Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 15 of 19
  1. #1
    zmcgovern45's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    552
    Post Thanks / Like

    Got Rid of my Overpriced Karcher PW and bought a Cheap Ryobi & Upgraded it... way better setup!!

    The Karcher X Series...
    About 4 years ago I bought a Karcher X Series (K5.540) , 2000 PSI, 1.4 GPM unit (product link) to be used for car washing. This was my first electric pressure washer, and I figured I would buy the "top of the line" expensive model so I wouldn`t have any regrets later. Well, I screwed up....





    The Karcher unit was... fine. I mean it sprayed water at higher pressure, so I suppose it functioned, but after fighting with it for so long, that is about the only good thing I can say about it. The hose was a stiff, cheap product that would never lay flat. It always tried to retain the coiled up shape even when it was uncoiled. Thanks to Karcher`s unique connections, the only option that I had found to replace the hose was with another Karcher hose... so I was stuck with it. The spray gun and wand were also cheap, flimsy products. The variable pressure wand is a nice idea, however I only utilized the widest fan setting, so the variable settings were not needed by any means. Again, thanks to the Karcher connections, I was also stuck with this gun. Due to these proprietary connections, I also had to purchase an adapter to allow me to use my foam cannons with this sprayer. The attachment on the PW body to hold the gun while it was being stored fell off regularly, as did the hook to hang the extension cord on. This was an issue from day one. Very cheaply made, poorly designed pieces. In the end, it was the power cord that gave up on me, and instead of spending $20 to fix it, I sold the entire unit for $30 on craigslist. I just wanted it gone. Time to start over.




    My inspiration...
    I had watched some videos by Matt on Obsessed Garage where he went over a lot of the research he had done on pressure washer fittings, wands, guns, hoses, etc. and I became intrigued. I knew my next setup needed to incorporate some higher end components (hose and gun, specifically) so I would not have the same complaints as I did with the Karcher unit. I have always been a fan of the MTM Foam Cannons, so I spent some time on their site and the OG site checking out fittings, hoses, and guns. I liked what I saw so I decided to get to work....




    The Cheap Ryobi...
    I went to my local home depot and picked up the cheapest pressure washer they had. A 1600 PSI, 1.2 GPM Ryobi unit (product link). This unit retails for $119, but I had a coupon and got it for $101 + tax. I knew I would not be using the included hose or gun, I just needed the unit itself. This little thing is a great, compact size. It is very lightweight and easy to move around, unlike the overweight karcher unit I had previously.




    Upgrading the Ryobi...
    The output of the Ryobi PW is an M22 male thread where the supplied Ryobi hose would typically connect. Since I would not be using this hose, I needed to convert the M22 thread to a 3/8" coupler as that is a common size found on most higher end hoses. From there I needed the use the appropriate fittings to connect the hose to the pressure washer, and the hose to my new MTM SG-28 Spray Gun. A 1/4" coupler was added to the output of the spray gun to allow for easy changes between spray nozzles and foam cannons. The following photo shows the full layout of parts. Click here to download the PDF with links to all parts and a 2nd option to upgrade your hose and gun.

    Some of the parts once they arrived....





    Just put the new setup to the test today, and I am very pleased!!!


    (Used with MTM Hydro PF22 Foam Cannon and Optimum Car Wash. 40* Nozzle used for rinsing)






    Initial Impressions of the New Setup...
    Man is it nice to have a 50` hose! Man is it nice to have a hose that doesn`t get twisted and tangled! Man is it nice to have a PW that doesn`t fall over!


    Alright, so I do not have a hose reel on this new unit. This means I have to connect and disconnect the high pressure hose each time I use it which adds a couple of minutes to my job, but I sort of prefer it this way. The PW unit remains very compact and lightweight without the hose reel. I simply roll up my hose and hang it on a hook inside my garage above the pressure washer, just like I do with my garden hose. My foam lance and spray gun have spots on my pegboard.


    The SG-28 spray gun is very nice. While it is still a completely plastic body, the build quality is much better than the Karcher gun. It just feels sturdy. There isn`t a bunch of play in the trigger.

    The MTM nozzles with the appropriately selected orifice size are fantastic!! It feels like this 1600 PSI unit has a much stronger stream than the 2000 PSI karcher did. I think the Karcher spray wand was the limiting factor there.

