Mobile Van still in progress!
- Thread starter Kristopher1129
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LuxuryMobile
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Good call on the weights for the pop up tents. I use them and have been thankful for them many times!
Kristopher1129
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No updates really as far as the van goes. What I can say...is that I learned a LOT by offering this service this season. I didn't advertise it much other than offering the service through my website.
What I'd like to share on this thread with all the other great information here...are things I learned so far along the way.
- This may simply be my opinion...but, the pressure washer I bought is JUNK! I went cheaper, and actually also thought it would be fitting for mobile. It's just a simple electric pressure washer. It will be taken out of commission for next season. I will gladly be dropping $500-$700 for a commercial grade electric washer. These cheap plastic electric washers can go kick rocks.
- Business properties are a PAIN. Crowded parking lots, nosy people, and complaints are all things you can expect to deal with if trying to work on a business property. I make sure to ask if the owner of the property gives permission. But, when there's a property with multiple units being rented out to other businesses...they like to get a power trip and come over and try to stomp your fire out. At least that's what I experienced multiple times.
- Obviously, a customer offering you electrical, water, and a garage to work in is SUPER ideal.
- LIGHTS! I didn't even think about being without my lit up shop. Sure a customer gives you a garage...but they have one bulb that simply illuminates. I forgot not everybody details vehicles in their garage, ha. So, bring some lights!
- Washing a vehicle on an unpaved driveway is terrible. Makes mud, and mud makes problems. Sand got all over my hoses, cords, cables, etc. Then, everything went back into my van and dried...then I had sand in my van. Not an ideal situation.
- EZ Up tents are very short! Unless you're working on a car...you're not pulling a truck or SUV under one of these things. You need something to place the legs on to raise the height. Cinder blocks seem to work...but make sure you weigh the feet down...if a leg comes off that cinder block, you got a problem. To be honest...I found myself not even using the tents. They don't give you all that much shade. Plus, as the sun changes location...so does your shade. It's tough to keep up.
- Bathrooms are always a problem. I've yet to come up with a solution for this...but a portable toilet has crossed my mind, ha. Just for number 1's of course, haha.
- Make yourself a check list! I've been spoiled by my shop, and having my customers come to me. I learned more than once that forgetting one key item...will really screw your day up. Check everything before you leave.
- Keep a broom in your van. Detailing an interior can make a mess sometimes. Not being able to clean it up looks very unprofessional. Keep a broom, and sweep up your mess.
- If you use your customers hose, electrical, or anything at all...put it all back neatly. It should look like you were never there aside from the clean vehicle.
- Do NOT rely on someones water, or electrical. Just cause they say you can use it...doesn't mean something may not come up. For example...a customer of mine said I could use their electrical. So, I plugged my compressor in and almost immediately blew the breaker. Customer wasn't home! So, the trusty generator came out...and boom, back in business. Another example...customer said I could use their water. They had a strange hose hook up that didn't work with the fitting that goes to my pressure washer. Luckily, I had my tank half full, and all my hoses on me...boom, back in business. It's a life saver to be ready no matter what.
- If you have a shop...you can expect a pay cut for the day you take on a mobile job. What I mean by that...is that I'm used to doing 4-5 vehicles per day at my shop. Mobile, we can do two, then go back and bust out a 3rd at the shop at the most. For me, I just schedule out the work...so I get it eventually anyways. But, it took some getting used to. In reality, it's work I wouldn't have had without my mobile unit and in the long run makes me more money. But, still...something to think about.
- If your generator doesn't have enough oil...it may stop running. Yeah...ask me how I know, ha.
- Last but not least...fully stock your van!!! Don't be cheap and run things back and forth from your shop to the van. You will leave something behind, and it will probably be a show stopper. Found that out the hard way too! ha
There's probably so much more I can think of. This whole addition to my business was honestly mind blowing to me. It sounded so simple in the beginning. When you get into it though...there's so much to know. I couldn't be more thankful for this forum, and being able to reach out and ask questions, do research, and learn from others.
The most I can ask to get from this...is that this thread helps others the way others helped me. Good luck to anybody attempting to get into the biz. I'm always checking in on the forum...and happy to lend some advice, tips, knowledge, etc. if I can. Feel free to PM me, cause trust me...you DO NOT want to get into it alone. :dblthumb2::dblthumb2:
Kristopher1129
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I have a Stanley 1.4 GPM electric pressure washer. It's crap. I'm looking into this pressure washer currently. It's the one I'm leaning towards at the moment. I like it, it's compact, has sufficient power, has weight to stay grounded, brass fittings, rugged build, portable, and I can hook up a quality hose to it.
AR Blue Clean Electric Pressure Washer — 1.9 GPM, 1350 PSI, Model# AR610 | Electric-Cold Water | Northern Tool + Equipment
Wills.WindowsAndWheels
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I like the flat design, but do you really think 1350 is enough PSI?
Rav777
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Btw very good and informative info you put up on top. I detail out of a golf course that has more members than parking spots and it is a pain moving the cars around and finding parking.
As far as electric pressure washers go have you looked into the Cam Sprays or Kranzle pressure washers? I am getting a Kranzle soon and I wanted it over the Cam Spray because it has a self priming pump and can suck water out of a still source much like a Karcher. This way if my shurflo pump goes out at least the pressure washer can suck the water from the tank. My friend who also details has a Kranzle and has been using it almost daily for 4 years so far.
