Mobile Detailing & Generators

HappyWax said:
Do you use a steamer? I read in the manual not to use an extension cord exceeding 50ft? -Maybe I can get away a longer length using heavy gauge.
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I use a steamer and a heavy gauge 100' extension cable.
 
HappyWax said:
Do you use a steamer? I read in the manual not to use an extension cord exceeding 50ft? -Maybe I can get away a longer length using heavy gauge.
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Shampoo (BioKleen's Traffic Lane Cleaner) and wet vac. I am looking into getting a steamer though. I'll just go to a heavier gauge cord.
 
I have been doing mobile detailing for about a year now I have the van set up with a generator and water tank etc. I always wondered how you guys charge for a detail when you use the customers water and electricity I would feel I would be inconveincing the customer to hook up to all there utilities.
 
MobileDetailKid said:
I have been doing mobile detailing for about a year now I have the van set up with a generator and water tank etc. I always wondered how you guys charge for a detail when you use the customers water and electricity I would feel I would be inconveincing the customer to hook up to all there utilities.
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I will only need electric, so there is no need for a water tank -I'm using ONR and 2/3 gallons of distilled water
 
I use their electricity and I also have a generator but until I get a van that will be fully furnished with a generator, water tank, etc etc then I will continue using the customers electricity. They have never said anything to me about it and I usually ask before hand and they always say "oh yeah that's perfectly fine, use whatever you need. Here want some extension cords?" I always have my own extension cords though but the way I look at it is if you have a contractor come to your home to do a roof repair, deck add on, room addition, home repair, they use your power and RARELY use a generator. When they do use a generator it drives me nuts listening to it for 4 or 5 hours or sometimes all day on and off. The neighbors dont like it either. I will be to that day that I will use my generator though because I still feel weird using their power but that's just me...
 
okay, so even though it is not needed, I am still looking to get a generator for other such applications but if I am to take it along with me, what kind of out put would suffice to run one buffer or any other application at a time. I am really looking to save a penny here, but would something like a 2,000 watt/1500 continous be good enough. My dewalt rotary says a max of 1400 so i figure that would be safe (yes/no?).



I apoligize but i never get these things right.
 
A vac and a heated extractor can trip a breaker. Lights and a vac can also trip a breaker. I guess using the customers water and electric is ok, if that is the way you want to go. I have done details in parking lots with no electric. For you guys not using pressure washers. How do you get the mud and dirt out of the wheel wells? Especially after a few days of rain,and mud from road construction? I use ONR where I can too,but the wheel wells and rims (wheels) can be tuff without a pressure washer. Plus I save time in the process.

Generator, I have a Coleman Powermate 1850. I also have an Alton, first purchase at Andersons for $140,it is not my backup,but it is very quite.
 
Showroom Shine said:
Right! If you are in a big parking lot you will need a generator. I have a spare also. I can't imagine going out to detail and not having it. I'm fully outfitted with everything from water,heated extractor,wet dry vac/ blower,tent,3 buffers,

(Flex,Rotory,PC) Ozone Generator. I have detailed in places where there is no electric. This is one reason I can keep my prices where they are. I never use anything of the customers.
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I agree 100%. Although you certainly do not NEED one, what if the above comes up? I think not having to ask the customer for anything other than car keys makes you seem more 'pro', for lack of a better term. I see it as kinda like the maids who bring their own vacuum instead of using the home owners'. With that said, I need to look for one! I have been fortunate with my customers letting me use their W&P but, plan to start doing office buildings next.
 
I have a large 6k generator that is a backup for the house, but I don't feel as I am less of a detailer just because I don't bring it with me on details. I don't detail on location unless the client has a garage for me anyway, so with a garage ususally comes an electrical outlet.



If a client or their family is home while I am polishing their car, do you think they would rather let me use an outlet or listen to a loud generator for 12 hours?



Now of course my opinion is thrown out the window if you detail at a business or something like that.
 
I agree, the noise of vacuums polishers and extractors is enough -why would I add a gas generator to the mix- Also, it keeps me in line with being eco friendly.



If there was a good battery powered generator (that could withstand a few hours of use) that might be a different story-
 
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