Who uses a power inverter?

justin30513

justin30513

Mobile Detailing Services
For the last 5 years I've used nothing but customer's power while vacuuming and polishing at there homes. Some businesses have outlets as well. The problem is now I'm doing 10 at a time in parking lots and don't have power. Some customers are wanting a quick vac or upgrade their wax and I don't have power. I'm not one to turn down money either!



I would like to stay away from a generator due to storage constraints and noise. I will be using a small vac and the current draw is nominal.



Does anyone have an example of a setup that I'm describing here?
 
I wouldn't do it very frequently without at least installing a deep cycle battery and larger alternator in the truck; preferably dual batteries.



You wouldn't have room for one of the small entry level Honda EU generators? Those are extremely quiet and fairly compact compared to most.
 
Actually used one of a customer's inverters, direct battery hook up, he left his truck running the whole time-weather was sort of iffy, didn't want to bring it to me and maybe drive home and get caught in the rain. Management wouldn't have been happy about a generator running in the parking garage either. Seemed to work well with the DA, just a light bog when I would bear down a bit. Doubt it would have worked with my Ridged vacuum. You'd need a pretty powerful one to handle a vacuum.
 
I already have an Optima yellow dual purpose starting and deep cycle battery. My truck came with an upgraded alternator.



The vac I'm gonna use is 6.8 amps. 6.8 x 120= 816 watts. I have looked at a 2000 watt one that is only 200.00. I already the wiring in place with my stereo system.



Here's the vac I'm gonna go with........

Portable 9991910 - Products for Industrial and Commercial Applications | Shop-Vac Brand. The Original Wet/Dry Vac



It's pricey at 125.00 but love the specs and ease of use.
 
I have an inverter, direct battery hook-up (1500W I think) that I use on occasion for polishing or LSP application with my PC. Never had a problem with that. I simply start up the car and let it run a few minutes every hour or two to be safe. Won't run my vac, though. I also don't want a generator due to space and needing to worry about gas fumes or spills in the vehicle. I also don't do volume work, so I simply make arrangements with customers to make sure I have access to water and power. If I was doing 10 cars/day I would seriously consider a generator. Can't be much noisier than a vacuum.
 
Nth Degree said:
I have an inverter, direct battery hook-up (1500W I think) that I use on occasion for polishing or LSP application with my PC. Never had a problem with that. I simply start up the car and let it run a few minutes every hour or two to be safe. Won't run my vac, though. I also don't want a generator due to space and needing to worry about gas fumes or spills in the vehicle. I also don't do volume work, so I simply make arrangements with customers to make sure I have access to water and power. If I was doing 10 cars/day I would seriously consider a generator. Can't be much noisier than a vacuum.
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The Honda generators are the way to go but really expensive. Unless I come across a really good deal on a used one.
 
i use a power inverter for my ridged vaccum for a long time now i have a regular battery and alternador in my truck and never had a problem. I use a 750watt power inverter and i just leave the truck runing while i vaccum. You said you just need to do a quick vaccum here and there so no big deal most of mmy work i have power but some i use the inverter.
 
Justin Murphy said:
The Honda generators are the way to go but really expensive. Unless I come across a really good deal on a used one.
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I invested in a Honda EU3000is its pricey, but its very quiet and can run all day long, runs the vac/extractor, lights, the Flex Rotary and DA.



Its worth the investment, or you can get the Honda EU2000i and save about $1K



Honda Super Quiet Generators
 
Justin Murphy said:
I might do it. I'm just using a DA and small 6 amp vac. Would the small 1000 do the job?
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You could keep an eye out for a Kipor, similar design and output in 1000/2000/3000 models. I still have the same KGE2000ti I bought in used condition almost three years ago and it still runs my polishers, lights, big vac/small vac everyday; and selectively powered my home when we lost electricity for 10 days this year. After you consider the cost/weight/dimensions of a decent inverter and battery bank the Honda EU or similar don't seem too bad.
 
EcoAutoCT said:
You could keep an eye out for a Kipor, similar design and output in 1000/2000/3000 models. I still have the same KGE2000ti I bought in used condition almost three years ago and it still runs my polishers, lights, big vac/small vac everyday; and selectively powered my home when we lost electricity for 10 days this year. After you consider the cost/weight/dimensions of a decent inverter and battery bank the Honda EU or similar don't seem too bad.
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Hey bro! Hope all is good with you. I need to head over to OT later.

I remember when you got that generator. I'll keep an eye for one.

How's work been?
 
Justin Murphy said:
Hey bro! Hope all is good with you. I need to head over to OT later.

I remember when you got that generator. I'll keep an eye for one.

How's work been?
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I've got a 3000w pro-grade inverter (~70lbs and $1500+) from a telco service van I haven't hooked up yet. I see the appeal of that option, but to do it right I think you're looking at comparable prices to a 2000w ultra quiet/smaller footprint generator like an EU or KGE. That wattage powers all my equipment no problem, ran my big vac and ozone generator today simultaneously while working on two separate cars.



Cranking and it feels good, man. Have work 6-7 days a week if I want it, picked up more commercial accounts, worked on some "1 of" cars, booking weeks in advance during the peak months, did a GroupOn and had 160+ sales during the start of this Winter season, CT/MA/RI/NY, almost at the point to expand into a second van. Absolutely killing it, didn't wash the Astro for almost two months I was so busy. :rockon1:



Merry Christmas, brotato! OT>*
 
And being the guy that can goto the parking lot/commercial bldg/golf course/whatever WITH his own power opens alot of doors.
 
EcoAutoCT said:
I've got a 3000w pro-grade inverter (~70lbs and $1500+) from a telco service van I haven't hooked up yet. I see the appeal of that option, but to do it right I think you're looking at comparable prices to a 2000w ultra quiet/smaller footprint generator like an EU or KGE. That wattage powers all my equipment no problem, ran my big vac and ozone generator today simultaneously while working on two separate cars.



Cranking and it feels good, man. Have work 6-7 days a week if I want it, picked up more commercial accounts, worked on some "1 of" cars, booking weeks in advance during the peak months, did a GroupOn and had 160+ sales during the start of this Winter season, CT/MA/RI/NY, almost at the point to expand into a second van. Absolutely killing it, didn't wash the Astro for almost two months I was so busy. :rockon1:



Merry Christmas, brotato! OT>*
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Now this sounds awesome! Thanks for the input.......and the motivation.
 
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