Need a New Detailing Rigg, what should I get??

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:)
 
Danase said:
If you are just using it for business I'd get a work van or similar. They can usually be had for cheaper and you won;t have the wasted space of rear seats if you'll never use them.



My thought on something stylish. I would not want to roll up to someones house in an Escalade to do work. I honestly don't think that looks professional, unless you are a lawyer or something. It's not blue collar enough if that makes sense? People want to feel that the person doing the work on their vehicles are not afraid to get their hands dirty. I think rolling up in some luxury SUV might just make you look like you are all about collecting the money.



I know it might sound weird but I'd much rather have, lets say a construction worker, show up to my house driving a van with ladders and tools on top than a luxury SUV. I'd take him more serious if he was in a modest professional vehicle instead of something over the top. Like in that movie Money Pit where the contractors come and take his money and leave. One's in a Corvette and the other a Cadillac. LMAO
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I totally disagree with you on this one. I have the Escalade EXT and it is my detail Truck. On the contrary, customers are impressed when I show up in my clean Detail Truck. I carry everything in the back. If I was roofing or doing carpentry, I could understand your point. Like going to a dentist with no teeth in his mouth. My Detail vehicle makes a statement about my business being succeesful and that I know how to take care of another persons car.
 
advs1 said:
do those of you that use an SUV type car/rig for mobile carry a water tank and pressure washer inside? i have a suburban i'm thinking of using but i'm kinda worried about getting the interior wet and also worry about the oder of the exhaust. i like the idea of the rear cargo thing in the previous pics but my suburban is already heavy enough and long enough. i just dont want to spend money one another car/suv/van right now.
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I carry 70 gallons of water,heated extractor,pressure washer, 50' hose,Coleman Powermate Generator, Air Compressor 6 gal pancake,3 buffers,(Flex, Rotory, PC)

wet dry vac/blower,popup tent,all the newest products,Micro fibers & terry cloth towels.My Escalade is a 2002 with 130k miles. I looked at the new Tahoe,Silverado,Surburban,and Escalade SUV. I don't think the SUV's will work for me.After my equipment runs ,I do not want the smell of gas and exhaust in the cab area. Plus sometime I over fill the gas tanks on my equipment and get gas in the bed. No problem,it's rubber lined, just hose it off. In the summer ,gas expands and not matter how much is in the tank you are subject to get fumes from fuel. These are my thoughts because I'm carrying all this equipment. My avatar is my set up! Look at the Chevy Avalanche less than the Escalade same set up, everything enclosed and secure!
 
Showroom Shine said:
I totally disagree with you on this one. I have the Escalade EXT and it is my detail Truck. On the contrary, customers are impressed when I show up in my clean Detail Truck. I carry everything in the back. If I was roofing or doing carpentry, I could understand your point. Like going to a dentist with no teeth in his mouth. My Detail vehicle makes a statement about my business being succeesful and that I know how to take care of another persons car.
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This is what I'm talking about, I figure having a nicer vehicle is making a statement as well, but for some reason all of autopia doesn't see it that way.



This is a luxury business we're in so why not own a luxury vehicle like all my clients do?
 
I'm with the majority here. While I agree that image is important for mobile detailers, I think you can overdo it.



I'd probably go with an Odyssey. It would have plenty of room and your gear would be easy to. You could even put a wrap on the exterior so it'd be like a mobile billboard!
 
escalade would be a selling point...keeping your car clean can show them how well you do things, and that you care about your image.



How many times have you driven by a detailing rig and its beat up, dirty, and looks like it never gets detailed? I do all the time in huntington beach area here in so cal. I just did a quick wash on my Xterra after seeing another detailing truck look hideous and thought to myself, I would never call that one...then I had to look through my filthy windshield to see! Went right home and washed the thing, spent 30 minutes on it with ONR, and it looks better than half the cars on the road today. Didnt care about getting it too washed and cleaned though, its getting a bi-yearly detail next week before going to some perspective clients houses!
 
