A little advise on Generators please

**hatzo1** · 03-16-2015, 09:50 PM

Ok, Ill try to make this short as possible. I've been a lurker here LOL. But a little about my business.
I've been detailing on the side/part time after my normal 40. Business is not to bad, for a part time gig. I joke I work harder on the weekends . So I recently acquired a fleet job of trucks (15) to wash, they are used by a movie studio to transport various movie equipment they are a combination of Stake Beds and Box trucks. They would only be washes and vacs or blow out interior (no carpet). I've been doing mobile detailing on personal vehicles and automotive fleets and always had access to water and electric. This new job requires me to have a water and electric. I have the water down as I was lucky enough do some detail work in exchange for a 210gal tank and I have a washer already. Which brings me to electric. I have no idea what to get either a regular generator or an inverter type. I have to be able to lift it in and out of my Dodge truck by myself and I need to run my shop vac or force dryer/blower generally no more than one unit at a time but would be nice to handle more if I'm going to spend some money Id probably like room to grow. Any input/idea's from others that are mobile or others would be great.
Thanks
Chris

**Detail-Impressions** · 03-16-2015, 10:09 PM

Chris,
I have a Honda 2000 watt unit. Very happy with the unit. I think its hard to beat the Honda units myself.

**ryandamartini** · 03-16-2015, 11:32 PM

Originally Posted by Detail-Impressions

Chris,
I have a Honda 2000 watt unit. Very happy with the unit. I think its hard to beat the Honda units myself.

They are wonderful. I recently picked up the Harbor Freight version. So far it's been through 5 full details running a steamer, vacuum, buffer, etc. You barely pull the string and it fires right up. I chose it as even with the full protection plan, I was way under the Honda price wise and by then, I'll probably have a much bigger one to run a few things at once without worrying about unpluging anything.

From my research in the 2000w range, Honda and Yamaha definitely have a lead. Champion makes a great ~3000W inverter generator for a great price but I needed the small to fit in my trunk!

So yeah, Honda, Yamaha, Champion, and Consumer Reports even rate the Harbor Freight Predator 7000w model as recommended.

**Scott@IncrediblyDetailed** · 03-17-2015, 05:57 AM

Honda EU2000i. Super quiet, easy to carry and it's an inverter.

If you need more power you can buy a second and connection them together for effectively a 4000 watt generator.

**hatzo1** · 03-17-2015, 08:55 AM

Something like this?
http://www.amazon.com/Champion-Equip.../dp/B0041K09D8

**Firehouse Mike** · 03-17-2015, 09:54 AM

Do yourself a favor...spend a bit more and get a HONDA. A real Honda eu2000i. I bought an "other" 2000w generator of this type, second time out left me without power on a fairly important job. Not cool.....
I picked mine up used for $600. Check the oil and see if it's in good shape, if its not old and obviously never changed and if it starts on the first or second pull - you're good to go!