Can I build a fully equipped mobile detailing trailer for $2200?

6

602rwtq

New member
Rightlook.com and topoftheline.com sell them for $5000 - $10,000:



de6000-7400.jpg




I think I can put a functional one together for about $2200.



This Haul-Master trailer sells for $350 at Harbor Freight:



06464.gif




Top of the Line sells 90 gallon water tanks with steel straps for $350 shipped:



tolae_1898_42368779.jpg




Used 5000 watt generators sell on Craigslist for $300:



164075_lg.gif




Used gas-powered air compressors sell on Craigslist for $400:



1592049_lg.gif




Used gas-powered pressure washers sell on Craigslist for $250:



1578111_lg.gif




50 foot pressure washer hoses sell for $180 at Harbor Freight:



92095.gif




50 foot air compressor hoses sell for $80 at Harbor Freight:



46320.gif




2 large toolboxes can be purchased at hardware stores for $100 each and bolted to the trailer:



348081_lg.gif




Hardware (nuts, bolts, straps, etc.): $50



Total: $2160



Am I forgetting something?
 
You're forgetting the assorted hardware and bracketry you'll need to put everything on there.



A worthwhile consideration as well is: will it look nice? You might have to spend some extra $ "dressing it up" so it doesn't look like the ratrod patrol is coming to detail a $60k benz ;)
 
autobahn said:
You're forgetting the assorted hardware and bracketry you'll need to put everything on there.



A worthwhile consideration as well is: will it look nice? You might have to spend some extra $ "dressing it up" so it doesn't look like the ratrod patrol is coming to detail a $60k benz ;)
Click to expand...



I suppose the wood deck could be water sealed and painted black.



I should add that off-the-shelf detailing trailers typically only come with a water tank, pressure washer, and generator. Something as well equipped as this, with auto-retracting hoses, starts at $8000. :bolt
 
Build it yourself.



I currently have a 4x8 enclosed carmate trailer that I equipped myself. I used to have a 4x6 open utility, but I wanted more security (live in the city), so I went and purchased an enclosed.



1. 2600 Pressure Washer (Honda 5.0) $400 - Lowes

2. PW reel $50 - Lowes

3. Air Compressor (electric) - $90

4. compressor reel - $60

5. 3500 Generator - $280 (Pepboys - and it works like a charm!)

6. 35 gallon tank (too small) - Tractor Supply ($55)

7. Storage shelving & racks - $100 (Lowes)

8. Hardware - $60 (ball valves, nuts, bolts, hoses, clamps, glue, screws, etc.)

9. Halogen - $20

10. 5hp 5 gallon Vac with detachable blower - $60

11. Buckets - $10

12. 12x12 tent - $120 (pepboys)

13. Lettering for trailer - $600 total

14. The trailer itself - $1850 (Carmate customized)



$3,755



The water tank size is too small, but I'm pulling this trailer with a 2.0 Chevy Tracker! :shocked I bring back up 6 gallon water tanks with me (I have 5 of them) that I put in the trunk just in case I need more water.



I may be getting a Dodge Ram soon, and that will be when I will upgrade everything (the size of the trailer, the size of the tank, etc.).
 
The water tank you can buy a new one cheaper, the generator is not that good, the trailer won't haul that much weight, it will just bounce all over big time and everything will bounce out and its to small for all your stuff.

I have a 2003 enclosed trailer 5x14 2 ton tension spring bar so things don’t bounce all over inside, rivet less sides. One thing about an enclosed trailer get one that you don’t have to duck your head getting into and if you are going to haul a lot of weight get brakes for the trailer. The wider the trailer the harder it is to maneuver in the city streets, Get a heavy duty rubber mat for the trailer floor or your floor will get all chewed up and your wood will stay wet and rot, don’t forget to brim the sides and make a water drain for easy cleaning, best to buy one with a side door.

If your trailer weighs more then your vehicle does you are going to go into a fish spin down the freeway! Your vehicle should have power to tow the trailer, if it’s a auto tran then get a heavy duty tran cooler or your auto tran will fry! Class 2 or above tow hitches are good to have more ways then one, towing on your bumper is not good, one reason bumpers can only haul so much weight.

There is a lot to know about towing, it does not come cheap, maybe to can get a used trailer but used trailers are hard to find and making your own trailer cost more then buying a new one so..? Look for someone going out of business it’s cheaper that way.
 
Super said:
The water tank you can buy a new one cheaper, the generator is not that good, the trailer won't haul that much weight, it will just bounce all over big time and everything will bounce out and its to small for all your stuff.