Kranzle
Kranzle K1600 - Prosumer Hand-Held 1600 PSI (Electric-Cold) Pressure Washer w/ Pump
Cam spray
Cam Spray 1500A - Prosumer 1450 PSI (Electric-Cold Water) Hand Carry Pressure Washer
My Karcher X series 1800 psi is running awesome as well and I probably almost have 100 cars washed with it, but I want a proffesional pressure washer with replaceable parts and the ability to put a heavy duty reel with high grade hose.
Kristopher1129
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I really don't find high pressure to be all that necessary. I could get by with a garden hose if I had to...it's really not a concern of mine. I think I'll be alright with 1350 psi. I mean the one I have now isn't very strong either. The issue I have with my current washer isn't psi, it's just the construction.
I'm not set in stone though...I've just been thinking about it, ha. Rav pointed me to a better one...looks like I'm leaning that way now. I'm easily guided, ha.
Kristopher1129
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Thanks man. Yeah, I agree...that Kranzle looks good. I like that better! More pressure, and it looks like a better build. :dblthumb2:
Grunnsetning
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- Oct 13, 2011
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Thats a lot for all of the info. I will be going mobile here in a few weeks.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk
Rav777
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It is good to have plenty of choices :xyxthumbs:Most people will think we are nuts for wanting an expensive electric washer since we can buy a good gas model for that price, but I personally am tired of dealing with the bulky engine models and maintenance issues. I know they are good and strong but there is something about the electric models that I have always liked.
I really want to buy the Kranzle asap but I am thinking it might be a better idea to get it once the whole winter and rain season is gone. So far I have been impressed with my Karcher X series, and only time will tell of how long it will run for. Let us know what you end up getting!
Kristopher1129
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We think a lot alike. From my experience, and I'm sure you can relate as well...I've never needed a gas pressure washer. I have my generator, or a customers electrical at all times.
I love these little portable units too. Take up much less space. Plus, I don't find myself needing all that much pressure. Anywhere between 1300 and 1800 psi is plenty for me. I mean really, I'm just doing a prep wash.
They may be expensive...but I feel like you do, there's just something I find much more convenient about just plugging in, and off you go. Plus, you don't need gas! lol
Since the beginning I tried to take the route of being on the quiet side. I feel this can be important to a customer, and something they would appreciate. My generator isn't a super quiet Honda...but, it does have a muffler and isn't very loud. I feel the same about a pressure washer. The more comfortable the customer is with me being at their home or business...the better.
I'm gonna bookmark that Kranzle, ha. :dblthumb2:
Kristopher1129
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Good luck my man. If you need any tips, or advice...there's quite a few mobile guys here with great info. PM me if you like, or start a thread and everyone will help as always. :xyxthumbs:
Wills.WindowsAndWheels
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After seeing the small profile of those other two PWs...thats a very attractive perk to them. I'd like the added power for RV's and even doing REALLY bad floor mats, but 1800 is decent.
So when you say you're doing a prep wash, whats your process? I've found myself a couple of times lately when the car isn't TRASHED...pulling it out...giving it a good PW to knock all the dirt out of the body lines, trim, door handles etc. Doing the rims (its a HUGE PITA to use the wheel brush on FILTHY rims so i give them a prep wash first before going to scrub the area behind the face of the rim) and then pulling it back in for an ONR wash. I'll mix some APC with my ONR wash water to help strip any wax that may be on it and that has been doing the trick for me.
Ever do anything like that?
Rav777
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Yes very true having an electric pressure washer is a nice deal and no loud noises. I usually use the customers power since they don't mind at all but once I do get a propane generator I will be somewhat green in that I do not depend on gas and oil changes.
I wash the whole car with my pressure washers and I will soon add a foam cannon to my arsenal. These small models are also smaller than my Karcher X series which is around 30 pounds as well. Since I live in a so so area, I usually lug my pressure washer out every night so even having a smaller model will be beneficial.
Let us know when you get that beast!
Kristopher1129
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I will certainly come back to this thread with any changes, or additions to my van or equipment.
Something funny...my birthday is coming up in the end of November, and my girl asked my what I want. I showed her the Kranzle, haha. We shall see! She said she doesn't wanna get me a pressure washer for my birthday. She said "that's a stupid gift!". I disagree, lol. That would be an amazing gift!
Kristopher1129
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Yeah of course. I just use the word prep cause that's what I've always called it around the shop. When I tell my guys to go prep, I mean wash basically.
I do a quick spray down to cool off panels. Spray APC on trouble spots like the grille, bottoms of doors, door jambs, crevices, wheel wells, gas chamber, etc. Then I do a thorough pressure wash while one of my guys typically cleans the wheels and tires, and I rinse them off as I go. Spray out door jambs, and such. Sometimes I'll cover the vehicle in foam to begin with if it's real grimy before the initial pressure wash.
Then I use the foam cannon, and the grit guard bucket and a wash brush. Scrub the vehicle, and rinse. Then it's prepped in my book.
Rav777
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Tell her the new addition to the company will bring in more money for future dinners and presents!
sullysdetailing
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Thanks for all the information.
How do you like your generator and how loud is it
Shawn
How do you like your generator and how loud is it
Shawn