Mobile vacuum help

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Stephan@FamouslyHot

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Hello all

I tried searching for this but could not come up with anything.

How do you all who are mobile detailers use a vacuum for clients in an apartment complex or somewhere that does not have access to a power outlet?

Thank you

Stephan
 
You could also use a Power Inverter in your vehicle. You need to make sure it can supply enough power at startup.
 
dcjredline said:
Generator.
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To expand a bit, do youself a HUGE favor and get a Honda eu2000i generator. I originally picked up a Chinese made unit from Costco (thankfully) it lasted all of 3 hours before quiting on me. Returned it and got a used Honda from craigslist. Has been awesome, much quieter, very easy on gas and easily runs vacs, steamers, ect...( although not at the same time) and has a very handy 12v output to run my water pump too! I was a bit nervous to buy used, local honda dealer said as long as the oil looks ok and isn't burned (old) not to worry too much. They have very few of these come in for repairs, just service.
 
That honda eu2000i looks pretty wicked, also fairly expensive for right now.

The power inverter option seems like a good idea. Does anyone have experience with this? Negative side effects to your cars battery or will it drain it?
 
Oceans05 said:
That honda eu2000i looks pretty wicked, also fairly expensive for right now.

The power inverter option seems like a good idea. Does anyone have experience with this? Negative side effects to your cars battery or will it drain it?
Click to expand...

You don't want to run this off the battery. Have the engine running so that the alternator is doing the brunt of the work. Car batteries are designed for intense short duration use (starting the car) not for long power draws.

Check the power your alternator can deliver. And what your tool uses. If the tool uses a lot more than the alternator can deliver, the battery will drain.

For exemple. My Caravan has a 90 Amps alternator. So at 14 volts, that's 1260 Watts. If I was to use Tools that use more than 1260 Watts, I would make sure to use them only for very short durations. So in my case, a hot water extractor would be hard to use with my vehicle, but a vaccum cleaner or a polisher would be ok. I would have to check for power washers but I doubt they use too much power.
 
Its not to bad and it is the sound of making money :-) If i am someplace where i cant reach any power then this allows me to get the job done. Starts on the first pull every time hope i didnt just jinx myself lol but it really is everything i have needed and didnt need to spend big bucks for it. I have a helper once in a blue moon and it works with 2 people running buffers. Plus my air compressor. Hope this helps as a option for anyone on a budget.
 
Oceans05 said:
Hello all

I tried searching for this but could not come up with anything.

How do you all who are mobile detailers use a vacuum for clients in an apartment complex or somewhere that does not have access to a power outlet?

Thank you

Stephan
Click to expand...

If cash is a bit tight you could always run an extension cord from inside, out the window to some sort of power strip. This is what I typically do if I am working and don't want to use a generator. Yes I do own a generator, but they are noisey and I don't like to annoy people.

If a client lives in an apartment building with a below ground parking structure, a lot of them have maintenance areas with power. If this is the case I usually call the manager and ask if it would be possible for me to move the vehicle near the power and work there.
 
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