How much does it cost to be fully mobile?

[Tex Star Detail]

If I had to rely on ONR products only, I would have to stop doing 1/3 of the trucks I do.

I have a big trailer, bigger tank (125 gallon), pressure washer, and so on. I don't think it's outdated at all. I like to have extra water, ie. bigger tank, because when I am out, I don't want someone come out (neighbor) and ask if I can do theirs next and not have any water left. I also like to have all of my products available at hand, when I need it. I don't want to be detailing, then have an unexpected detail and not have everything handy. I hate to leave money on the table because I have to run back home to get products.
I need my pressure washer for muddy trucks, motors, wheel wells.....

[rolop6]

I don't know what you plan to do. I personally have a 50 gallon water tank in my truck, with a pressure washer. In my opinion you can't get a good wash with ONR alone. If you have a lightly soiled car, then maybe. As you get in the business you will see how to conserve water from your water tank and little tips and tricks to keep from running out. With my tank completely full I can do about 4 cars. If you get really bad cars maybe 3. I have learned in time how to rinse a vehicle without using too much water and usually it takes about 8 gallons per car. You don't need a huge generator either, my opinion go to harbor freight and buy a new 2000 watt generator for about $250. Save some money and buy other stuff.

[Tex Star Detail]

Buying cheap equipment is ok at first, but I would save for something that will last a little longer. Not saying that harbor freight stuff won't last, but put money aside for when it goes down and you need to get it fixed or buy another one...

Been there, done that.
Proper maintenance too...


Also, buy stuff when you need it. Not because you MAY need it. Not because the other guy has this or that. You'll go broke fast.

[Black N' Yellow]

Karcher Compact Pressure Washer Suction Kit Video - YouTube

After looking at this video I think in my situation it would be best to get this pressure washer. I'm most likely going to be doing one or two cars at a time so all I would need is a 10 gallon tank and no need for a pump (assuming no access to a customers water).

So all I need to worry about now is power. I'm really hesitant on this because I feel like even if I'm in an apartment complex I should be able to run power cords into their apartment right? I'm just starting out and am not going to be doing volume work so I don't want to buy a generator or anything else if i don't have to.

And another quick question, the CG detail pod is $500, couldn't I just fill an insecticide sprayer with rinseless wash and have the same thing for less?


As always thank you for your comments and feedback. It really helps.

[Gurge]

this guy has a pretty nifty rig and he lists all of the items that make it possible so you can price it out.

Mobile Detailing setup - pickup truck - the Mr. Sparkle Wagon 2.0

[Black N' Yellow]

this guy has a pretty nifty rig and he lists all of the items that make it possible so you can price it out.

Mobile Detailing setup - pickup truck - the Mr. Sparkle Wagon 2.0

I've read though that thread and he has a really nice set up. I know he has his battery hooked up his pump but I don't see what he does for power like a pressure washer or polisher.

[rustytruck]

No way I would ever rely on rinseless washes for mobile detailing!

Why?

[Tex Star Detail]

I use ONR maybe 10% of the time. I wouldn't dare ONR this... (not my pic)



Or this engine detail..... (my pic)

My pressure washer and tank take care of these no problem in a short amount of time.
There's a time and place for rinseless, but if you are ONLY going to use rinseless washes I'm sure you will have to turn away jobs...

How would you do these jobs?

[rustytruck]

Yes, you are right I would turn that job down. Someone who uses their truck to go mud bogging usually is not the same person who is going to lay down $250 to have it detailed. That person is looking for someone with a pressure washer to wash down the truck for $40.

[Tex Star Detail]

I politely disagree. You can't stereo type people because they have a muddy truck.....
I charged $40 for the engine in the pic above, got $60 for a tip....
None of my Clients go "Mud Bogging", but their extremely successful businesses require them to take their trucks down dirt roads/off road to get to the job sites, sometimes it rains....
They like clean trucks, I charge accordingly, they like it, they call me back bi-weekly.
I charge 80-125 for just an exterior wash, interior wipe/vac/glass on these trucks. No wax, no shampooing, no engines.

I don't like to turn down jobs because I do not have the right equipment. That's leaving money on the table for other people to take...
If it's dirtier, I just charge accordingly.

I can see this thread went way off topic, sorry.