    The connectors and fittings are very solid. No leaks, and no issues connecting or disconnecting anything during setup, use, and tear down.




    At the end of the day, I spent less money on this new setup than I did on the Karcher several years ago. I feel the Ryobi (or other similar inexpensive unit) with the upgraded components is absolutely the right way to go for consumer setups! So far I`m very happy with my switch.

    Retired Professional Detailer
    Thanks PRND[S], Jaddie, Tc99m thanked for this post

  2. #2
    Detailers Workshop The Driver's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Posts
    2,418
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Got Rid of my Overpriced Karcher PW and bought a Cheap Ryobi & Upgraded it... way better setup!!

    I have the same unit, it`s a pos. The only good quality karcher is the K5.85M (Which I also have). Their reels suck, even with a 50 ft mod.

    Which reel are you using?
    Rupes 21 MK II, Rupes 15 MK II, Rupes 21, Rupes LHR75e, Rupes Duetto, Rupes Ibrid-L, Rupes LH18ENS, Flex PE-14-2, Dodo Juice V1

    Quote Originally Posted by rlmccarty2000 View Post
    At $21.99 it will remain a secret to me.
    Likes 06vrss liked this post
    Thanks 06vrss thanked for this post

  3. #3
    lxjeremy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Posts
    58
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Got Rid of my Overpriced Karcher PW and bought a Cheap Ryobi & Upgraded it... way better setup!!

    I need that MTM foam gun in my life. I`ve been using the "stock" pressure washer wand that comes with the pressure washer and I`m tired of looking like I`m wielding a shotgun when I foam my car. Nice write up!

    Is that your IS-F?
    Likes 06vrss liked this post

  4. #4
    Tpr1634's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Location
    South jersey, just not far enough south
    Posts
    540
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Got Rid of my Overpriced Karcher PW and bought a Cheap Ryobi & Upgraded it... way better setup!!

    I have the same one nothing special, I only use it over my gas unit early mornings so I don`t piss off the neighborhood.

  5. #5
    zmcgovern45's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    552
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Got Rid of my Overpriced Karcher PW and bought a Cheap Ryobi & Upgraded it... way better setup!!

    Quote Originally Posted by The Driver View Post
    I have the same unit, it`s a pos. The only good quality karcher is the K5.85M (Which I also have). Their reels suck, even with a 50 ft mod.

    Which reel are you using?
    Not using a reel... as I said, I just coil the hose up and hang it on a hose hanger in my garage above my pressure washer.

    Quote Originally Posted by lxjeremy View Post
    I need that MTM foam gun in my life. I`ve been using the "stock" pressure washer wand that comes with the pressure washer and I`m tired of looking like I`m wielding a shotgun when I foam my car. Nice write up!

    Is that your IS-F?
    Yep, that is my IS-F.

    Quote Originally Posted by Tpr1634 View Post
    I have the same one nothing special, I only use it over my gas unit early mornings so I don`t piss off the neighborhood.
    Yeah, as far as I am concerned you do not need anything "special" to wash a car... but it does need to have a quality hose and gun, which is where the Karcher unit really fell short. As long as it has a quality hose, gun, and creates enough pressure to rinse and foam a car, it`s good enough for use every now and then.

    Retired Professional Detailer

  6. #6
    House of Wax's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Roscoe, IL
    Posts
    3,521
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Got Rid of my Overpriced Karcher PW and bought a Cheap Ryobi & Upgraded it... way better setup!!

    Quote Originally Posted by Tpr1634 View Post
    I have the same one nothing special, I only use it over my gas unit early mornings so I don`t piss off the neighborhood.
    I hear ya brother. I have a gas pressure washer that works fine, but I`ve contemplated several times getting an electric one as well for that exact same reason

    Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    NE Ohio
    Posts
    86,975
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Got Rid of my Overpriced Karcher PW and bought a Cheap Ryobi & Upgraded it... way better setup!!

    zmcgovern45- Ah, another of us who`ve had terrible experiences with a pricey Karcher but complete satisfaction with something really, REALLY, cheap!

