The rise of cleaning drones has transformed façade and roof maintenance across the world. With safer workflows, faster job completion and minimal labor requirements, modern drone cleaning businesses rely heavily on professional equipment both in the air and on the ground. One critical yet often underestimated component of this ecosystem is the van used to transport and store the gear.
A drone-cleaning van is not merely a vehicle. For teams working with cleaning drones, it serves as a mobile equipment hub, charging station, chemical storage unit and operational workspace. Choosing the correct van size affects everything from safety and accessibility to job efficiency and long-term scalability.
This guide breaks down the three main van formats L1H2, L2H2 and L3H2 and explains why WasherDrone recommends L2H2 and L3H2 for professional operations. The article also highlights why L1H2 is simply too small for a complete ground-system installation and proper shelving layout.
Van Size Basics: L1H2, L2H2 and L3H2 Dimensions
Exact measurements vary by brand, but the industry standards are consistent enough to guide planning for cleaning drones operations.
L1H2 (Compact Body + Mid-High Roof)
- Interior length: 2.50–2.60 m
- Interior height: 1.75–1.90 m
- Cargo volume: 6–7 m³
L2H2 (Medium Body + Mid-High Roof)
- Interior length: 2.90–3.00 m
- Interior height: 1.90–2.00 m
- Cargo volume: 9–12 m³
L3H2 (Long Body + Mid-High Roof)
- Interior length: 3.60–4.10 m
- Interior height: 1.90–2.10 m
- Cargo volume: 12–15+ m³
These dimensional differences dramatically impact the way ground systems, accessories and cleaning drones can be arranged inside the vehicle.
Why L1H2 Is Too Small for a Professional Drone Cleaning Operation
At first glance, the L1H2 appears attractive. It’s easier to maneuver, park, and store. But once a business starts using cleaning drones professionally, this compact van size quickly becomes a major limitation.
1. Ground system storage is restricted
The WasherDrone ground system includes pump units, hose reels, dosing modules, filtration components and safety controls. These are designed to be mounted securely inside the van. The L1H2’s short interior length (around 2.5 m) leaves no comfortable space to install the full system while still providing room for cleaning drones, protective cases, cables and essential accessories.
2. Shelving and organization become impractical
Drone operations depend on well-structured shelving for:
- Battery packs
- Propeller kits
- Toolboxes
- Chemical storage
- Maintenance gear
In an L1H2, shelves must be narrow and shallow, making access difficult and increasing the risk of equipment damage. Daily operators of cleaning drones need quick, safe access to gear, not a cramped working environment.
3. Long-term growth becomes impossible
The L1H2 size cannot accommodate more advanced WasherDrone ground configurations or expanded accessory sets that professional cleaning drones require. Companies invariably outgrow this van size and end up replacing it sooner than expected.
Bottom line:
L1H2 is not suitable for serious drone cleaning businesses. It is too constrained for ground-system installation and fails to provide the shelving depth needed for safe, organized storage.
Why L2H2 Is the Most Practical Choice for Most Drone Cleaning Teams
The L2H2 format strikes the best balance between maneuverability and interior volume, making it the most common choice among professionals using cleaning drones.
1. Ideal interior length for WasherDrone ground systems
With nearly 3 meters of usable length, the pump cabinet, hose reel, dosing unit and control modules can be mounted comfortably along one side of the van. This leaves a clean central corridor and additional space for cleaning drones and their accessories.
2. Valid interior height for efficient shelving
L2H2 vans typically allow operators to stand semi-upright, simplifying equipment loading and maintenance tasks. More importantly, their vertical space supports robust shelving systems, essential for organizing gear efficiently in a growing cleaning drones operation.
3. Mobility is still highly manageable
L2H2 models remain city-friendly. They navigate residential streets and commercial areas without the maneuverability struggles associated with longer vehicles.
4. Scalable for developing operations
As businesses adopt more accessories, larger hoses, improved pumps or additional operational tools, the L2H2 provides enough room to grow without requiring an immediate fleet upgrade.
Conclusion:
For most drone cleaning professionals, L2H2 is the optimal starting point. WasherDrone’s modular ground system fits perfectly, and the van supports strong shelving setups for daily use of cleaning drones.
Why L3H2 Is the Premium Choice for Large or High-Volume Operations
When operators expand into larger commercial or industrial cleaning contracts, the L3H2 becomes the natural progression. It offers unmatched interior space and layout flexibility for businesses using cleaning drones on demanding sites.
1. Extensive interior length for advanced layouts
With more than 3.6 meters of interior length, the L3H2 accommodates:
- Oversized hose reels
- Larger chemical tanks
- Multi-module ground systems
- Full-height shelving
- Expanded tool storage
This makes it ideal for high-performance cleaning drones setups.
2. Perfect for advanced charging and power systems
Many professional teams install inverters, dedicated charging racks and insulated compartments. The L3H2 provides the space needed to separate charging zones safely from chemical storage or ground equipment.
3. Smooth workflow for large crews
Because everything has a designated place, from hoses to drone cases, site operations become faster and more organized.
4. Future-proof investment
As cleaning drones continue to evolve, requiring more powerful ground support, the L3H2 offers the room to upgrade without changing the entire van.
Conclusion:
L3H2 is the top choice for teams looking for maximum flexibility, long-term scalability and industrial-level performance.
Final Recommendation for WasherDrone Users
After extensive field experience, WasherDrone advises:
- L2H2 as the standard choice for professional drone cleaning operations
- L3H2 as the best configuration for large, high-volume or expansion-focused businesses
Both vans support proper ground-system integration, safe shelving installation and efficient daily workflows when operating cleaning drones. L1H2, while compact, is not suitable for any serious or scalable setup.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
1. Why isn’t L1H2 suitable for professional cleaning drones operations?
Because its interior length and height are too limited for WasherDrone ground systems and proper shelving.
2. What makes L2H2 the most balanced option?
It provides enough space for full ground-system installation while still being easy to maneuver in cities.
3. Is L3H2 necessary for big commercial projects?
It is ideal for operations that require large storage capacity, advanced power setups or extended equipment layouts.
4. Can all van sizes support shelving?
Technically yes, but only L2H2 and L3H2 offer the depth and height needed for safe and functional shelving used with cleaning drones.
5. Are WasherDrone ground systems compatible with any van?
They can be mounted in many vehicles, but they perform optimally in L2H2 and L3H2 due to their space and layout flexibility.