What do your MOBILE rigs look like?

J

jared6180

New member
I was just wondering if everybody could post pics and discriptions of what they use when they do a job outside of a garage, and say in a business parking lot?



I am thinking about starting up with a Ford Ranger, and I need help figurung out where to put what in the bed?



Thanks,

Jared
 
Jared,



Do you have the van? If not, I would consider a Chevy Express Cargo Van, or professional detail trailer over the truck. There are articles on the comparison of both. Most guys that use trucks already owned the truck so it was not a business decision. For purposes of space, management, security of equipment, graphics, etc. a cargo van or professional detail trailer are better IMO. I used my truck for a few years because I owned it. However, with my extractor, it was crowded. Also, since my truck was not purchased for detailing, it was not the best vehicle for that purpose. When I went to the Express van, I added tons of space, which made everything easier and much more professional in appearance. Plus, a cargo van can be loaded with graphics.



Rob
 
i use a tundra, but if i had a car to start, I would pick up a used chevy truck and a trailer, or a cargo van like WCD stated...lots more advertising space...
 
jared6180 said:
I am trying to find a small truck or a van for $4000 MAX...any ideas?
Click to expand...



I use my Colorado CC as my detail rig. I personally dont like van's, espcially white vans...every contractor, heating, plumbing, A/C, etc, use them for their trades as well. I wanted to stand out more, not that a Colorado is a stand out vehicle, its really not, but I do get my share of clients from my advertising on my truck. I just different. I looked at it like this... How many white vans with a business name on it do pass in one day or see in your neighborhood. Tons. How many Colorado's do you pass with a mobile detailing business name on it. None, usually. I just figured the truck would stand out more. IMO.



I have all my equipment in my truck, and yes its a little cramped, but not unbarable.



As for your budget, try to find a used, state truck lot. For instance, we have a lot around my way that sells alot of used cargo vans, contractor w/ladder racks, state work trucks, stake bodies etc...But you could find a truck for a decent price, it may be high mileage and not in the best shape, but again to start out with, why not. I have seen prices for the vans and trucks for as low as 3000. Check around with commercial dealers. Again the used market for the commerical vans/trucks is pretty big.



Good luck which ever way you go:up
 
jared6180 said:
I was just wondering if everybody could post pics and discriptions of what they use when they do a job outside of a garage, and say in a business parking lot?



I am thinking about starting up with a Ford Ranger, and I need help figurung out where to put what in the bed?
Click to expand...



The types of services and volume of such will determine what style vehicle you need. Are you and another guy going to be mashing out 30 washes a day? Look around for something capable of holding at least a 200 gallon tank. One complete, multiple stage polish a day? Get a black Integra.



Almost as important are your community's roads. Thinking of some of the driveways and narrow roads I travel on throughout the week, a trailer would be treacherous.



A truck (commercial or not) will suffice for most. It gives a decent balance of utility and economy as it can be used for a personal vehicle as well. I looked at F250's and Utility Bed retrofits but found the bed to be a cumbersome "wall" to work around and the lack of bed security threatening. At the time of my start-up, $25-32k wasn't easy to digest.



I ended up with a standard wheelbase 2004 Express Cargo for just under $16k, dual barn doors. It is secure, has great space for advertising (which I don't use) but is a somewhat "common" contractors vehicle. Fortunately, I feel it presents an image that I am in business and I take what I do seriously. It's also FULL and I am looking at a certain taller and more customizable alternative.



If it were my $4000 and I was interested in going into this business, as a sole means of income. . . I would search around for a year old cargo van at a dealership, put $2000 down and finance the rest in your business name through the credit union or local bank of my choice while building a credit rating for my Sole Prop. Take the rest of the money and pay my insurance premium and buy whatever equipment I needed to have immediately. That's me though, and I live in Santa Barbara and my services are somewhat targeted.
 
I would really like to do about 3-5 washes per day, and detail jobs and such. In Kansas it seems hard to be to targetted on your business in this type of business, its a take everything you can get environment here. So in one day I could do 5 $25 washes or I could do 2 $25 washes plus a full $150 detail...



I was looking into a small Ranger type truck, but I also like the idea of a small Windstar type minivan. I dont need alot of room, and all the seats besides the drivers seat will be removed, and probably sold on ebay or something to put another $5 back into the business. I am not willing to finance a vehicle for this as it is simply to risky. My main motivation is to provide some type of income for my family while I am in school. My wife makes enough for us to get by on rice and beans, and beans and rice...barely, I want to make at least $1000-1250 per month to put back into the home...I want to have everyday either filled with this business or my part time job...
 
i do my mobile detailing out of a neon...granted i only do house calls as i cant fit a generator or a water tank but im making out pretty well for my self and with very little money out of pocket because the neon is also my DD
 
Hi guys new to the forum i do my mobile detailing out of a 1997 honda odyssey every thing fits with the rear seat folded into the floor and the back seat folded forward ive got

6kva generator, 200 litre water tank, vac with really long hose, waterblaster, chemicals,

i use to have a bigger van but i enjoy the car like drive of the honda only drawbacks so far heavier springs in rear i will try and post a pic

by the way im from ( NEW ZEALAND)

been a mobile car detailer for 10 years cheers dave
 
jared6180 said:
I was just wondering if everybody could post pics and discriptions of what they use when they do a job outside of a garage, and say in a business parking lot?



I am thinking about starting up with a Ford Ranger, and I need help figurung out where to put what in the bed?



Thanks,

Jared
Click to expand...





I don't have any pictures of my original set up but I started out in a ford ranger over 10 years ago.



At the front of the bed close to the cab I had a 50 gal water tank generator at the back on the right. Pressure washer on the left. Fill in the rest of the area with your towels in boxes, products and tools.
 
Vans are definitely the way to go. Lots of space for lettering on the side, plus you can leave your stuff in the back and not worry about someone stealing it, like they could easily out of a pickup.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top