    That upgrading is a great idea, thanks for sharing it. Now I`m wondering about tweaking my cheapie AR

    I wouldn`t be surprised if a bit of studying could find me a way to use my Karcher hoses/etc. on the AR....
    Likes zmcgovern45 liked this post

  8. #8
    A Miracle Detailing Merlin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Sunny South Florida
    Posts
    2,579
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Got Rid of my Overpriced Karcher PW and bought a Cheap Ryobi & Upgraded it... way better setup!!

    My baby Ryobi...It`s electric, small, compact (fits on the shelf) and works great.


    Does it make thick foam?


    AMiracleDetailing.com
    YouTube - Facebook - Instagram
    Likes zmcgovern45 liked this post

  9. #9
    Jaddie's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    Buford, GA, USA
    Posts
    523
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Got Rid of my Overpriced Karcher PW and bought a Cheap Ryobi & Upgraded it... way better setup!!

    The little Ryobi is on sale at Home Depot for just US$70 right now.
    —  Jaddie

    2012 Honda Odyssey EX-L Nav. (mine)
    2016 Ford Escape Titanium (hers)

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    NE Ohio
    Posts
    86,975
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Got Rid of my Overpriced Karcher PW and bought a Cheap Ryobi & Upgraded it... way better setup!!

    Jaddie- Glad you posted that...just *so* cheap for all it brings to the table, huh?

  11. #11
    A Miracle Detailing Merlin's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Sunny South Florida
    Posts
    2,579
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Got Rid of my Overpriced Karcher PW and bought a Cheap Ryobi & Upgraded it... way better setup!!

    IHMO it`s perfect for vehicles. I did not do the hose replacement.
    I did purchase the $25 +/- extension hose and short gun handle.





    The little guy has served me well over the years.
    Likes mikejames liked this post

  12. #12
    AspiringProductSpecialist Angus's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    SE PA
    Posts
    3,604
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Got Rid of my Overpriced Karcher PW and bought a Cheap Ryobi & Upgraded it... way better setup!!

    Took Zach`s advice and will be upgrading my electric PW set up with a new handle, fittings, and spray tips:



    Can`t wait to start using it!

    Thanks for all the useful info Zach!

  13. #13
    AspiringProductSpecialist Angus's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    SE PA
    Posts
    3,604
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Got Rid of my Overpriced Karcher PW and bought a Cheap Ryobi & Upgraded it... way better setup!!

    Nuts. While dry fitting everything together I realized I forgot to order the 3/8 MPT SS QC plug:





    Guess I`ll just bypass the quick connect and screw the handle directly into the swivel until I can get the plug ordered.

  14. #14

    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    College Station, TX
    Posts
    795
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Got Rid of my Overpriced Karcher PW and bought a Cheap Ryobi & Upgraded it... way better setup!!

    Likes Angus, ShakingHorizons liked this post

  15. #15
    BudgetPlan1's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Location
    NE Ohio
    Posts
    2,662
    Post Thanks / Like

    Re: Got Rid of my Overpriced Karcher PW and bought a Cheap Ryobi & Upgraded it... way better setup!!

    Quote Originally Posted by Angus View Post
    Nuts. While dry fitting everything together I realized I forgot to order the 3/8 MPT SS QC plug:
    I ended up with s box of fittings after getting the pressure wssher/foam cannon/spray wand and handle; convenience is the only shot i have at using this setup consistently.

    Didn`t help that I got a SunJoe pressure washer with a whacked-out fitting size that requires a 15mm to 14mm coupler to use common M22 fittings.

    Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

 

 
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. Swissvax - worth it or overpriced hype...?
    By pologuy in forum Car Detailing
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 01-08-2017, 01:06 PM
  2. what`s the most OVERPRICED product?
    By BigAl3 in forum Car Detailing Product Discussion
    Replies: 19
    Last Post: 10-19-2010, 06:23 AM
  3. I think this is overpriced. Don`t you?
    By Jngrbrdman in forum Hot Tub
    Replies: 18
    Last Post: 04-23-2010, 02:41 PM
  4. Just Bought A Cheap Electric PW
    By Dsoto87 in forum Car Detailing
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 08-19-2009, 09:06 AM
  5. Is Klasse AIO overpriced, over the hill?
    By CharlesW in forum Detailing Product Reviews
    Replies: 39
    Last Post: 11-07-2006, 08:56 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •