Show me your business vehicle
- Thread starter Janji
- Start date
LeadingEdgeDetail
New member
When I was mobile detailing I owned a 1991 GMC Vandura 1500. Bright-*** Yellow. It was awesome, fit my 225gallon tank, and every tool and product I owned.
I sorely miss that truck
Get a van and don't ever sell it!
-edit-
I will be getting a 1987 GMC Pickup in the next few weeks... we'll see how well that works but I doubt I will be able to fit half as much as I did in my van... And it won't be locked inside either!
I sorely miss that truck
Get a van and don't ever sell it!
-edit-
I will be getting a 1987 GMC Pickup in the next few weeks... we'll see how well that works but I doubt I will be able to fit half as much as I did in my van... And it won't be locked inside either!
LeadingEdgeDetail
New member
Janji said:
Yes, water tank.
Mobile detailer needs (not complete list)
Generator (just in case)
Pressure Washer
Vacuum
Shampooer
Polishers
Step stool and Ladder
100-150ft extension cord
At least 2 standing halogen lights
Every towel/brush known to man
All products necessary.
Pics of unorganized inside:
I would suggest a much smaller tank
LeadingEdgeDetail
New member
Janji said:Stumpydetailing.. Thanks for sharing...That is a Big *** tank....
Yes... complete overkill.
Although, I did do one day a week at an industrial park where I could wash 5-6 cars in a row with my clean spot-free water (Water in my neighborhood was awesome, but out where they were it left HORRIBLE water spots) so having my own water was a huge bonus.
I think my biggest day EVER I used half of the tank's capacity... So I'd suggest a 125gallon tank if you plan on doing multiple cars per day.
thecarter13
New member
I like, i need to get something like that, have everything down the line but something to carry it in the mustang doesn't exactly work ha
by the way like the license plate. :xyxthumbs
by the way like the license plate. :xyxthumbs
OK, here goes, please keep your attacks on point and fact based … please.
I believe in a Water $mart Eco Detailing model. The spirit and intent requires one to make decisions around product choices, all things considered, choose the most Eco friendly option. It requires one to use the least amount of water to achieve desired outcome, AND, it requires one to capture contaminants. Steam, No Rinse, Waterless and wash mat - reclaim system and proper disposal are all viable options and solutions.
I choose to operate a waterless model. Hate waterless as it is more than 50% water, another topic.
Why is this relevant here … because I can clean an auto with less than 1 pint of water, yes without marring, and washing is a predicate act to whatever step of waxing, polishing, paint correction, etc comes next. Why is that important … because I can go out with a 5 gallon tank of what we call Miracle Lotion than can service 20-25 cars … more than any mobile crew could ever handle in a day. But think of the footprint you start out with … I could put that in an inflatable bladder, hide somewhere, and while the traditional model starts with a big ol’ water tank … this model starts with a blank canvas.
So the first benefit is size of the vehicle, you could literally perform Maintenance & Prevention detailing out of a $mart Car. Could do up to light scratch removal and polishing. I keep trying to get someone to develop this in a motorcycle trailer … you could instantly turn any vehicle into a mobile detail unit.
The second is cost. Now, I start with a premise that you need to capture your contaminants. Being mobile, and professional, I operate under the philosophy that this is necessary, cannot be otherwise. So are more and more Cities and Regulators! And with that comes an increase in cost. Cost plus you must have a bigger vehicle to warehouse extra equipment and spend money on the wash mat, the reclamation system, the dirty water tank. You have to properly discharge the waste water / contaminants … again time and money.
That is why I landed on the Chevy HHR. I love the Panel, makes a great billboard for marketing, and a functional work space. Avg gas mileage of about 26 mpg
With the money I saved, if anyone remembers AL Williams “Buy term, invest the difference�, I say :go Eco, and invest the difference�, this allows me the capital to invest in other things like uniforms, insurance, wrapping the vehicle, a really cool shade structure that is well branded and is inflatable, yet compact, etc.
Works for me.
-jim
Here’s a link to some pictures Pronto Wash
Here's what I put on the inside ... the Eco Skid "Platform for Eco Detailing" Eco Friendly Auto Detailing System - Auto Detailing Tips, Business, Marketing Articles and Videos
I believe in a Water $mart Eco Detailing model. The spirit and intent requires one to make decisions around product choices, all things considered, choose the most Eco friendly option. It requires one to use the least amount of water to achieve desired outcome, AND, it requires one to capture contaminants. Steam, No Rinse, Waterless and wash mat - reclaim system and proper disposal are all viable options and solutions.
I choose to operate a waterless model. Hate waterless as it is more than 50% water, another topic.
