Calling all mobile detailers?

14automobiles

14automobiles

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Mobile detailers,

I am getting my business to offer mobile services in my neck of the woods. Would you please answer these questions for me?

1. Is a trailer or van a better way to go?

2. How big of a water tank and how many jobs can you do with that size?

3. What size of a generator..wattage?

4. Do you know of a canopy that can be set up by one person for shade..what is it and where is it found?

5. Do you use a gas pressure washer...can you get it to spill water for 'sheeting purposes' when you are rinsing?

6. Anything that you can feed to me about starting out being mobile would be great.

thanks
 
Hey there,
I've been mobile for the past 10 years and used a trailer since Day 1. Vans can be more secure but, if you rig one up, that's about all you can use it for. I bought a 275Gal water tank (which I never fill completely) and can do quite a few cars with just half. However, I don't recommend one that big...maybe 100-150ish. I just got a really good deal on mine. My generator is 3500w. Big enough for everything I need and then some. As far as the canopy, Lowes and Home Depot sell them for pretty cheap. I think the brand is "Quick Shade"...roughly $100-$120. If AG sells them, I haven't looked. My pressure washer is too big for detailing but great for pressure washing. I turn it down to rinse since it's a 13hp 3500psi . Most recommend about a 2200psi or less for detailing.

I hope that helps.
 
Can you set up your canopy by yourself? So many of them seem so heavy and they are a 2 man set-up.

Also, what do you think about a roll out awning on the side of the trailer?



thanks


Im the MAN

detailmstr said:
Hey there,
I've been mobile for the past 10 years and used a trailer since Day 1. Vans can be more secure but, if you rig one up, that's about all you can use it for. I bought a 275Gal water tank (which I never fill completely) and can do quite a few cars with just half. However, I don't recommend one that big...maybe 100-150ish. I just got a really good deal on mine. My generator is 3500w. Big enough for everything I need and then some. As far as the canopy, Lowes and Home Depot sell them for pretty cheap. I think the brand is "Quick Shade"...roughly $100-$120. If AG sells them, I haven't looked. My pressure washer is too big for detailing but great for pressure washing. I turn it down to rinse since it's a 13hp 3500psi . Most recommend about a 2200psi or less for detailing.

I hope that helps.
Click to expand...
 
The first time you set up the canopy, you may need another person...usually to attach the top to the frame. After that, it's a one man deal easily.
 
As for the roll out awning, you would need a tall trailer to be able to park a vehicle under the awning it if that's what you meant. I actually thought about it before, but my trailer is only about 6' tall with the axle.
 
Thank you. What do you think about an awning on the side of the trailer instead of a pop up canopy?




detailmstr said:
The first time you set up the canopy, you may need another person...usually to attach the top to the frame. After that, it's a one man deal easily.
Click to expand...
 
14automobiles said:
Thank you. What do you think about an awning on the side of the trailer instead of a pop up canopy?
Click to expand...

I also just recently began offering mobile services. I went with an open trailer including:

9' x 5 1/2' x 4'
125 gal. water tank
Air compressor rated @ 120psi (100 ft hose)
6.5hp Honda pressure washer @ 2200psi (100 ft hose)
3500 watt generator
Locking diamond plate tool box 5'x3

I find the open trailer is best since you have no restrictions as you would with an enclosed trailer. The canopy is something I'm also looking into for a one man show to use.
 
I have been mobile for 9 years now. I carry 70gal.water,Aztec Heated extractor,Husky 2400 pressure washer 50' hose, Flex,PC,rotory,Coleman Powermate Generator,Wetvac,tent (easy up from Dicks 10x10) Ozone generator,6gal pancake compressor. Everything is enclosed in the back of my Cadillac EXT. my avatar
This works out real good too. No building overhead,and I can even go to remote places. I never had a trailer or van. So I can't speak about the pros and cons or comparisons. I LOVE my set up!
 
Could any of you take a couple of pictures of your trailer or the inside of your SUV to let me get a visual on how you have equipment laid out?

Also, do you think a 3000 watt generator is good?:dblthumb2:
 
14automobiles said:
Could any of you take a couple of pictures of your trailer or the inside of your SUV to let me get a visual on how you have equipment laid out?

Also, do you think a 3000 watt generator is good?:dblthumb2:
Click to expand...

I have a 3250 watt gen. so yes, 3000 would be fine.

This is the setup I currently use. What makes this nice is that I'm able to work from any side with no restraints. The trailer is still light enough when the tank is full to maneuver wherever I need to be. The tool box is lockable & weatherproof along with a thick rubber mat along the bottom. I have no worries with my hand tools being inside.

I tow this with a Toyota 4Runner and keep the vacuum, mf rags and temperature restrictive products inside. This setup costs in the neighborhood of $3200 free & clear.

These pictures were taken in the seller's parking lot before signage was installed.

DSC02316.jpg

DSC02317.jpg

DSC02324.jpg

DSC02329.jpg

DSC02338.jpg
 
Thanks for the pics. Do you need a pump between your tank and your pressure waSher...or is your pump only on the pressure washer? How does this work?

Also, how do you rinse cars? Do you use a pressure washer or do you have a way of having low pressure water so that you can 'sheet' the water off the car while rinsing.

Shade Tree said:
I have a 3250 watt gen. so yes, 3000 would be fine.

This is the setup I currently use. What makes this nice is that I'm able to work from any side with no restraints. The trailer is still light enough when the tank is full to maneuver wherever I need to be. The tool box is lockable & weatherproof along with a thick rubber mat along the bottom. I have no worries with my hand tools being inside.

I tow this with a Toyota 4Runner and keep the vacuum, mf rags and temperature restrictive products inside. This setup costs in the neighborhood of $3200 free & clear.

These pictures were taken in the seller's parking lot before signage was installed.

DSC02316.jpg

DSC02317.jpg

DSC02324.jpg

DSC02329.jpg

DSC02338.jpg
Click to expand...
 
No other pump is needed besides the pressure washer. For rinsing I use the pressure washer & have no need for the "sheeting" water. I am able to fill buckets utilizing an outlet from the front left (underneath the generator).
 
Shade Tree said:
I have a 3250 watt gen. so yes, 3000 would be fine.

This is the setup I currently use. What makes this nice is that I'm able to work from any side with no restraints. The trailer is still light enough when the tank is full to maneuver wherever I need to be. The tool box is lockable & weatherproof along with a thick rubber mat along the bottom. I have no worries with my hand tools being inside.

I tow this with a Toyota 4Runner and keep the vacuum, mf rags and temperature restrictive products inside. This setup costs in the neighborhood of $3200 free & clear.

These pictures were taken in the seller's parking lot before signage was installed.

DSC02316.jpg

DSC02317.jpg

DSC02324.jpg

DSC02329.jpg

DSC02338.jpg
Click to expand...

I know this thread was a while back, but I'm in the process of putting together a mobile unit. This one seems to be the one I would go for!
Where did you get this put together at? Is it just a local place?
 
I am the opposite of a guy looking to offer pressure washing. I work out of the back of my pick up truck. I use a low pressure wash system. I set out with about 11 gallons of water. You wont be washing any houses with my setup(although I can wash a 40ft motorhome) Good luck.
 
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