Mobile Generator Recommendations

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Detailed Josh

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Been amping up to actually get a vehicle for mobile detailing. Looking towards maybe an HHR. Either way I'm thinking that getting a mobile generator is a good idea to power tools. Maybe to use a small 110V air compressor (so I can have access to blowing dust away, and using a Tornador) or plugging in my Porta Cable 7424 buffer.

Suggestions?
 
couple of things here
Honda is the best generator out there but it runs about 2K.
Ive had my harbor freight generator for about 2 years and it has not let me down.(please generator this is not a challenge, don't start now) Its way less expensive ($500) and runs all the things you need to run. I use it everyday so I've tested it all the way.
Small air compressor will not work with the tornador, you need something bigger even a medium model 10gallon one, will need to catch up all the time. Best thing to get is a 20 gallon one, but this will take up space and add load to your van.
If you need something to blow off the water you can use a regular blower or if you want something smaller and just as powerful get a chemical guys blower its about 45 bucks.
Car Wash, Wax, Polishes, Microfiber Towels and Best Auto Detail Supplies - Chemical Guys Professional Car Care Products - Wholesale and Retail
 
That Honda eu2000 is pretty sharp looking. Looks like it would fit my needs great. A quick Google search revealed you can get one for $999 including shipping. Plus if for some reason I needed double power it looks like you can buy a 2nd one and connect them together. May seriously consider that one.

Yeah I know the Tornador needs some decent CFM. I think the small compressor I have is 10 gallons, but I'll have to put it through a torture test with the Tornador to see if it'll work or if I will also need to step on a new one of those.
 
Detailed Josh said:
That Honda eu2000 is pretty sharp looking. Looks like it would fit my needs great. A quick Google search revealed you can get one for $999 including shipping. Plus if for some reason I needed double power it looks like you can buy a 2nd one and connect them together. May seriously consider that one.
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And it's whisper quiet, and you can get the cord to sync two of them together if down the road you find you need more power.

We RV, the Honda's for boondocks camping are the gold standard.
 
Detailed Josh said:
Been amping up to actually get a vehicle for mobile detailing. Looking towards maybe an HHR.
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Off topic, but wouldn't it be better to get something more practical, like a minivan or cargo van? Either would have more cargo space, and better access to cargo via the rear hatch or sliding side doors.
 
trekkeruss said:
Off topic, but wouldn't it be better to get something more practical, like a minivan or cargo van? Either would have more cargo space, and better access to cargo via the rear hatch or sliding side doors.
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I thought the same thing, but after seeing a couple members here on the forum post about their HHR setups it seems pretty great. Save on fuel and still have enough cargo space. I haven't got one yet, but I'm leaning that way.
 
Detailed Josh said:
I thought the same thing, but after seeing a couple members here on the forum post about their HHR setups it seems pretty great. Save on fuel and still have enough cargo space. I haven't got one yet, but I'm leaning that way.
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The HHR is an awesome little rig for one or two man mobile operations, especially if you score a panel version. I absolutely love mine and wouldn't trade it for anything else on the market. I love that I can drive my "work van" and it feels like I'm driving a car. People always stop and ask questions about it too, it's a great conversational piece. I originally got the idea to use one on here from Josue - mrclean He has a white one and helped convince me on it. Here's mine in case you haven't seen it:

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There's a surprising amount of room inside too with plenty of access from the rear doors and back hatch:

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I have a ton of stuff in mine including a steam cleaner, vacuum, ladders, 3 5gallon buckets, leaf blower, pressure washer, 26 gallon water tank, hose, buffers, tons of chemicals/polishes/waxes and even more MF's and pads (I've got pictures if you're interested) but I don't have a compressor or a generator (I use customer's power and haven't really ever had an issue in 10 years with that). I do know that mrclean has a generator in his, so it can be done.

Good luck with the search, there's a lot of options out there, just make sure that you do your research and get what fits your needs. :dblthumb2:
 
Detailed Josh said:
Been amping up to actually get a vehicle for mobile detailing. Looking towards maybe an HHR. Either way I'm thinking that getting a mobile generator is a good idea to power tools. Maybe to use a small 110V air compressor (so I can have access to blowing dust away, and using a Tornador) or plugging in my Porta Cable 7424 buffer.

Suggestions?
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Good questions. I have been looking into getting a generator myself. I do not understand amp and watts. So I am trying my figure out what size to get.

Another item that I am looking to get is a 12 x 12 ez up conopy. Anyone have a good source for them?
 
I have a Ridgid 3400 Watt with a Subaru engine that is almost two years old and has been amazing, will run anything I have. I have stopped doing mobile detailing though and actually need to sell it. Want to drive to Southern Illinois? ;)
 
Any Honda GX series motor. The Honda 3000eu should cover all your needs. They are not cheap. I chose the honda eb3000.I really liked the smaller foot print and weight compared to the EU.The db are compatible at full throttle.
 
VP Mark said:
I have a Ridgid 3400 Watt with a Subaru engine that is almost two years old and has been amazing, will run anything I have. I have stopped doing mobile detailing though and actually need to sell it. Want to drive to Southern Illinois? ;)
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Did you get a shop, or are you doing it all from your garage now Mark? I had heard that you were thinking of scaling back the mobile side of things, but didn't realize you were going to stop completely.

How has this affected your business so far? I'm very interested to hear about it (sorry if I missed it somewhere else, I didn't want to hijack this thread), but I'd like to switch to a shop and would love insights on how you did and how your customers reacted to you no longer coming to them.

Thanks, good luck with it.
 
jarred767 said:
Did you get a shop, or are you doing it all from your garage now Mark? I had heard that you were thinking of scaling back the mobile side of things, but didn't realize you were going to stop completely.

How has this affected your business so far? I'm very interested to hear about it (sorry if I missed it somewhere else, I didn't want to hijack this thread), but I'd like to switch to a shop and would love insights on how you did and how your customers reacted to you no longer coming to them.

Thanks, good luck with it.
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I will update my thread about it later today. That way we don't derail the OP'S thread.
 
Possibly Mark, leaning towards the Honda, but I'll entertain the idea on yours. Price and any pictures?

No biggie on derailing the thread. On a related note for those of you switching to a shop would you still not want to keep your generators for that random client who demands (and willing to pay) for a mobile service?
 
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