I have a 2003 enclosed trailer 5x14 2 ton tension spring bar so things don’t bounce all over inside, rivet less sides. One thing about an enclosed trailer get one that you don’t have to duck your head getting into and if you are going to haul a lot of weight get brakes for the trailer. The wider the trailer the harder it is to maneuver in the city streets, Get a heavy duty rubber mat for the trailer floor or your floor will get all chewed up and your wood will stay wet and rot, don’t forget to brim the sides and make a water drain for easy cleaning, best to buy one with a side door.

If your trailer weighs more then your vehicle does you are going to go into a fish spin down the freeway! Your vehicle should have power to tow the trailer, if it’s a auto tran then get a heavy duty tran cooler or your auto tran will fry! Class 2 or above tow hitches are good to have more ways then one, towing on your bumper is not good, one reason bumpers can only haul so much weight.

There is a lot to know about towing, it does not come cheap, maybe to can get a used trailer but used trailers are hard to find and making your own trailer cost more then buying a new one so..? Look for someone going out of business it’s cheaper that way.
Click to expand...



Agreed.



That is very thorough and good advice for mobile detailers looking to start trailering. :up
 
Super said:
The water tank you can buy a new one cheaper, the generator is not that good, the trailer won't haul that much weight, it will just bounce all over big time and everything will bounce out and its to small for all your stuff.

I have a 2003 enclosed trailer 5x14 2 ton tension spring bar so things don’t bounce all over inside, rivet less sides. One thing about an enclosed trailer get one that you don’t have to duck your head getting into and if you are going to haul a lot of weight get brakes for the trailer. The wider the trailer the harder it is to maneuver in the city streets, Get a heavy duty rubber mat for the trailer floor or your floor will get all chewed up and your wood will stay wet and rot, don’t forget to brim the sides and make a water drain for easy cleaning, best to buy one with a side door.

If your trailer weighs more then your vehicle does you are going to go into a fish spin down the freeway! Your vehicle should have power to tow the trailer, if it’s a auto tran then get a heavy duty tran cooler or your auto tran will fry! Class 2 or above tow hitches are good to have more ways then one, towing on your bumper is not good, one reason bumpers can only haul so much weight.

There is a lot to know about towing, it does not come cheap, maybe to can get a used trailer but used trailers are hard to find and making your own trailer cost more then buying a new one so..? Look for someone going out of business it’s cheaper that way.
Click to expand...



Good points. The trailer I have listed has a capacity of 1800 lbs and it has leaf springs. I have a '98 Dodge Ram Van w/ a straight 6. Don't know the towing stats on it. It may need a trans cooler.



I'd like an enclosed trailer, but with a Ram Van w/ a straight 6, and equipment for mobile touch up painting in the van, I don't think I have the power.



I could forget about the toolboxes and air compressor on the trailer. I have an electric compressor in the van, and can fit my waxes, chemicals, buffer, vac, etc. in the van.



That should bring total weight of the trailer to:



trailer: 400 lbs.

water: 8.3 lbs./gal x 80 gal = 640 lbs.

pressure washer: 120 lbs.

generator: 100 lbs.

compressor hose reel: 60 lbs.



total: 1320 lbs.



A Ram Van w/ a straight 6 should tow that, right?
 
Jimmy Buffit said:
An enclosed trailer affords tremendous signage opportunity.



Don't underestimate that value...



Jim
Click to expand...



So true, have you seen rlspringer's wrapped trailer? I saw his rig in traffic last fall and it was quite impressive.
 
I would use a van, not a trailer.

with a van you can combine several of the things you have on their into one.



it would be more spendy but... it's the route i am considering. Plus it is a heck of alot easier to park, drive and get in some tight residential areas where they do not allow you to park on the streets.



Signage aspect is key. That works for you while you are driving eating luch and working. If your going to do it it must have signage.
 
Have you recently looked, really looked, at the seams between panels on leather seats? Try blowing that area with 100 psi air. Betcha it feels like a sandblaster on your hand.



How 'bout that area between the console and seat? Use a good light down there... how else would you get that junk!



There are so many more areas that REQUIRE the high air pressure...



Do you use a device similar to the Toronado? It really blasts doorjambs and DIRTY carpets.



So, when you clean air vents...



How often do you (quickly) clean the molded weather stripping?



So what method do you currently use to remove wheels/tires?



Fill your aerisoled vessels?



Check and adjust tire pressures.



Wetsand?



It is a required piece, one that few mobile detailers utilize...



(Flame Suit On)



Jim
 
my trailer is sharp looking and it costs about that,and gets looks everywhere. I pull it with my 4 cylinder s10 xtreme with 65 gallons of full water and everything else as generator,compresser,pressure washer,utilitybox, hose reel,bucket,etc etc. pm so i can send u a pic or email me rcweichand@graffiti.net
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top