Hot Water Mobile Detailing

[LuxuryAutoSpa]

Mike i Got a question, and other forum member feel free to chime in.

Okay its that time of the year again when i try to purchase new items, and this year its the Northern tool hot water stand alone unit. I currently do a couple of semi trucks, i know it would help for those. But my question to you is besides doing the trucks, is it beneficial to do mobile detailing with it or is there any cons to using hot water on everyday vehicles. My idea is to be quick and efficient, using a automatic car wash pre spray, then foam, let soak then hit with hot water and dry. i guess i am trying to take out the elbow work....lolicture:. Also this season i plan on picking up alot of fleet work. So is Buying a $1500 hot water heater beneficial or should i my dewalt cold water pressure washer continue to do the job. Also i know the hot water will come in handy in doing concrete with a surface cleaner.

:work:It's either a Hot water heater, or a Carpet extractor ( but i have a commercial steamer) or the flex 3401 ( i have a cyclo polisher) but i want to upgrade. Know one in my area is doing the hot water wash so i thought it would be different.

Let me know guysFeed back please

 

[Mantilgh]

Will say first that I am not a pro, just my thoughts, and no one has replied.

I would think the hot water/cleaner solution would help, but think you might still need some agitation to get a thorough clean. Especially on trucks that spend a lot of time on the road, but should decrease the amount of physical effort needed.

This also depends on your intended results, or what the customer wants or expects.

I think that something like a good boars hair washing brush with an extension would be your best friend when doing big rigs, but yes, this is still physically intensive if you have a lot of trucks to do.

I think an extractor would be a good addition. But you might run into some issues and might want to research somethings first:

Main thing would be size of machine and/or hose length.

Will the extractor be able to fit inside the cab of the truck?

If not; Will the hoses be able to reach where you need to go easily considering your work area is already about 4 foot off the ground?

Solutions:
Longer hoses?

Build a 3-4 foot box for it to sit on, work off of, hold tools/supplies, and add locking caster wheels or make it a "wheel barrel" style.

 

[VP Mark]

Hot water cleans great but you will still need to manually agitate to get vehicles clean. Not worth it, in my opinion.

 

[allenk4]

Which of the three purchase options will make you the most money, by either saving time or being able to take on jobs that you can't currently do without it?

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Mike i Got a question, and other forum member feel free to chime in.


It's either a Hot water heater, or a Carpet extractor ( but i have a commercial steamer) or the flex 3401 ( i have a cyclo polisher) but i want to upgrade.

If I were you I would opt for the Flex 3401 polisher with some Hybrid pads and even the Lake Country Backing Plate Adapter Kit and a copy of my new how-to book to go with it.


How to use the Flex 3401 for Show Car Detailing



We knocked out most of these two cars using the Flex 3401 last night....


Breaking in the new Show Car Garage - 1932 Deuce Roadster!


1956 Bel Air Show Car Prep at Autogeek's Show Car Garage!



At Mobile Tech each year I teach a class that shows you how to turn a Flex 3401 into a money making machine.

I'd get the Flex first and then the extractor and then think about the hot water heater.


Just my 2 cents...