Generator/Powerwasher Noise? Mobile Detailers, I need some advice.

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dmw2692004

New member
When I go out to clients houses, I always prepare for the worst- no power, no water.



I always bring along my coleman 6.5kW generator, and my kratcher gas power washer that i hook up to my 90 gallon water tank.



My question is, Does anyone ever get bothered by the noise of the generator or power- washer with you guys? I have only had to use them both one time, and never gotten complaints.



What do you guys do?



And, what brands of generators and pressure washers are normally quieter than all the other commercial ones. I am only using these because I had them both before I started to detail cars as a job.
 
It only bothers me. I use my customers power when ever possible. My Yamaha generator is quiet but not as quiet as the EU series from honda. I have a Cam Spray electric pressure washer like the one topoftheline.com sells.



In the last 10 years I have never has any one complain when I had to use my equipment for power.
 
Yeah, the EU series generators are the way to go for superior quietness. I have the Eu3000, but always use the customer's power when possible to save wear and tear on my generator and gas. The noise that comes from it is so small that it isn't even a factor. As far as pressure washers go, I think they are all pretty noisy unless you go with a less powerful electric one. People just need to understand that with some professions come a certain degree of audible presence and just accept it. I mean its not as if you are running the PW or generator for extended periods of time anyways when detailing a car. And if you do need extended use of power just plug into your client's electrical outlet. That should never be an issue with them.
 
Thanks for the responses you two,



I am going to look at the EU series of generators a little later and an electric pressure washer.



I just do not want to lose the customer satisfaction/comfort with me being in front of their house cleaning their car. I really do not want to make a "scene" with my noise.
 
I always use my gas equipment. I have a Husky Gas Pressure washer and a Colemabn Powermate generator. I also have a Alton generator too. The Alton is very quiet,but it has a small gas tank. When I use it I have to carry a 1 gallon gas can. The Coleman Generator is not to loud ,but it has a big tank. It will last for 3 0r 4 cars. I don't really like the noise either,but I wear ear plugs when I use any equipment. Even at home, with yard equipment. Lawn mower,weed wacker. blower, etc.

I have never had a client complain about the noise. Since I'm mobile and carry everything including water, power is a plus. I go to some places where there is no water, power close.

I'm often in a business parking lot full of cars ,and no electric or water. Then I use ONR and my generator.
 
Good alternative to the EU series is the Kipor brand. I picked up a factory replica from AllPower for $350 and it's 1600W is enough to power my rotary and vac. Super quiet too, I think it puts out mid 50db. It's only fault is that it would not power a Leeson 120V/15A electric pressure washer, but that has an induction motor so it needs alot on startup.



I use an Excell gas pressure washer, it's by far the nosiest of my equipment, but it's not running very long. Haven't had a complaint yet, but I also don't schedule those residential clients early enough in the morning to wake anyone up.
 
Most of the time, I do QEW or ONR washes. However, occasionally I'll use the pressure washer, but that is rare. I never use a generator...just the client's power source. I guess it depends on the community you are working in, but houses are pretty close in a lot of neighborhoods around here. I don't mind running the pressure washer when I have to, since it's only for about an hour, but I don't want to run a generator the whole time I am buffing and vacuuming and extracting. The way I look at it is that all the neighbors are potential customers. I don't want any of them to be so annoyed with me for being noisey that they dislike me.
 
I use a briggs Generator and a Bulldog skid mount Pressure washer with the 6.5HP Briggs. I have been in some pretty nice neighborhoods and have never had any complaints, but my day usually begans at 8AM and ends at 5PM alot of people are at work or moving around by then. I look at the little noise they do cause to be nothing but beneficial to me since it draws peoples attention to what I am doing. And to reduce noise there is no way I could ever hook up to customers utilities since I think that takes away the whole concept of being Mobile just my opinion.
 
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