Mobile Van still in progress!

slickooz said:
Kris the mobile set up looks sick. I would love to have something like that set up one day. Next time I'm off I'm going read all 22 pages, lots of good info with going mobile. :props:
Click to expand...

Thanks buddy. Yeah, there should be quite a bit of good info in this thread. That's what I was hoping for.

I'll probably take more pictures, and add more info as time goes on. I honestly forgot about a lot of the stuff I setup, or went through to get this thing going. It was a TON of work.
 
Kristopher1129 said:
Thanks buddy. Yeah, there should be quite a bit of good info in this thread. That's what I was hoping for.

I'll probably take more pictures, and add more info as time goes on. I honestly forgot about a lot of the stuff I setup, or went through to get this thing going. It was a TON of work.
Click to expand...

Hey Kris just wondering how you like the pump that sucks the water out of your detail tank.
Does it add considerable pressure?
I have a Karcher X series pressure washer that I just bought. These units come with built in self priming pumps so they literaly suck the water out of the tank. However, I figured if I increased the waterflow with a pump it would at least make the pressure washer work easier, especially when the water is running low.
Do these units overheat if they are powered on but they are not pushing water through?
I also wonder if they make them with standard plugs so I can save the hassle of wiring it to the battery.

Btw sorry for all the questions in advance!
 
Rav777 said:
Hey Kris just wondering how you like the pump that sucks the water out of your detail tank.
Does it add considerable pressure?
I have a Karcher X series pressure washer that I just bought. These units come with built in self priming pumps so they literaly suck the water out of the tank. However, I figured if I increased the waterflow with a pump it would at least make the pressure washer work easier, especially when the water is running low.
Do these units overheat if they are powered on but they are not pushing water through?
I also wonder if they make them with standard plugs so I can save the hassle of wiring it to the battery.


Btw sorry for all the questions in advance!
Click to expand...

The pump I chose was chosen for two reasons. I knew about the Karcher pressure washers pumping water.

But, the reason I chose this pump was because I wanted to use it to fill bottles, buckets, or just overall have a hose for a standard water source. It's been very useful to be able to use the hose as a normal garden hose as well.

With the Karcher, you'd be limited to using just your pressure washer for pressured water.

Plus, the pump I bought is an on demand pump. Meaning it will stop running when there is back pressure. So if I'm not using the water, and I shut off the little valve at the end of the hose...it will stop pumping. Same goes for when I pull and release the trigger for the pressure washer. Very handy to set it up this way.

Also, If I want to empty my tank...I can turn the pump on and walk away while it drains.
 
Kristopher1129 said:
The pump I chose was chosen for two reasons. I knew about the Karcher pressure washers pumping water.

But, the reason I chose this pump was because I wanted to use it to fill bottles, buckets, or just overall have a hose for a standard water source. It's been very useful to be able to use the hose as a normal garden hose as well.

With the Karcher, you'd be limited to using just your pressure washer for pressured water.

Plus, the pump I bought is an on demand pump. Meaning it will stop running when there is back pressure. So if I'm not using the water, and I shut off the little valve at the end of the hose...it will stop pumping. Same goes for when I pull and release the trigger for the pressure washer. Very handy to set it up this way.

Also, If I want to empty my tank...I can turn the pump on and walk away while it drains.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply. I think I fell for the pump as it will be easier to fill bottles/buckets quicker when I have an ONR wash or something.
Do you know happen to know the model # of your pump?
 
Rav777 said:
Thanks for the reply. I think I fell for the pump as it will be easier to fill bottles/buckets quicker when I have an ONR wash or something.
Do you know happen to know the model # of your pump?
Click to expand...

Here's a link to the exact model I have.

Shurflo On-Demand Diaphragm Pump - 1.8 GPM, 60 PSI, 12 Volt

Bear in mind that this is a fairly small model. If I had to do it over again...I would probably get one that pumps a bit harder. But it's not necessary. My main concern was that it was enough to feed my pressure washer which is only a 1.4 gpm. Just something to think about.
 
I need to get myself a nice van and start this up. I work off a referral basis only as of now because I am saving capital for this venture. I am jealous of your van set up man!!! Sweet!!
 
bigaizsosexy said:
I need to get myself a nice van and start this up. I work off a referral basis only as of now because I am saving capital for this venture. I am jealous of your van set up man!!! Sweet!!
Click to expand...

