring to maintain material consistency. You’ll also want to consider length to ensure the hose allows you to maneuver the job site without sacrificing temperature control.

Get Your Custom Built Spray Foam Insulation Trailer

Whether you’re just starting your spray foam business or upgrading your current setup, Oak Ridge Foam & Coating Systems, Inc. specializes in designing and building custom spray rigs for contractors like you. Our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way.

[button link=”https://oakridgepoly.com/contact-oak-ridge-foam-and-coatings/” color=”green”] Contact Us[/button]

Read More: