A hose reel is one of those accessories that quietly transforms a pressure washer from a tangle of hose into a professional tool. General Pump — widely known as GP — is a name that pressure washing professionals recognize, and the company’s hose reels are a common choice for commercial rigs. A General Pump pressure washer hose reel brings the same heavy-duty thinking the brand applies to pumps to the task of storing and deploying high-pressure hose.
This guide explains what General Pump hose reels are, the types and sizes available, how to choose one, how to install and maintain it, and why so many cleaning businesses rely on them.
Who General Pump Is
General Pump is a manufacturer of high-pressure pumps and accessories used in pressure washing, car washing, and industrial cleaning. Its pumps are found on countless commercial machines, and the brand is respected for durable, serviceable equipment. The hose reel line extends that reputation into the accessory side of the business.
Because General Pump reels come from the same world as the pumps, they are engineered to match commercial demands: high pressure ratings, hot water tolerance, solid steel construction, and replaceable wear parts. They are built for rigs that work every day, not for occasional weekend use.
For a cleaning business, buying a reel from a known pressure-washing brand has practical value. Ratings, fittings, and sizing follow industry conventions, so a GP reel pairs predictably with commercial hoses, swivels, and machines.
What a General Pump Hose Reel Does
A hose reel stores a high-pressure hose on a drum and lets you wind and unwind it quickly. Instead of coiling a stiff, heavy hose by hand — kinking it in the process — you crank or pull it onto the reel. This protects the hose from abrasion, kinks, and being run over, all of which shorten its life.
On a working rig, a reel also saves time. Dragging and coiling hose at every job adds up, and a reel cuts that time dramatically. It keeps the hose off the ground and out of the way, and it makes the hose ready to deploy the moment you park. For a commercial operation, that convenience is worth real money.
General Pump reels are designed for high-pressure service, which sets them apart from soft-wash or garden hose reels. Their swivels, seals, and fittings are rated for the pressures and temperatures a pressure washer produces, so they handle the job without leaking or failing.
Types of General Pump Reels
General Pump offers reels in several configurations to suit different rigs and preferences. The main types are hand-crank reels with a mounting base, A-frame reels, and motorized or electric reels. Each suits a different way of working.
Hand-crank reels with a mounting base are the most common. They mount to a skid, wall, or truck bed, and the hose winds on with a hand crank and a locking mechanism to hold it in place. Models like the D30002, D30004, and D30006 hold 100, 150, and 200 feet of 3/8-inch hose respectively.
A-frame reels are open-frame designs that hold very long hoses — 150, 300, or even 450 feet. They are favorites on trailers and skids where a large hose capacity is needed and the open frame makes winding and inspection easy. A-frame reels can also be stacked with a stacking kit to fit two on one mount.
Electric or motorized reels power the drum with a motor, so the operator reels hose at the push of a button rather than by hand. These are the premium option for very long hoses and heavy use, where hand-cranking would be exhausting.
Sizes and Capacities
General Pump reels are sized by how much hose they hold and what pressure they are rated for. The most common capacities are 100, 150, 200, 300, and 450 feet of 3/8-inch hose, which is the industry-standard diameter for commercial pressure washing. Pressure ratings reach 4,000 to 5,000 PSI on the heavy-duty models, with temperature ratings extending to 185–225°F for hot water use.
Match the reel to the hose you actually run. Buying for the hose length you plan to use in the coming year — not just today — avoids needing a bigger reel later. Many professional rigs run a two- or three-reel stack, with one reel for a long working hose and others for shorter leads or soft-wash hose.
Fittings matter as much as capacity. General Pump reels typically use 3/8-inch NPT inlet and outlet ports, and some A-frame models use 1/2-inch ports for maximum flow. A full-flow swivel — often brass or stainless steel — lets the drum spin without kinking or restricting the hose, and it is a serviceable part.
Choosing the Right General Pump Reel
Begin with capacity. Decide how much hose you need to reach your typical work, add a margin, and pick the reel that holds it. If you run 200 feet of hose on a trailer, the D30006 or an A-frame of similar size is the logical choice. If you run 100 feet on a small skid, the D30002 fits neatly.
Then consider mounting and space. A base-mount hand-crank reel bolts flat to a surface, while an A-frame reel needs room for its open frame. On a tight rig, a stacked configuration saves space; on a wall, a base reel is simplest. Check the reel’s footprint and mounting pattern before buying.
Consider the operation, too. If your crew winds 200 feet of hose many times a day, an electric reel repays its cost in saved effort and time. If the hose is shorter or the work is lighter, a hand-crank reel is durable, simple, and far less expensive. Match the drive to the workload.
Installation
Mounting a General Pump reel is straightforward but must be solid. Bolt the reel to a sturdy surface — a skid, truck bed, trailer frame, or wall — using the mounting base or bracket. Reinforce thin panels or sheet metal so the bolts cannot pull through under load. The reel and a full hose can be heavy, and the pull of a pressured hose adds force.
Plumb the reel correctly. The machine’s outlet connects to the reel’s inlet, and the hose connects to the reel’s outlet through the swivel. Use the correct thread sealant on NPT fittings, and route the inlet hose so it cannot kink or chafe. A short length of high-pressure hose — a whip or pigtail — often connects the machine to the reel’s inlet.
Check the swivel before pressurizing. Turn the drum by hand with the hose attached and confirm the swivel rotates freely and the hose winds evenly. Prime the system with water, check for leaks at every fitting, and only then start the machine. A drip at a fitting can be fixed now rather than becoming a soaked job site.
