Calling all mobile detailers?

**14automobiles** · 02-02-2010, 03:43 PM

Mobile detailers,

I am getting my business to offer mobile services in my neck of the woods. Would you please answer these questions for me?

1. Is a trailer or van a better way to go?

2. How big of a water tank and how many jobs can you do with that size?

3. What size of a generator..wattage?

4. Do you know of a canopy that can be set up by one person for shade..what is it and where is it found?

5. Do you use a gas pressure washer...can you get it to spill water for 'sheeting purposes' when you are rinsing?

6. Anything that you can feed to me about starting out being mobile would be great.

thanks

**Executive Detail** · 02-02-2010, 04:26 PM

Hey there,
I've been mobile for the past 10 years and used a trailer since Day 1. Vans can be more secure but, if you rig one up, that's about all you can use it for. I bought a 275Gal water tank (which I never fill completely) and can do quite a few cars with just half. However, I don't recommend one that big...maybe 100-150ish. I just got a really good deal on mine. My generator is 3500w. Big enough for everything I need and then some. As far as the canopy, Lowes and Home Depot sell them for pretty cheap. I think the brand is "Quick Shade"...roughly $100-$120. If AG sells them, I haven't looked. My pressure washer is too big for detailing but great for pressure washing. I turn it down to rinse since it's a 13hp 3500psi . Most recommend about a 2200psi or less for detailing.

I hope that helps.

**14automobiles** · 02-02-2010, 04:32 PM

Can you set up your canopy by yourself? So many of them seem so heavy and they are a 2 man set-up.

Also, what do you think about a roll out awning on the side of the trailer?

thanks

Originally Posted by detailmstr

Hey there,
I've been mobile for the past 10 years and used a trailer since Day 1. Vans can be more secure but, if you rig one up, that's about all you can use it for. I bought a 275Gal water tank (which I never fill completely) and can do quite a few cars with just half. However, I don't recommend one that big...maybe 100-150ish. I just got a really good deal on mine. My generator is 3500w. Big enough for everything I need and then some. As far as the canopy, Lowes and Home Depot sell them for pretty cheap. I think the brand is "Quick Shade"...roughly $100-$120. If AG sells them, I haven't looked. My pressure washer is too big for detailing but great for pressure washing. I turn it down to rinse since it's a 13hp 3500psi . Most recommend about a 2200psi or less for detailing.

I hope that helps.

**bill walsh** · 02-02-2010, 08:13 PM

how about water mat for all the water on the ground?

**14automobiles** · 02-02-2010, 09:07 PM

Good point. I do have that in the works too.

Originally Posted by bill walsh

how about water mat for all the water on the ground?

**Executive Detail** · 02-02-2010, 10:20 PM

The first time you set up the canopy, you may need another person...usually to attach the top to the frame. After that, it's a one man deal easily.

**Executive Detail** · 02-02-2010, 10:25 PM

As for the roll out awning, you would need a tall trailer to be able to park a vehicle under the awning it if that's what you meant. I actually thought about it before, but my trailer is only about 6' tall with the axle.

**14automobiles** · 02-02-2010, 10:36 PM

Thank you. What do you think about an awning on the side of the trailer instead of a pop up canopy?

Originally Posted by detailmstr

The first time you set up the canopy, you may need another person...usually to attach the top to the frame. After that, it's a one man deal easily.

**Shade Tree** · 02-03-2010, 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by 14automobiles

Thank you. What do you think about an awning on the side of the trailer instead of a pop up canopy?

I also just recently began offering mobile services. I went with an open trailer including:

9' x 5 1/2' x 4'
125 gal. water tank
Air compressor rated @ 120psi (100 ft hose)
6.5hp Honda pressure washer @ 2200psi (100 ft hose)
3500 watt generator
Locking diamond plate tool box 5'x3

I find the open trailer is best since you have no restrictions as you would with an enclosed trailer. The canopy is something I'm also looking into for a one man show to use.

**Showroom Shine** · 02-04-2010, 08:06 AM

I have been mobile for 9 years now. I carry 70gal.water,Aztec Heated extractor,Husky 2400 pressure washer 50' hose, Flex,PC,rotory,Coleman Powermate Generator,Wetvac,tent (easy up from Dicks 10x10) Ozone generator,6gal pancake compressor. Everything is enclosed in the back of my Cadillac EXT. my avatar
This works out real good too. No building overhead,and I can even go to remote places. I never had a trailer or van. So I can't speak about the pros and cons or comparisons. I LOVE my set up!