Personal vehicle for mobile detailing

ShaneB

ShaneB

New member
So I'm more than likely buying a truck this spring/summer for a couple reasons. Basically my business and my family are outgrowing what I can work with out the back of a Chevy sonic hatch. So I've been looking to get a truck (holy crap they hold their value these days).

Anyway. How many of you use your personal vehicle for both detailing and personal use? Mine is going to have to be 50/50 but I want to have decals made and applied to the truck with my logo, number etc. is this a good or bad idea all things considered? The good I can see as I have rolling advertisement basically every time I get in it, but do I really want that say when I take a snowboard trip with the guys out east?

Just want to weigh the pros/cons before I commit to something. Seeing as how I'll be using it occasionally to take my kids to school and stuff I don't really know weather or not I want to have that info on there ALL THE TIME. I also have concerns about weather or not places have a problem having "commercial" vehicles parked wherever I may park it.

I should add that I do not want to go the route of magnets. I'm working this year to adjust the image of my business to more of a premium service and want every aspect of it to not look cheap or inexpensive.

My other option I've been considering is a small trailer. That way I could keep a mobile shop basically, sticker it all up, and then it's only out there when I need it, but then I lose the constant free advertising. It could also be parked in a garage so I wouldn't have to worry about HOAs or anything.

Lots to consider, I'd like some opinions though
 
sounds to me like that trailer might be a good option given your circumstances.... but do you want to hook it up and unhook every time?
I used to go mobile out of my SRT Challenger, lol... quickly I purchased a 2006 Nissan frontier for a steal of a deal (great little truck- definitely recommended by me)

I'm wanting to do graphics too, maybe a window decal or something...still a little unsure if I want to advertise permanently on the truck though- I do drive like a maniac at times after all. So I understand your reservation there.

I thought about the trailer route but I can fit everything I need in my truck at this point.
 
Those older Nissan Frontier trucks are great. Around my area they are hard to find in decent condition. I'm looking for one for my son.
 
I'm looking more around 2011-2014 dodge Rams right now. Lots of research and searching to do still
 
You should consider a SUV with removable rear seats .. years ago I used a Bronco II and it was big enough for all my equipment and also for hauling the family in bad weather .. an older Explorer or Tahoe would probably do the job
 
Poorboy said:
You should consider a SUV with removable rear seats .. years ago I used a Bronco II and it was big enough for all my equipment and also for hauling the family in bad weather .. an older Explorer or Tahoe would probably do the job
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I actually have considered an SUV as well. Still undecided really. I feel that a truck would be much better suited for what I need though simply for the towing capacity if I were to go the route of a trailer. In the future id like to outfit my rig with a water tank and pump as well as a generator. Obviously couldn't keep those items in the back of an SUV that I would later need to put my kids in.

So so much to still think about. The SUV would be more family friendly considering there will be a 3rd kid in August, but I'm sure you can get three car seats across in the back seat of a crew cab pickup like a F150 or RAM 1500. The truck can haul/tow more though.

Also so want to consider the image. What says serious detailer more, an explorer or an F150?

This is will make my head spin
 
06 -07 Volvo V70R, assuming you can find one though...

I think avants are far more functional, I also have an love an 08 audi a4 2.0t avant.
 
ShaneB said:
I actually have considered an SUV as well. Still undecided really. I feel that a truck would be much better suited for what I need though simply for the towing capacity if I were to go the route of a trailer. In the future id like to outfit my rig with a water tank and pump as well as a generator. Obviously couldn't keep those items in the back of an SUV that I would later need to put my kids in.

So so much to still think about. The SUV would be more family friendly considering there will be a 3rd kid in August, but I'm sure you can get three car seats across in the back seat of a crew cab pickup like a F150 or RAM 1500. The truck can haul/tow more though.

Also so want to consider the image. What says serious detailer more, an explorer or an F150?

This is will make my head spin
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I will start this with my normal disclaimer:

I am not a professional, I have never done a job for pay, and I'm a mechanic not a marketing pro or anything really relevant so feel free to take what I say with a giant grain of salt.

