Pressure washer recommendations

Grifffx4 said:
I was asking about the PSI because I don't know what psi is too high for paint and auto detailing. I want something strong enough but nothing that will (joking here) peel the paint.

Thanks for the GPM tip. I didn't really know how important that was if I was working off a water line. I fig it was important for working with portable water.


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PSI is variable, as the max rating really only matters if you put the tip of the gun right to the paint. Back off, and the PSI actually hitting the paint is much lower.

I think I've read that here that 1500PSI is generally considered safe. I have a 2000PSI unit, but I don't generally try to scrub bugs and debris off with water pressure alone, so I back off the paint several inches and just make sure I've really blown the soap film off.
 
Personally, I'd suggest any pw with a Honda motor. My pw is almost 8yrs old and works flawless. Best thing is I don't have to change nozzles, the tip of my gun twist to 4 different setting, 0 (0 is a BEAST, it can slice thru wood, don't ask), 15, 30, SOAP.

Even if I haven't used it for a month, 5 pulls tops to turn over. If in use, 3/4 pull! I beat the hell out of that thing too, deck, siding, walkway, driveway, everyway LMAO. Only down side is, it's LOUD AS BALLZ, but I could care less.

Home Depot has the quick connects too for your foam gun.
 
I got a Simpson pressure washer powered with a Honda motor (3000 PSI 2.4gpm) worked great but it gave out just like a Ford.....I am looking for one too
 
aztec1987 said:
About a couple of months, we switch the spark plug and it worked perfectly. Then after that use never again it turned back on.
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Theses things don't come with any kind of warranty?

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SoonerGM said:
Theses things don't come with any kind of warranty?

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If I remember correctly it passed the 90 day. That is our second pressure washer we own the first one was an electrical one.
 
EVOlved said:
I have an AR383 and that works perfect for me. Comes with a hose reel, longer cord than most, and is all self contained.
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I had one and that crap gave out in 5 months. Hate the fact that I had to purchase and additional wand to connect it to my foam cannon. To be honest the engine rev more when I had the foam cannon attached than just spraying water, heck it even rev when I had the detergent bottle that it came with.
 
even though the honda motors will run forever and are most likely not to have any problems/issues, it's the pumps that usually go bad which in most cases out weigh fixing due to the cost of the whole pressure washer itself...
 
VISITOR said:
even though the honda motors will run forever and are most likely not to have any problems/issues, it's the pumps that usually go bad which in most cases out weigh fixing due to the cost of the whole pressure washer itself...
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That is what I research a lot about the pumps going out a lot. The problem is that it can cost 350 to fix it in which most people rather get a new one than repair it. I am searching for something reliable.
 
Love my kranzle 399 tst running off a Honda eu3000is. Not many people will spent over $1000 for a electric power washer, but I am so glad I did now!!
 
I have a karcher elect one,we'll over 10 years old, never had a problem. I use it on the car and around the house. Not the strongest, but it gets the job done!
 
Ah I was in your exact situation about 3 weeks ago with looking for a pressure washer for detailing. What I learned is you first need to decide if your wanting to go with an electric PW or a gas PW. Here are a few pros/cons of each:

Electric PW
Pros
- Quieter (for early morning jobs or detailing at your house not trying to disturb your neighbors)
- Cheaper - most in the 1500-2000 psi range will run $130-$230
- Virtually no maintenance
- Most are fairly small and lightweight

Cons
- Tend to not last as long as gas PW - I can't say this from personal experience, but it seems like the majority of guys on here or reviews on electric PWs mentioning them breaking. A lot of the pumps are made of plastic from what I understand.
- Not as powerful. Although I don't think you really need over 2,000 PSI for detailing. If your wanting to PW houses too then yes your going to need more power.