@Joshvette:

You are centainly entitled to purchase whatever is appropriate for you. I do agree that a clean vehicle, any clean vehicle for that matter makes a statement about your work. My suggestion for the HHR panel van is based on efficiency (30mpg), dedicated work storage space (rear seats deleted//all flat floor//hard plastic in storage area) plus space on the exterior to either apply vinyl graphics or a magnetic signs. Plus it is small enough to fit anywhere, can be have with a 5 speed stick, will not be a target for thieves/vandals ( a big problem with Escalades/Hummers here in the Northeast).



My Father-in-Law runs a mobile business (locksmith). He religiously keeps his work vehicle clean and organized because he subscribes to the mantra that a clean, well organized vehicle exudes professionalism. BTW he has a Sprinter, tons of space, Heavy duty suspension, 22-25mpg on the highway, 5 cylinder MB diesel.
 
toyotaguy said:
escalade would be a selling point...keeping your car clean can show them how well you do things, and that you care about your image.



How many times have you driven by a detailing rig and its beat up, dirty, and looks like it never gets detailed? I do all the time in huntington beach area here in so cal. I just did a quick wash on my Xterra after seeing another detailing truck look hideous and thought to myself, I would never call that one...then I had to look through my filthy windshield to see! Went right home and washed the thing, spent 30 minutes on it with ONR, and it looks better than half the cars on the road today. Didnt care about getting it too washed and cleaned though, its getting a bi-yearly detail next week before going to some perspective clients houses!
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There's a big difference between a dirty old cargo van and a well-cared for, conservative detailing rig, like what a lot of the people in this thread have recommended. You don't have to have an Escalade to have a presentable detailing rig! :rolleyes:
 
JoshVette said:
This is what I'm talking about, I figure having a nicer vehicle is making a statement as well, but for some reason all of autopia doesn't see it that way.



This is a luxury business we're in so why not own a luxury vehicle like all my clients do?
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Because you spending a lot on a car indicates you may charge more than you should.
 
I don't know if you have too many choices under 20K. This summer one of my clients bought a Nissan Xterra for $22.000 or so out the door.
 
I personally like the Dodge Sprinter, plus it makes a statement that you've succeeded in the business, because they're not cheap and with graphics and rims they look awesome. Especially in Black. This is also a machine built for carrying equipment in (i.e. Commercial pay load, brakes, etc.) It's also like a driving bill-board if you want a wrap or graphics. But until I can get my hands on one, I will continue to use my 08 Sport-Trac with 22" Dip Rims and my trailer with 15" Chrome rims to match. But I'm with you on this one Josh, I think if you show up to do somebody's car in an Escalade it just says you must do fabulous work and quality work to be able to afford it.
 
I think you need to look at the Element in close up. I am 6'4" and I fit great, you can take out the back seat and there is a TON of room. The plastic floor is great, with drains. Gas mileage is very nice, it will drive in tight spaces. Just get the one with out all the plastic, unless you like that.



Cheers,

GREG



ps. If I was going to haul water, PW, and full on self contained unit I would find a used Sprinter 250. They are great!
 
Speaking as a customer type, there needs to be a mix. If you show up in an Escalade, I'm not going to be impressed. I'm going to think that I'm paying too much if you can drive an Escalade. Even if its one of the older ones. But if you show up in a piece of junk beater, I'm also going to be leery.



The best option is definitely a commercial vehicle. If you don't want to go that route, something that is mid-level is the way to go. What about something in a low mileage Dodge Durango? It's nice, but not TOO nice...
 
Josh,



PM AutoConcierge on here. I've worked with him in the past, and he has a Toyota Xrunner with a shell that has side compartments, as well as a bed slide. And with the extended cab (not full rear doors though), it adds a little bit of room to store stuff. It worked out quite well. A BIT small if I were to have a dedicated vehicle; but it did work!



I only have a pic from the rear (don't mind the car in the fore ground ;) ).



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His philosophy was to not have an SUV because of the chemicals you'd be inhaling constantly. I tend to agree with this.
 
I still think the Honda Odyssey is your best bet. If I decided to get a larger vehicle that would be my first choice, especially after driving my brother's. Pretty easy to keep clean too.
 
I am getting the feeling that Josh wants function and luxury in ONE car, not a dedicated work vehicle...could be wrong though (based off his escalade desire)
 
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