Using the Reel at the Job
At the job, unlock the reel and pull the hose out to the work area, walking the hose out rather than yanking it. Lay it so it does not cross traffic or sharp edges. When finished, crank or power the hose back on evenly, guiding it so it winds flat rather than piling to one side. A reel that winds evenly lasts far longer.
Keep the drum lock engaged when the hose is stored, so it does not unspool during transport. On A-frame reels, the open design makes it easy to see and correct a bad wind. On any reel, avoid kinking the hose at the outlet, which is a common cause of swivel leaks and hose damage.
Reels also simplify the rinse and cleanup process. A downstream injector or second short hose can be kept on a separate reel, so switching between soap and rinse is quick. Many pros keep a dedicated soft-wash or garden reel stacked with the high-pressure reel for exactly this reason.
Common General Pump Reel Models at a Glance
The table below summarizes the main categories of General Pump reels, their typical capacities, and typical ratings. Specific figures vary by model, so confirm the details for the exact unit you buy.
| Type | Typical Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base-mount hand crank | 100–200 ft of 3/8″ hose | Bolts to skid, truck bed, or wall; locking crank |
| A-frame | 150–450 ft of 3/8″ hose | Open frame, stackable, high capacity for trailers |
| Electric / motorized | 150 ft and up | Push-button rewind for long hoses and heavy use |
Across the range, the constant is commercial construction: steel frames, durable finishes such as powder coat, and swivels rated for high pressure and hot water. General Pump reels are built so that the parts that wear — the swivel and seals — can be replaced rather than forcing a new reel.
Maintenance
Hose reels are simple machines, and a little care keeps them working for years. Inspect the swivel regularly for leaks. The swivel is where pressure meets moving parts, and its seals wear with use. If it drips or the drum becomes stiff, rebuild or replace the swivel — a service part on General Pump reels.
Keep the drum, crank, and bearings clean and free of grit. Sand and debris from job sites work into moving parts and cause stiffness and wear. Wipe the reel down, and lubricate the crank and pivot points lightly. On A-frame reels, check the bolts and the mounting for looseness, since vibration and the pull of a pressured hose can work fasteners loose.
Protect the hose by winding it evenly and storing it out of direct sun. UV degrades hose covers, and a good reel keeps the hose under cover and wound so it does not kink. Replace worn hoses before they burst, and keep a spare pigtail hose for the reel inlet, since that short hose takes the most flexing.
Winterizing a Reel
Freezing is the season’s main threat to a hose reel. Water trapped in the swivel or the hose can freeze and expand, cracking seals or splitting the hose. Before the first freeze, drain the hose completely, wind it loosely, and store the reel where it will not freeze. If the machine is winterized with pump-protector fluid or antifreeze, run it through the system so the reel and hose are protected too.
Store reels indoors or under cover during winter, and keep the hose off concrete that can hold moisture. In spring, flush the system with clean water, inspect the swivel and seals, and test for leaks before the first job. A little seasonal care prevents the freeze damage that ruins reels and hoses alike.
Why Professionals Choose General Pump
Professionals choose General Pump reels because they trust the brand and because the reels are built for the way they work. The reels match commercial hoses and machines, survive daily rigors, and can be serviced with readily available parts. That combination of durability and serviceability is what a business needs.
A reel also pays for itself. It reduces the time spent dragging and coiling hose, protects an expensive high-pressure hose from damage, and keeps a rig organized and professional. When every minute on the job counts and a ruined hose means a ruined day, a quality reel is not a luxury — it is equipment.
Whether on a trailer-mounted commercial rig or a mobile cleaning van, a General Pump pressure washer hose reel earns its place. Sized to the hose, mounted securely, and maintained with care, it delivers the convenience and reliability that let a cleaning business move faster and work cleaner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a General Pump hose reel? A high-pressure hose reel made by General Pump (GP), a maker of commercial pressure washing pumps and accessories, built to store and deploy pressure washer hose.
Are General Pump reels high pressure? Yes. Heavy-duty models are rated for 4,000 to 5,000 PSI and hot water up to roughly 185–225°F, suited to commercial pressure washers.
What sizes are available? Common capacities are 100, 150, 200, 300, and 450 feet of 3/8-inch hose, in base-mount, A-frame, and electric configurations.
What hose diameter do GP reels use? Most are rated for 3/8-inch hose, the commercial standard, with 3/8-inch NPT ports; some A-frame models use 1/2-inch ports.
Is General Pump the same as GP? Yes. GP is the common short name for General Pump, and the two refer to the same brand of pumps and accessories.
Can General Pump reels be serviced? Yes. The swivel, seals, and handles are replaceable parts, so a worn reel can be rebuilt rather than replaced.
Can reels be stacked? Yes. A-frame reels can be stacked with a stacking kit, letting two reels share one mount to save space on a trailer or skid.
How do I maintain one? Check the swivel for leaks, keep the drum and crank clean and lubricated, wind the hose evenly, and winterize to prevent freeze damage.
Final Thoughts
A General Pump pressure washer hose reel is a professional-grade accessory that keeps a high-pressure hose organized, protected, and ready. Built for commercial pressures and hot water, and made to be serviced, GP reels suit the demands of a working cleaning operation.
Match the reel’s capacity and rating to your hose, choose the drive and mount for your rig, install it securely, and maintain the swivel and hose. Done right, a General Pump reel saves time on every job and protects the hose that your business depends on. For related reading, see our guides on the Reelcraft pressure washer hose reel and the pressure washer reel with hose.