My setup for mobile detailing

justin_murphy

justin_murphy

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Here is my current setup that I've used day in and day for over a year now. It took a lot of trial and error to get to an efficient set up and process. You will notice the lack of a generator. I simply do not need one. I have yet to find a place that I go to where I can't find power. They are loud, bulky, heavy, and use fuel. I may consider a small Honda like the eu1500 but it's 800.00. This has worked fine and made me a good living. I estimate to have only 1500.00 invested.

The decking is 1X6 pressure treated with 1.5 inch stainless drywall screws. Was going to be temporary but now has held up for a year+.
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The tank came from Tractor Supply. It was intended as 12volt insecticide sprayer. I have to cut off some metal on the front. If I would do anything over it would be the tank. I would get a rectangular one that is about 90 gallons and takes up the same space.
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This tool box was given to me from my brother. Been a lif saver since it's lockable.
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I keep most of my chemical up front now due to the weather. I also bring them in at night. I look at like a brief case!!!
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Three drawer chest has been a nice investment.
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Future plans include more shelving back here for my polishers and chemicals. I might add a hose reel in the summer but I have lived without one for a long time now.

Thanks.
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Thanks for posting that Justin. I too am looking for a specific size, rectangle tank to fit between my wheel wells. The one I have now, from tractor supply, was perfect until I purchased my diamond plate tool box. Now I have things scattered.

Only place I found with different size tanks is here.
Auto Detail Tanks - Ronco Plastics

A little pricey, but I may have to bite the bullet and order one...
 
Are there any problems with the tank feeding water to the pressure washer? My pressure washer manual states "water source capable of supplying a flow rate greater than 3.0 gallons per minute and no less than 20 psi at the pressure washer end of the hose". Have you ever checked what pressure your tank has when full, or 1/2 empty? I'm just curious.
 
Craig said:
Are there any problems with the tank feeding water to the pressure washer? My pressure washer manual states "water source capable of supplying a flow rate greater than 3.0 gallons per minute and no less than 20 psi at the pressure washer end of the hose". Have you ever checked what pressure your tank has when full, or 1/2 empty? I'm just curious.
Click to expand...

With the pump that on my pressure washer, I've never had a problem. It's a heavy duty Cat pump. I just kept the hose short and a larger diameter. My tank was half full (30 gallons) and it took no time to empty it.......maybe 6-8 minutes.....easy.
 
justin30513 said:
Here is my current setup that I've used day in and day for over a year now. It took a lot of trial and error to get to an efficient set up and process. You will notice the lack of a generator. I simply do not need one. I have yet to find a place that I go to where I can't find power. They are loud, bulky, heavy, and use fuel. I may consider a small Honda like the eu1500 but it's 800.00. This has worked fine and made me a good living. I estimate to have only 1500.00 invested.​


The decking is 1X6 pressure treated with 1.5 inch stainless drywall screws. Was going to be temporary but now has held up for a year+.
Pictures002-2.jpg
​

Pictures001-2.jpg
​

Pictures003-2.jpg
​

The tank came from Tractor Supply. It was intended as 12volt insecticide sprayer. I have to cut off some metal on the front. If I would do anything over it would be the tank. I would get a rectangular one that is about 90 gallons and takes up the same space.
Pictures004-1.jpg
​

Pictures012-1.jpg
​

Pictures013.jpg
​

This tool box was given to me from my brother. Been a lif saver since it's lockable.
Pictures005-1.jpg
​

I keep most of my chemical up front now due to the weather. I also bring them in at night. I look at like a brief case!!!
Pictures007-1.jpg
​

Three drawer chest has been a nice investment.
Pictures008-1.jpg
​

Pictures009-1.jpg
​

Pictures010-1.jpg
​

Pictures011-1.jpg
​


Pictures016.jpg
​

Future plans include more shelving back here for my polishers and chemicals. I might add a hose reel in the summer but I have lived without one for a long time now.​

Thanks.​
Click to expand...
Justin, I think you need a bigger truck:D
 
It sure sure looks like your ready to tackle just about any detailing situation
Jason. Why carry more then you know you'll need. I've seen detailers that
carry every product they've ever bought, thats just overkill to me. Your setup looks well thought out.
 
I carry every product that I bought. I keep enough in my truck for washes and waxes, and the rest in my trailer.

Never know when you might run into something and need that special chemical you left at home. Nothing worse than having to not do it or even leave during the middle of a detail.
 
Mobile Detail Set-Up!

Looks good,everything you need. How do you get by without a generator and extractor? I can see not having the extractor, because you can brush and vac. But I just think you need mobile power. I go to alot of places where I have to have it. I bought a cheaper model at Anderson's. An Alton. I have used it for 3 plus years. I also have a new Coleman Powermate. $400. As soon as I get a chance I'll post a picture of my set up in the back of my truck. Since I live in Ohio it may be a bit. It's cold here. Nice hook up!

Richard
 
Showroom Shine said:
Looks good,everything you need. How do you get by without a generator and extractor? I can see not having the extractor, because you can brush and vac. But I just think you need mobile power. I go to alot of places where I have to have it. I bought a cheaper model at Anderson's. An Alton. I have used it for 3 plus years. I also have a new Coleman Powermate. $400. As soon as I get a chance I'll post a picture of my set up in the back of my truck. Since I live in Ohio it may be a bit. It's cold here. Nice hook up!

Richard
Click to expand...

I just haven't needed one. It's kind of like when someone comes to your house to remodel. The use your power. In fact, most of my customers assume that I will be using it and their water too. The hose will already be pulled out!

I know of 5 detailers that work out of cars and have no water or power with them and make 4-5000.00 a month.
 
This is a blast from the past. This thread was probably the first one I saw that got me thinking about a mobile set up.
 
Some of my work / And the tools I use in my Details / Remember I'm in South Baja Mexico / Some of the work I did back in L.A / Areas
 
justin_murphy said:
With the pump that on my pressure washer, I've never had a problem. It's a heavy duty Cat pump. I just kept the hose short and a larger diameter. My tank was half full (30 gallons) and it took no time to empty it.......maybe 6-8 minutes.....easy.
Click to expand...

Justin did you buy pressure washer as is or was it taken off of frame or was it built, I was thinking of buying a engine HONDA GX 160 Horizonal and a quality pump both for maybe under $400. each - bolt pump on and see if it works, any info you could post on pump & engine would be greatly appreciated.
 
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