Air Compressors: A Worthy Investment for the Mobile Detailer?

**kapinnn** · 06-19-2007, 01:41 PM

(posted this on another thread as well)

Not trying to hijack the thread but what is a good unit for detailing only? I run a part-time mobile detailing business. I only have the back of an SUV as storage area, so it has to be small if possible. I will NOT be using it for tools or anything else besides getting water out of wheels, crevices, door handles, engine bay, and interior. Any suggestions?

**shadybreal** · 06-19-2007, 05:01 PM

I have an older emglo air compressor, and I love it. The only problem I have w/ it is that you have to have a huge generator to start it up. I had to by another extension cord to make sure I could reach the power source. Make sure you get a thick cord or it won`t work either. When I get some more free time I`m going to post of few things I use my compressor for.

**optimusp517** · 06-19-2007, 05:30 PM

Here`s the one I use, works perfectly fine for me except the tank is a little small so it turns on quite frequently.

Craftsman 15315 4 Gal. Air Compressor with 3 pc. Nail Gun Set at Sears.com

**HenrikP** · 06-19-2007, 08:52 PM

So I guess my question is for you guys with the 4 gallon tank air compressors is how often do you have to stop using the blow gun so that the air compressor can recover with enough pressure?

I agree that they are worthy investment. Not only does it save the mobile detailer much valuable time; it delivers far superior results.

**Pb2theMax** · 06-26-2007, 03:14 AM

I installed a compressed air system in my truck. 5 gallons. 180 psi. (90 psi regulated output). I absolutely love it. I have quick disconnects at the front and rear of the truck. I can also use it to air up tires, run air tools, and of course my Train Horns. YouTube - 2005 Tacoma & Train Horns

Compressor in a bed comparment

5 gallon aluminum tank under the truck.

**awahl63** · 06-26-2007, 10:22 AM

Wow that is awesome.

**HenrikP** · 06-27-2007, 08:27 AM

Thats pretty neat.

**74 thing** · 06-27-2007, 09:24 PM

I do not have room in my car when I am on the road so instead I always keep a little bottle of compressed air (the ones available at office supply stores for computer/electronic cleaning), and it works great.

**kvfalcon** · 06-27-2007, 09:46 PM

Originally Posted by 74 thing

I do not have room in my car when I am on the road so instead I always keep a little bottle of compressed air (the ones available at office supply stores for computer/electronic cleaning), and it works great.

Do you have a wholesale distributor for these cans? I`ve thought about using them as well but they are very pricey and don`t seem to last very long.

Another option that I`ve used is to hook my vac hose to the exhaust on my Rigid Wet/Dry Vac. This works great for getting larger debris out from under the seats, etc. It`s also great on vehicle exteriors, especially where the water collects in the mirror housing.

**HenrikP** · 06-27-2007, 10:48 PM

In the long run an air compressor, no matter how small, would be a more worthy investment than purchasing the "air-in-a-can." Those can be useful, however.