Mobile Setup , Truck & Trailers

dgorila1 said:
Consider installing an electrical inverter to convert 12V to 110V so you can power the vacuum, PC, etc. It would also allow you to use an electric pressure washer which is much quieter and doesn't require fuel like a gas powered washer. The low noise is especially good in neighborhoods where you don't want to offend the residents. The electrical washers also only run when you pull the trigger, again eliminating noise and saving water. his setup in a van with a moderate size water tank would be perfect. All your items in one secure location ready for immediate use. You might also look into mounting a. RV type roll out awning on the side of the van to work under.
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Those tools probably pull more power than an inverter could supply. Need to invest in a small generator for power.
 
That trailer for $1700 isn't too bad, but most detail trailers are a blatant rip off.



$300 generator

$300 pressure washer

$100 shop vac

$300 water tank

$800 utility trailer

$150 buffer



All yours for only $3500+ with chemicals and instructions.
 
Intel,

You just need to have an inverter that is rated for the max load of whatever you plan on using. You won't be using everything at once for one thing. We used inverters on the ambulance all the time to power medical equipment with no problem. You wouldn't be using one of the cheap, cigarette lighter plug in style. You can find an adequate inverter on the web or somewhere like Northern Tool. I found one online for$315.00 with free shipping(store.yahoo.com/brohmsonlinesales/noname3.html) that supplies 2200watts continuous power and 4500watts surge power that would more than handle the task. An average vacuum draws around 550 watts. Basically you use your auto engine as the generator supply instead of having a loud, smelly generator taking up extra space.
 
Not necessarily. You could use the inverter I mentioned on a notrmal van or truck with no problem. Ideally you would want to have it installed by an auto electric expert for proper installation.
 
dgorila1 said:
Intel,

You just need to have an inverter that is rated for the max load of whatever you plan on using. You won't be using everything at once for one thing. We used inverters on the ambulance all the time to power medical equipment with no problem. You wouldn't be using one of the cheap, cigarette lighter plug in style. You can find an adequate inverter on the web or somewhere like Northern Tool. I found one online for$315.00 with free shipping(store.yahoo.com/brohmsonlinesales/noname3.html) that supplies 2200watts continuous power and 4500watts surge power that would more than handle the task. An average vacuum draws around 550 watts. Basically you use your auto engine as the generator supply instead of having a loud, smelly generator taking up extra space.
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Yes but your alt wouldn't be able to handle that load. You would be sucking off the battery until you killed the equipment and started driving again. Plus, why put the wear and tear on your truck by having it sit idling all the time while you work?



Nagchampa said:
That trailer for $1700 isn't too bad, but most detail trailers are a blatant rip off.



$300 generator

$300 pressure washer

$100 shop vac

$300 water tank

$800 utility trailer

$150 buffer



All yours for only $3500+ with chemicals and instructions.
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Generators, at least a good one, is more than $300. For a Honda you're looking at more like a $1k+. If you are going to be using it daily, then don't skimp.



You will also want a good pressure washer. I believe they are more than $300 too for one that will last day to day use.
 
Intel486 said:


Generators, at least a good one, is more than $300. For a Honda you're looking at more like a $1k+. If you are going to be using it daily, then don't skimp.



You will also want a good pressure washer. I believe they are more than $300 too for one that will last day to day use.
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I was giving the rough prices of the equipment that is offered by most of these trailer vendors. Just trying to show how much the prices are marked up. You will be hard pressed to find a detail trailer that comes standard with a $1000 generator, but I know what you mean about not skimping.



Do you know what I should expect to pay for a good electric pressure washer that could be used day to day?
 
Check Northern Tools Catalog. They have some nice heavy duty electric pressure washers that are for industrial use. There are also other companies that sell them that you can find by doing a web search.
 
Nagchampa said:
I was giving the rough prices of the equipment that is offered by most of these trailer vendors. Just trying to show how much the prices are marked up. You will be hard pressed to find a detail trailer that comes standard with a $1000 generator, but I know what you mean about not skimping.



Do you know what I should expect to pay for a good electric pressure washer that could be used day to day?
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I've seen some detail trailers come with a Generator, pressure washer combo with a Honda Engine.



I don't know too much about pressure washers yet. I've got a cheap home depot one I use sometimes. I'm going to get a nice, gas powered one when I get a trailer w/ water tanks. Don't know when that'll be though. I don't like the idea of having to tow a trailer... I think vans are ugly though...
 
I am looking at doing the same thing. Does anyone have suggestions for top 10 choices on equipment - powerwashers, carpet cleaners, generators. Defently looking for the ability to have hotwater. I do not know much about the waterless systems, but as a oldtimer detailer water does the best.



After doing searches, I seem to find a lot of hits, but what about people who already have trailers setup. Do you have any suggestions?



Cheers



Rick Springer
 
My suggestion is get some QEW instead of having a water tank.

Water tanks are good for when you need lots of water, doing cars that are covered in mud. Chances are you are cleaning cars that have been detailed before and are in good shape

QEW is easy to use and works anywhere.
 
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