First off, it all depends on what SUV you choose to go with. For example, a Suburban or Excursion would (I imagine) have ample room for all of your supplies plus a generator, tank, etc. in the future. However, you'd most likely lose the ability to tote around the family. You also would have to worry about unloading at the end of every day which could be a must with the open storage on a truck if you can't park indoors. It should have enough towing capacity to pull a detailing specific trailer. My '07 Suburban 1500 can still pull around 7,000 pounds. You have to compare apples to apples. An explorer to a half-ton truck is apples to oranges. More accurate comparison would be a Suburban to a 1500 or a Ranger to an Explorer.

A truck would have enough room in the bed for a generator, tank, etc. but you'd definitely have to keep an eye on what containers you use and what shape they're in to keep them from outside contaminants going down the road. How horrible would it be to get to a job and find out all your towels are covered in asphalt dust from some road work? That could also be lessened by a camper shell (canopy, tonneau, some type of bed cover). I don't have any kids, but I've known truck owners that did. Three car seats do fit in the back of a crew cab, but the couple I've seen it done in it's a pretty tight squeeze.

Downsides to a SUV. They're designed more for ride comfort and, well, toting people around and aren't as versatile or easy to tow with. Still doable, but you lose some towing capacity (added weight of the vehicle) and you definitely have to be more wary of sway. Would also lose interior space/usability with certain additions.

Downsides to a truck. Would you really like to take a vacation with that generator permanently in your bed, exposed to vandals, thiefs, and mother nature? Also, less interior room for family.

I would opt for a trailer if you want to go with a generator, tank, etc. in the future. You set it up once and you don't have to worry about pulling stuff out to take a vacation. Plus, if you have to take the truck to the shop for repair work, you're not out of business for however long it takes. You'd just have to get a rental truck and keep going until yours is done. Also, I'd imagine that climbing in and out of a truck/SUV all the time for equipment repairs, maintenance, etc. would get old and a trailer would sit a lot closer to the ground. It would have added maintenance costs (brakes [if equipped], tires, greasing the hubs, etc.) but trailer maintenance is normally pretty easy and cheap. You also have a rolling billboard with a trailer and an easy to see parked billboard while on the job or at home.

I also would choose to skip plastering your business logo over your personal vehicle. If you drive "poorly", "like a maniac", get pulled over, etc. how is that going to look to a potential customer? Remember, it doesn't matter how you drive either. You could be going the speed limit and not be breaking a single law and still piss off the maniac going 20 over the speed limit that has to slow down for us crazy safe drivers. I'd opt for a well design trailer and a simple vinyl on your back/side/whatever window of the towing vehicle. That way it's still there to advertise, but no more obvious than if I put that AG vinyl on my truck. Also, I've heard horror stories of people driving their business/personal vehicle with business decals on it. People like to sue, what else can I say?

I think I'm done babbling now. Hope something helped a little at least.
 
Other downside to the truck is your equipment will be out for thieves anytime you park to go into a store, restaurant, even to deal with a customer inside. That's constantly happening to people in the construction trade and I'm sure detailers.
 
valid points by many .. if you do want to have gas equipment then a trailer (enclosed) is your only real option .. doesn't take much of a vehicle to pull it unless you get a water tank .. if you want a water tank, then get a pick up and put the tank in the bed and the rest of your equipment in the trailer .. yes, theft is a problem if you just use a pick up .. so many variables including the family
 
I'm still stuck on the image of a Chevy Sonic hatch for detailing!!! Any pics with your gear in it?

I been using my 2 door Yaris Hatch. But, I don't have regulars (but 2 are in the works), nor do I do many jobs. It's been working, but like you, I've seen limitations to it. No biggie, though, as I got a an older Jeep Cherokee a few months ago. I could use that if I need to haul more gear. :)
 
I think the best all around transport for what YOU want to use is going to be an enclosed trailer - if you want portability to drop it off at your house, and drive the family and all your/their things places....

Or 2nd option - a Dedicated vehicle for all your Detailing things - including your tank, generator, etc., - a big Van or one of the newer Vans that have more room and are not so huge.. These I speak of go UP to gain more room but are not as long I think...