Why is this relevant here … because I can clean an auto with less than 1 pint of water, yes without marring, and washing is a predicate act to whatever step of waxing, polishing, paint correction, etc comes next. Why is that important … because I can go out with a 5 gallon tank of what we call Miracle Lotion than can service 20-25 cars … more than any mobile crew could ever handle in a day. But think of the footprint you start out with … I could put that in an inflatable bladder, hide somewhere, and while the traditional model starts with a big ol’ water tank … this model starts with a blank canvas.
So the first benefit is size of the vehicle, you could literally perform Maintenance & Prevention detailing out of a $mart Car. Could do up to light scratch removal and polishing. I keep trying to get someone to develop this in a motorcycle trailer … you could instantly turn any vehicle into a mobile detail unit.
The second is cost. Now, I start with a premise that you need to capture your contaminants. Being mobile, and professional, I operate under the philosophy that this is necessary, cannot be otherwise. So are more and more Cities and Regulators! And with that comes an increase in cost. Cost plus you must have a bigger vehicle to warehouse extra equipment and spend money on the wash mat, the reclamation system, the dirty water tank. You have to properly discharge the waste water / contaminants … again time and money.
That is why I landed on the Chevy HHR. I love the Panel, makes a great billboard for marketing, and a functional work space. Avg gas mileage of about 26 mpg
With the money I saved, if anyone remembers AL Williams “Buy term, invest the difference�, I say :go Eco, and invest the difference�, this allows me the capital to invest in other things like uniforms, insurance, wrapping the vehicle, a really cool shade structure that is well branded and is inflatable, yet compact, etc.
Works for me.
-jim
Here’s a link to some pictures Pronto Wash
Here's what I put on the inside ... the Eco Skid "Platform for Eco Detailing" Eco Friendly Auto Detailing System - Auto Detailing Tips, Business, Marketing Articles and Videos
imported_Jakerooni
New member
Wow jim way to blow it yet again. The question isn't "Why do you us the vehicle you use" it was "show us your detailing vehicles" No need for 99% of your post. a simple pic would've done. No need to tell us yet again about waterless washing and eco footprints. It wasn't asked about and yet you still feel the overwhelming need to shove it down our throats one more time. You're little HHR looks cool seems to be well set up and clean. Maybe you could've just showed a couple of pics of that (per the OP's question) and then told us why you have it set up that way. One of these day's you'll get it.... Apparently not today LOL.
Jakeruski ol boy ...
OP asked ... and why? ... that is my answer to why, it is thorough and necessary to understand the underlying principles that lead to these conclusions.
I tried hard to upload pics, everyone of them failed, so I did the best I could
You posts continue to not address any of the facts or positions I take. Debate me on any of the positions I have taken, debate me on the facts, but chasing me around the forum is getting old.
How would you have liked me to answer the why? Go ahead, I know you have read all my posts, and perhaps like several others, googled me and my body of work.
Let's hear it ... how should I have answered the why?
-jim
OP asked ... and why? ... that is my answer to why, it is thorough and necessary to understand the underlying principles that lead to these conclusions.
I tried hard to upload pics, everyone of them failed, so I did the best I could
You posts continue to not address any of the facts or positions I take. Debate me on any of the positions I have taken, debate me on the facts, but chasing me around the forum is getting old.
How would you have liked me to answer the why? Go ahead, I know you have read all my posts, and perhaps like several others, googled me and my body of work.
Let's hear it ... how should I have answered the why?
-jim
brwill2005
New member
I also tried to post pictures of my 2008 Scion Xb, but could no upload them correctly. A small fuel efficient vehicle makes lots of sense. I can fit all of my supplies and equipment into my Scion, including a 5 gallon cube for water. I use ONR most of the time, so 5 gallons is plenty. My car gets an average of 25mpg, and looks great with the new vinyl graphics. Unless one is doing lots of fleet or volume washes, I see no reason to have big van or truck pulling a 9000 pound trailer. That is just me though.
imported_Ivan Rajic
New member
Jim, please answer one question for me... why do you post what you post? It's obvious no one gives a crap and people will change as they want to change... on top of that why do you post what you post IN EVERY DAMN THREAD KNOWN TO MAN??!!
I know I can just look it over and forget about it but the fact that you clutter every damn topic on the board with detailing just makes me, along with a few others who have a lot to contribute (not saying I do, but they do haha), stay away from the topic because you posted, AGAIN, your preachings about not wasting water, etc. etc.
So in short, why do you post, if no one listens? Are you simply one of those 'religion-spreading' types that can't stop? I'm honestly curious.
OP the yellow van is awesome (minus the mentioned 100-125 gallons in the tank)... great setup and I hope to have one like that soon.