Gas PW
Pros
- Plenty of power
- Tend to last longer
- No electric needed

Cons
- Noisy
- Maintenance - changing oil, adding gas, etc.
- Typically larger/heavier
- More expensive - typically $300-$400

So what did I go with? This one Ryobi 1700-PSI 1.2-GPM Electric Pressure Washer-RY14122 at The Home Depot

I went electric because I am starting my detailing out of my home garage and I didn't really want to disturb my neighbors. I also am going to be doing some mobile work out of my pickup truck (I have no trailer). This unit I can lift with one hand to load/unload from the bed. It has a long cord and is built in a way that stands up securely (a problem some electric PWs have). The 2 main reasons (besides it's price) why I went with this model are 1) It has almost all GREAT reviews from people that own one. 2) It has a 3 year manufacturers warranty! I was nervous about throwing $160+ at something that may fail in a years time (I read too many stories about electric PWs).

My advice to anyone looking for a PW for detailing. If it's electric, make sure it has a good warranty if possible. A lot of guys on here got theirs at Costco due to the warranty they provide so that is another great option I would look into. So far I am pretty happy with my Ryobi. From what I hear it's a rebadged Black and Decker. If I had to do it over though I would look more for a PW that had at least 1.5 GPM. My 1.2 GPM feels like it is lacking a little when trying to clean a really dirty engine or especially in the wheel wells. I got lost in the PSI amount, but the GPM is just as important.

Let us know what you decide. Good luck!
 
Although I have a Honda gas PW, if it was just used for detailing and not pulling double duty for the house, electric is the way to go.

Good luck and enjoy, PW make life easy.
 
98LowRanger said:
Ah I was in your exact situation about 3 weeks ago with looking for a pressure washer for detailing. What I learned is you first need to decide if your wanting to go with an electric PW or a gas PW. Here are a few pros/cons of each:

Electric PW
Pros
- Quieter (for early morning jobs or detailing at your house not trying to disturb your neighbors)
- Cheaper - most in the 1500-2000 psi range will run $130-$230
- Virtually no maintenance
- Most are fairly small and lightweight

Cons
- Tend to not last as long as gas PW - I can't say this from personal experience, but it seems like the majority of guys on here or reviews on electric PWs mentioning them breaking. A lot of the pumps are made of plastic from what I understand.
- Not as powerful. Although I don't think you really need over 2,000 PSI for detailing. If your wanting to PW houses too then yes your going to need more power.

Gas PW
Pros
- Plenty of power
- Tend to last longer
- No electric needed

Cons
- Noisy
- Maintenance - changing oil, adding gas, etc.
- Typically larger/heavier
- More expensive - typically $300-$400

So what did I go with? This one Ryobi 1700-PSI 1.2-GPM Electric Pressure Washer-RY14122 at The Home Depot

I went electric because I am starting my detailing out of my home garage and I didn't really want to disturb my neighbors. I also am going to be doing some mobile work out of my pickup truck (I have no trailer). This unit I can lift with one hand to load/unload from the bed. It has a long cord and is built in a way that stands up securely (a problem some electric PWs have). The 2 main reasons (besides it's price) why I went with this model are 1) It has almost all GREAT reviews from people that own one. 2) It has a 3 year manufacturers warranty! I was nervous about throwing $160+ at something that may fail in a years time (I read too many stories about electric PWs).

My advice to anyone looking for a PW for detailing. If it's electric, make sure it has a good warranty if possible. A lot of guys on here got theirs at Costco due to the warranty they provide so that is another great option I would look into. So far I am pretty happy with my Ryobi. From what I hear it's a rebadged Black and Decker. If I had to do it over though I would look more for a PW that had at least 1.5 GPM. My 1.2 GPM feels like it is lacking a little when trying to clean a really dirty engine or especially in the wheel wells. I got lost in the PSI amount, but the GPM is just as important.

Let us know what you decide. Good luck!
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If I were to buy an electric pressure washer right now, the ryobi would be it. Sams club has the black max version which is essentially the same thing just re-branded for about $20 less...
 
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