Thanks man. Don't be jealous, it's very obtainable!
 
You've put a ton of work into the van as well as this thread. Both show a great deal of creativity and ingenuity.

I only detail my cars and occasionally I'll do a friend's car so I'll never be involved to the level you are but this thread has been a fun and informative read.

Thanks :props:
 
mdb917 said:
You've put a ton of work into the van as well as this thread. Both show a great deal of creativity and ingenuity.

I only detail my cars and occasionally I'll do a friend's car so I'll never be involved to the level you are but this thread has been a fun and informative read.

Thanks :props:
Click to expand...

Thanks! I appreciate that.
 
In the end, what did the van setup cost you total? Also, do you still use your mobile detailing venture in the winter? Do you suggest a van or a trailer? I know you use a van as of now, but would you have done if differently if you had the chance?

Sorry for the questions, I am really curious.
 
Wills.WindowsAndWheels said:
Hey Kris...just wondering...what did the vinyl lettering cost you? I think thats a sweet touch :dblthumb2:
Click to expand...

For all of it...I was probably around $550 or so. Somewhere in that range. That's with me installing it too.

bigaizsosexy said:
In the end, what did the van setup cost you total? Also, do you still use your mobile detailing venture in the winter? Do you suggest a van or a trailer? I know you use a van as of now, but would you have done if differently if you had the chance?

Sorry for the questions, I am really curious.
Click to expand...

No problem man. Total was about $6,000 give or take. I don't have an exact number cause things just coming up, ha.

If I had to do it again...I would absolutely do a van. It may just be because of my situation. But for me, a trailer I would never go with. I like having the inside storage for one thing. Also, I would not want to hook up a trailer and park it inside every day. If I made another unit, I would basically do the same thing with some very minor changes.

I definitely won't be using it in the winter. I have a shop to stay warm in. Winters get a little too cold around here in New Hampshire, ha.
 
Thanks for answering my questions Kris. I am really interested in doing a mobile setup, but I work out of NJ and we have the same issue with WINTER. I've been looking for a cheap van to at least start my project.....nothing has come up.

I will stay in touch if you don't mind because I am sure I will have more questions.

Thanks,
Andrew
 
bigaizsosexy said:
Thanks for answering my questions Kris. I am really interested in doing a mobile setup, but I work out of NJ and we have the same issue with WINTER. I've been looking for a cheap van to at least start my project.....nothing has come up.

I will stay in touch if you don't mind because I am sure I will have more questions.

Thanks,
Andrew
Click to expand...

Sure man. I'll help however I can. Feel free to PM me if you want.

It took me a while to find the van I wanted too. I was really set on finding an Astro or Safari though. Those are hard to come by without a million miles on it, ha. Good luck!
 
Hey Kris,

Quick question, do you use a pump in your water tank? If so, what volt?

Andrew
 
bigaizsosexy said:
Hey Kris,

Quick question, do you use a pump in your water tank? If so, what volt?

Andrew
Click to expand...

I use a 12 volt ON DEMAND pump. I capitalized on demand because I found it to be pretty important. An on demand pump will stop with back pressure.

In other words...if you let go of the trigger on the pressure washer...the water will stop flowing instead of constantly pumping and causing an issue.

Also, make sure you pay attention to the GPM. I tried to get mine just a tad higher than the GPM on my pressure washer. That way they work together well.

Feel free to PM me with other questions if you want. :dblthumb2:
 
Those pumps are awesome I just got a 3 GPM On Demand Pump and it is holding up great! Hopefully it will increase the life of my electric X series Karcher
 
Kristopher1129 said:
I use a 12 volt ON DEMAND pump. I capitalized on demand because I found it to be pretty important. An on demand pump will stop with back pressure.

In other words...if you let go of the trigger on the pressure washer...the water will stop flowing instead of constantly pumping and causing an issue.

Also, make sure you pay attention to the GPM. I tried to get mine just a tad higher than the GPM on my pressure washer. That way they work together well.

Feel free to PM me with other questions if you want. :dblthumb2:
Click to expand...


Thanks for the response, and prompt answer.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top