I know I can just look it over and forget about it but the fact that you clutter every damn topic on the board with detailing just makes me, along with a few others who have a lot to contribute (not saying I do, but they do haha), stay away from the topic because you posted, AGAIN, your preachings about not wasting water, etc. etc.
So in short, why do you post, if no one listens? Are you simply one of those 'religion-spreading' types that can't stop? I'm honestly curious.
OP the yellow van is awesome (minus the mentioned 100-125 gallons in the tank)... great setup and I hope to have one like that soon.
i First tried to utilize the Scion. But when I got into it, when I was going to remove the back seat, that is where all the electronics were. So I had that issue to deal with, then had to manufacture a base. that's why I would up with the HHR.
Please find a way to get pictures up, would like to see your "rig".
-jim
Please find a way to get pictures up, would like to see your "rig".
-jim
Bostonsfavson
New member
I converted my daily driver in to my detailing vehicle, so compromises had to be made. Plus, I only detail part-time, so I didn't want to get too crazy with vinyl wraps and things of that nature. I added magnetic signs on the side and vinyl graphics on the rear window. I also purchased a tonneau cover and removed the rear seats (yes, I now have a full-size, CC truck that only seats two). I pretty much only do ONR washes, so I just have a small water tank in the bed.
The reason I removed the rear seats is because a few of the things I use (mainly my vac and towel case) are a bit too tall to fit under the tonneau cover, so I put them in the back of the cab. A cap would probably work better, but I don't like the way they look. When I trade this truck in, I'll probably go the SUV route--make things easier on myself :xyxthumbs
The reason I removed the rear seats is because a few of the things I use (mainly my vac and towel case) are a bit too tall to fit under the tonneau cover, so I put them in the back of the cab. A cap would probably work better, but I don't like the way they look. When I trade this truck in, I'll probably go the SUV route--make things easier on myself :xyxthumbs
Envious Eric
New member
I would look into a solid rear window option for your truck if available...it would make your lettering look much better!!!
I too use ONR, and have a 16gal tank that I fill up and take with me...nice not having to lug around a trailer! Only down side is that my Xterra smells like detailing supplies all the time, even when I leave the windows down while driving it empty for a day or so after a long detail week! (leaving the stuff inside the car overnight)
I too use ONR, and have a 16gal tank that I fill up and take with me...nice not having to lug around a trailer! Only down side is that my Xterra smells like detailing supplies all the time, even when I leave the windows down while driving it empty for a day or so after a long detail week! (leaving the stuff inside the car overnight)
Bostonsfavson
New member
toyotaguy said:
Tell me about it. The shame of the thing is that I never open that window. I didn't have a choice when I bought the truck, though--this was the only one available. I will say that it looks better in person than it does in these photos. The name and number are quite legible to those behind me. Certainly not ideal, but it works.
Old one.
This model is really exciting, and what I call a disruptive technology. Really changes the game, and as you can see, really fries some veterans wires, they just can't imagine any other way to "detail".
The individual detailer, especially the "haters" do not really influence the industry. I have worked hard, built some nice relationships and I can tell you with many of the industry manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, there is a high level of effort to do what I call Ecovation.
From what I have seen, there is a whole trend towards miniaturizing all components and aspects of solutions for mobile detailing. Cuts, space, time and money.
Funny, but sad. One guy went out and got some Office Buildings, lost his job so got back into the industry. Would not listen to me, typical of some here. He shows up for his first day ... and his van does not fit into any of the Buildings he signed up, to tall ... bummer, but true.
In my opinion.
-jim
This model is really exciting, and what I call a disruptive technology. Really changes the game, and as you can see, really fries some veterans wires, they just can't imagine any other way to "detail".
The individual detailer, especially the "haters" do not really influence the industry. I have worked hard, built some nice relationships and I can tell you with many of the industry manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, there is a high level of effort to do what I call Ecovation.
From what I have seen, there is a whole trend towards miniaturizing all components and aspects of solutions for mobile detailing. Cuts, space, time and money.
Funny, but sad. One guy went out and got some Office Buildings, lost his job so got back into the industry. Would not listen to me, typical of some here. He shows up for his first day ... and his van does not fit into any of the Buildings he signed up, to tall ... bummer, but true.
In my opinion.
-jim
Setec Astronomy
Well-known member
Relaited said:
Maybe my wires are just fried, but Relaited, you are preaching this in the WRONG PLACE. There is no *industry* of Autopians, we are just a collection of OCD mutants.
The places you can "disrupt" the car wash industry are like this: Wash Forum - The Car Wash Industry Center Auto Care Forum the premier informational Car Wash, Car Wash Investing, Quick Lube, Fast Lube, Detailing Site, You can communicate with others in the industry. Professional Carwashing & Detailing Online :: Brought to you by Grand View Media