Show me your business vehicle

[Janji]

Hey, i was just wondering if people can comment on what vehicle are they using for their Mobile detailing business and why? thanks

Umar

[StumpyDetailing]

When I was mobile detailing I owned a 1991 GMC Vandura 1500. Bright-*** Yellow. It was awesome, fit my 225gallon tank, and every tool and product I owned.

I sorely miss that truck Get a van and don't ever sell it!



-edit-

I will be getting a 1987 GMC Pickup in the next few weeks... we'll see how well that works but I doubt I will be able to fit half as much as I did in my van... And it won't be locked inside either!

[Janji]

Nice! i like your van.... 225gallon of tank? of water right? any pics of that tank installed in the van.. what other special needs does a mobile detailer have?

[StumpyDetailing]

Originally Posted by Janji

Nice! i like your van.... 225gallon of tank? of water right? any pics of that tank installed in the van.. what other special needs does a mobile detailer have?

Yes, water tank.

Mobile detailer needs (not complete list)

Generator (just in case)
Pressure Washer
Vacuum
Shampooer
Polishers
Step stool and Ladder
100-150ft extension cord
At least 2 standing halogen lights



Every towel/brush known to man
All products necessary.

Pics of unorganized inside:







I would suggest a much smaller tank

[Janji]

Stumpydetailing.. Thanks for sharing... That is a Big *** tank....

[StumpyDetailing]

Originally Posted by Janji

Stumpydetailing.. Thanks for sharing... That is a Big *** tank....

Yes... complete overkill.

Although, I did do one day a week at an industrial park where I could wash 5-6 cars in a row with my clean spot-free water (Water in my neighborhood was awesome, but out where they were it left HORRIBLE water spots) so having my own water was a huge bonus.

I think my biggest day EVER I used half of the tank's capacity... So I'd suggest a 125gallon tank if you plan on doing multiple cars per day.

[thecarter13]

I like, i need to get something like that, have everything down the line but something to carry it in the mustang doesn't exactly work ha

by the way like the license plate.

[Relaited]

OK, here goes, please keep your attacks on point and fact based … please.

I believe in a Water $mart Eco Detailing model. The spirit and intent requires one to make decisions around product choices, all things considered, choose the most Eco friendly option. It requires one to use the least amount of water to achieve desired outcome, AND, it requires one to capture contaminants. Steam, No Rinse, Waterless and wash mat - reclaim system and proper disposal are all viable options and solutions.

I choose to operate a waterless model. Hate waterless as it is more than 50% water, another topic.

Why is this relevant here … because I can clean an auto with less than 1 pint of water, yes without marring, and washing is a predicate act to whatever step of waxing, polishing, paint correction, etc comes next. Why is that important … because I can go out with a 5 gallon tank of what we call Miracle Lotion than can service 20-25 cars … more than any mobile crew could ever handle in a day. But think of the footprint you start out with … I could put that in an inflatable bladder, hide somewhere, and while the traditional model starts with a big ol’ water tank … this model starts with a blank canvas.

So the first benefit is size of the vehicle, you could literally perform Maintenance & Prevention detailing out of a $mart Car. Could do up to light scratch removal and polishing. I keep trying to get someone to develop this in a motorcycle trailer … you could instantly turn any vehicle into a mobile detail unit.

The second is cost. Now, I start with a premise that you need to capture your contaminants. Being mobile, and professional, I operate under the philosophy that this is necessary, cannot be otherwise. So are more and more Cities and Regulators! And with that comes an increase in cost. Cost plus you must have a bigger vehicle to warehouse extra equipment and spend money on the wash mat, the reclamation system, the dirty water tank. You have to properly discharge the waste water / contaminants … again time and money.

That is why I landed on the Chevy HHR. I love the Panel, makes a great billboard for marketing, and a functional work space. Avg gas mileage of about 26 mpg

With the money I saved, if anyone remembers AL Williams “Buy term, invest the difference”, I say :go Eco, and invest the difference”, this allows me the capital to invest in other things like uniforms, insurance, wrapping the vehicle, a really cool shade structure that is well branded and is inflatable, yet compact, etc.

Works for me.

-jim

Here’s a link to some pictures Pronto Wash

Here's what I put on the inside ... the Eco Skid "Platform for Eco Detailing" Eco Friendly Auto Detailing System - Auto Detailing Tips, Business, Marketing Articles and Videos

[Jakerooni]

Wow jim way to blow it yet again. The question isn't "Why do you us the vehicle you use" it was "show us your detailing vehicles" No need for 99% of your post. a simple pic would've done. No need to tell us yet again about waterless washing and eco footprints. It wasn't asked about and yet you still feel the overwhelming need to shove it down our throats one more time. You're little HHR looks cool seems to be well set up and clean. Maybe you could've just showed a couple of pics of that (per the OP's question) and then told us why you have it set up that way. One of these day's you'll get it.... Apparently not today LOL.

[Relaited]

Jakeruski ol boy ...

OP asked ... and why? ... that is my answer to why, it is thorough and necessary to understand the underlying principles that lead to these conclusions.

I tried hard to upload pics, everyone of them failed, so I did the best I could

You posts continue to not address any of the facts or positions I take. Debate me on any of the positions I have taken, debate me on the facts, but chasing me around the forum is getting old.

How would you have liked me to answer the why? Go ahead, I know you have read all my posts, and perhaps like several others, googled me and my body of work.

Let's hear it ... how should I have answered the why?

-jim

[brwill2005]

I also tried to post pictures of my 2008 Scion Xb, but could no upload them correctly. A small fuel efficient vehicle makes lots of sense. I can fit all of my supplies and equipment into my Scion, including a 5 gallon cube for water. I use ONR most of the time, so 5 gallons is plenty. My car gets an average of 25mpg, and looks great with the new vinyl graphics. Unless one is doing lots of fleet or volume washes, I see no reason to have big van or truck pulling a 9000 pound trailer. That is just me though.

[lecchilo]

Jim, please answer one question for me... why do you post what you post? It's obvious no one gives a crap and people will change as they want to change... on top of that why do you post what you post IN EVERY DAMN THREAD KNOWN TO MAN??!!

I know I can just look it over and forget about it but the fact that you clutter every damn topic on the board with detailing just makes me, along with a few others who have a lot to contribute (not saying I do, but they do haha), stay away from the topic because you posted, AGAIN, your preachings about not wasting water, etc. etc.

So in short, why do you post, if no one listens? Are you simply one of those 'religion-spreading' types that can't stop? I'm honestly curious.


OP the yellow van is awesome (minus the mentioned 100-125 gallons in the tank)... great setup and I hope to have one like that soon.