Anyone that is seriously wanting to pursue this craft full or part time will be crossing the bridge you are standing in front of too...

Door # 3 - Don't do Mobile - just use your Garage that has been turned into a Shop, or if you are really making bank, rent a Shop Space somewhere and all you have to worry about there, is fixing it all up - sometimes a lot of work and $$$, and then hoping no one breaks in and steals everything, etc...

Door # 3.5 - Find that great Foreign Car Shop I keep talking about, and rent a stall there, pay a very small % to use their utilities, and if they are a good shop with lots of great cars = rich owners, you will be Detailing just those guys forever and be able to work as much as you ever wanted to - IN Addition to what you will bring in from other places to Detail there...

Good Luck !
Dan F
 
All great tips. Thanks everyone. Seems like I may have to go the route of the enclosed trailer. I think that gives me the most versatility while keeping business and personal life separate using a single vehicle.

i would really love to get something like a large dodge sprinter or something similar. I actually detailed one awhile back and my first thought was "wow this would make an amazing mobile shop" because of the headroom. But damn they are UGLY! lol. Unfortunately purchasing a separate vehicle isn't in the cards. Just can't afford that right now.

and we just moved and already have a neighbor crying about having the moving truck parked in the street or leaving the garage door open. Won't even try the home shop idea. Luckily this is only temporary and in about 2 years we will move again
 
JustJesus said:
I'm still stuck on the image of a Chevy Sonic hatch for detailing!!! Any pics with your gear in it?

I been using my 2 door Yaris Hatch. But, I don't have regulars (but 2 are in the works), nor do I do many jobs. It's been working, but like you, I've seen limitations to it. No biggie, though, as I got a an older Jeep Cherokee a few months ago. I could use that if I need to haul more gear. :)
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Ive been meaning to upload these for awhile. Took me some time to find them. Ive since gotten rid of all but one cardboard box (clean towels). I also now carry a Mytee Tempo that fits in there somehow lol. Also have a few more tool bags to hold my vacuum attachments, my drill and brushes, as well as detail brushes, and one more bag to hold the PC and its brushes/backing plates.

So yeah, its a tight squeeze but with careful planning I make it all fit. Oh yeah, theres a 100' hose in there too. That little compartment in the floor of the "trunk" holds it quite nicely!

And go easy on the extension cord. Ive upgraded to a 12/3 cord since taking these pictures. And how dirty it is... its embarrassing I know. This problem will be addressed with the next vehicle. This is my commuter car to and from my full time job that is an hour away from home. So between customer details, 40 hours a week for the full time job and 8 hours of driving to/from said job, it doesn't leave much time to take care of my own car :(

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To me that's a case for the trailer. One of the biggest pia things about me doing side work is having to load all my tools into my personal truck. With the trailer you wouldn't have to load and unload everything everytime you have a job. You have to be tired before you even start detailing.
 
now that's a packing job! shane, you definitely need a truck. :wow:
think i'd go with the magnetic signs since it's for business and pleasure.
 
Hey ShaneB, that's pretty funny. Your Sonic sorta looks like my Yaris, loaded up. hehe. I don't have a steamer, or a pressure washer, but I do have an Easy-UP canopy and a Werner bench platform. Here's mine:



 
Nice packing Job Jesus, I do the same with my corolla. In addition, I remove my rear seat and it gives me extra height. Once I finish with the repaint I plan on removing the front passenger seat as well for even more space. What size is your Ez Up tent? I'm impressed with you fitting it in a Yaris, I shouldn't have an issue fitting one in my car.
 
Migue, thanks! I got better at packing it over time. And faster.

Geez, a Corolla? Removing the seat was a good idea, then! -- The EZ Up is the 12x12 version. It fits easily enough, just had to slide the front passenger seat a little forward. And if you're impressed with that, you should have seen it when I packed a FUTON in there! Yes, a futon. Frame and mattress. I had to fold the mattress like a taco, and tie it that way to hold that shape. Hey, it worked!
 
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