The RR Detailing Trailer Build

[tmurph01]

My first season in the industry I wanted to test the waters and see how the market was. I am happy to report that my sales exceeded my expectations by almost triple what I estimated they would be. Due to the success of my first year, I have decided to take the next step and start thinking about moving my operation out of the bed of my truck and into a trailer.

I initially thought about finding a good, used cargo van and converting it, but decided on the trailer because I am still fairly small. The capital needed to invest in the cargo van route, as well as the added insurance and taxes on this is why I decided on a trailer over a van.

This is my first, and initial parts list and ideas:

Water Pump - independent pump for hand washing, as well as to feed the power washer when in use.
Wayne 115 Volt Transfer Pump — 340 GPH, Model# PC2 | Utility Pumps| Northern Tool + Equipment (http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200352045_200352045?isSearch=108560)
340 GPH
115 Volt

Pressure Washer - I will already have a generator running, so I would rather just use what's already there and go with electric. Pressure washing is only used on roughly 15-30% of my details anyways.
Karcher X-Series Water-Cooled Electric Pressure Washer — 2000 PSI, 1.4 GPM, Model# K5.740 | Electric-Cold Water Pressure Washers| Northern Tool + Equipment (http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200466710_200466710?isSearch=14927)
2,000 PSI
1.4 GPM

Generator - This is my first what should I do issue. Louder traditional version with more power, or quieter inverter with less power? I'm leaning towards bigger and louder as it will be in a trailer,.. and I would always have some to grow with and could use as a backup at the house.

Choice 1 - FREE SHIPPING — Generac GP3250 Portable Generator — 3750 Surge Watts, 3250 Rated Watts, 206cc Generac OHV Engine, Model# 5789 | Portable Generators| Northern Tool + Equipment (http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200402906_200402906?isSearch=169141)
3,250 Rated / 3,750 Surge
Choice 2 - FREE SHIPPING — Generac Inverter — 2200 Surge Watts, 2000 Rated Watts, 126cc OHV Engine, Model# 5793 | Inverter Generators| Northern Tool + Equipment (http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200402909_200402909?isSearch=169144)
2,000 Rated / 2,200 Surge

Air Compressor - Mainly used to blow out vents and fill low tires
Puma Oil-Free Twin Tank Air Compressor — 2-Gallon, 1 HP, 2.2 CFM, Model# LA5721 | 2 - 9 CFM Air Compressors| Northern Tool + Equipment (http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200455337_200455337?isSearch=305171)
2 Gallon
1 HP
2.2 CFM

I will buy a water tank locally as they are always on CL. Trailer will be an enclosed 5x8 or similar with a side door and rear hinged (not ramp) doors. Right now I just want to get my list of these "big ticket" items knocked out so I can figure up a rough estimated cost. Ultimately I want to stay below $1500 for these items.

I know a lot of people will suggest spending more up front to have a bigger and better set-up, but honestly, I just cant afford that right now. (Just bought and moved into a new house while supporting my SO other through nursing school). I also do not want to outgrow my business. I have a proper business model established and if things grow as I am projecting, a van will eventually show up, but not until the clientel and business is ready to support and fund it.

Any and all input would greatly be appreciated!

[beamerstrumpet]

Here are some threads that might help.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/show-n-shine/53089-mobile-detailing-setup-pickup-truck-mr-sparkle-wagon-2-0-a-2.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-101/32852-mobile-van-still-progress.html

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-make-money-detailing-cars/71401-mobile-detailing-trailer-van-pickup-truck-little-truck.html

Whatever I can do for a fellow Mountaineer. :D

[tmurph01]

Thanks beamer. I have a good idea of the direction I want to go with the set-up. Right now is just preliminary planning to get a pretty solid idea of how much it will cost. Goal is to have this done by May 1st of 2014. Just played around on lowes website and window shopped... cart came up to just south of $1200.. included a generator, power washer, compressor, loaded tool box, and air tool kit. I am starting to think I may possibly be able to pull this off for right around $4,000. Also kicking around the idea of doing a kickstarter for this. I know a lot of my friends and family who are backing me would pitch in, as well as a lot of my clients. It's just so hard right now with the new house and getting my SO through nursing school to come up with that money. We'll see though.