best auto vacuum system

[Hannibal]

Well, my Bday is this month and I havent asked for anything since I was 18 or so. Well, I am going to be 33 and I thought that I would actually ask for something so my wife doesnt stress out. I am one of those guys who researches forever before buying so my wife isnt too spontaneous because of that (she worries I may have researched a product and found it lacking LOL)

Well, I would like to have my own personal vacuuum cleaner for my vehicles. It must have these features:

1. High Power! I want to be able to vaccum up a quarter in a tight spot from an inch or two away

2. It must have a small attachment for getting into a tight place (underseats, between stuff etc)

3. Must be reasonably priced, I dont need another $200 tool laying around.

I was thinking the only way to get all this would be in a wet/dry garage type vac. But I worried that I wouldnt get the very small attachment.

I hate going to the car wash and getting overspray on my truck from someone washing their car, so I want to be able to vacuum at my leisure.


Any suggestions?

[Ryan L.]

Re: best auto vacuum system

I have a couple year old Rigid Wet/Dry and it seems to do really well. There is a newer Ridgid Wet/Dry vac with a 12gallon container and 5hp motor and I have heard nothing but raves about it and if you shop around and wait they can usually be priced around $40

[BlueZero]

Re: best auto vacuum system

I am one of those guys who researches forever before buying

Sounds just like me. I've been thinking of a vac for months now. I keep coming back to the "Ridgid WD4550 5 Peak HP Pro-Pac Wet/Dry Vacuum". It's $100, and got some good reviews on the Home Depot website. One thing to note is the hose size is different than most of the Ridgid vacuums so all the attachments won't work on this one. There is a extra kit for $20 that has more attachments for it (Model VT1780).

Let us know what you end up with or other models you are considering. Too bad you can't "test drive" the vacs.

[Ryan L.]

Re: best auto vacuum system

Blue Zero: that is a nice little machine, although the one thing that would keep me from getting that is the fact is doesnt have a blower feature.

Hannibal: would you like a blower feature or is that something that would just happen to come with it?

[sneek]

Re: best auto vacuum system

what about the metro vac?

[BlueZero]

Re: best auto vacuum system

Blue Zero: that is a nice little machine, although the one thing that would keep me from getting that is the fact is doesnt have a blower feature.

Hannibal: would you like a blower feature or is that something that would just happen to come with it?

What to you use the blower for? Drying off the car?

[Hannibal]

I dont care much for blower action, I have a compressor.

I like the sound of a new&improved rigid wetvac. That model you mentioned comes with all the attachments? Or is sold seperately? I have always had good experience with Rigid (threaders etc) the craftsmanship was always top notch. Are these things huge? I really dont want an R2D2 sized thing in the garage.

So now starts my research actually I am going to try to keep it simple on this one. I will check at the home depot and lowes.

[BlueZero]

Re: best auto vacuum system

I dont care much for blower action, I have a compressor.

I like the sound of a new&improved rigid wetvac. That model you mentioned comes with all the attachments? Or is sold seperately? I have always had good experience with Rigid (threaders etc) the craftsmanship was always top notch. Are these things huge? I really dont want an R2D2 sized thing in the garage.

So now starts my research actually I am going to try to keep it simple on this one. I will check at the home depot and lowes.

I wish I could remember what it comes with for attachments. I've looked at soooo many in the last few weeks, that I don't remember. It's really not that big. I live in a one bedroom apartment with a one stall garage, so space is one of my big concerns as well. I also like the idea that everything is kept inside the vac for easy storage and that it's shaped like a tool box so I can stack it rather than having a big R2D2 as you said, sitting around.

Good luck, let me know what you end up with and how you like it.

[cnfowler]

Re: best auto vacuum system

Hannibal,

I think I have a good solution for you. I currently own the Craftsman #17925 Wall-mount shop vac. It is wonderful for cleaning out the car or the garage. I know you'll read up on it so I won't go into detail. Just go to the Craftsman webpage and seach for model 17925 in tools. 5 HP and a 21 foot hose. There is even a 10 ft extension hose that can be bought. I absolutely love mine because it is always there ready to go. It is mounted on the wall so it's not taking up any valuable floor space. It's out of the way. It can be removed from the wall mount and used anywhere around the house. Can't beat it in my mind. Perfect for the car. Take a look.

[CharlesW]

Re: best auto vacuum system

Sounds just like me. I've been thinking of a vac for months now. I keep coming back to the "Ridgid WD4550 5 Peak HP Pro-Pac Wet/Dry Vacuum". It's $100, and got some good reviews on the Home Depot website. One thing to note is the hose size is different than most of the Ridgid vacuums so all the attachments won't work on this one. There is a extra kit for $20 that has more attachments for it (Model VT1780).

Let us know what you end up with or other models you are considering. Too bad you can't "test drive" the vacs.

I have had the Ridgid WD4550 for about a year now and would recommend it to anyone that needs a powerful, compact, easy to haul unit. It does have the blower feature, although I never use it.
I also have a Sears 5 HP, 12 gallon unit and the Metro Vac-N-Blo. For dry vacuuming, all three work good. The Metro is not a wet vac.

[Ryan L.]

Re: best auto vacuum system

I would use the blower for drying the car like you said. I sometimes use the compressor, but I find that I dont want to take another thing out, so with the vacuum and blower you get 2in1

just my thoughts

[gorin002]

Re: best auto vacuum system

since its you or gonna be your B day wish you a happy birthday
and i am 40 or 41.your young

[imacarnut]

Re: best auto vacuum system



Features (WD4050)
Compact, light and portable easy to store and to take it with you on the job.
5.0 Peak HP it delivers more high performance power than vacs twice its size
Tug-A-Long Positive Locking Hose Locks 7-Foot hose to Vac-Hose Won't Pull Out During Use
1-7/8" hose this size gives clog-free performance of larger hoses with the fexibility of smaller hoses
Use for wet and dry cleanups includes a blowing port for maximum versatility
2-Layer High Efficiency Filter great for drywall and other fine dust
On board accessory storage keeps accessories on hand and easy to reach

Specifications
Gallon Size 4
MOTOR

*Peak Horsepower 5.0 *don't really need anything more, imo*
*Air Watts 235
*Voltage 120
*Amps 9.0
Cord Length 20
U.L. Listed Yes
Replacment Filter VF3500
Accessory Size 1-7/8"
Shipping Weight 17lbs
Net Weight 12lbs

Includes:
Accessories Included: 1-7/8" x 7' Positive Locking Hose, Mutli-Purpose Nozzle, Muffler / Noise Diffuser; 2-Stage Drywall Filter

also, don't forget the accessories!



go to ridgiddotcom for more info...

[Hannibal]

Re: best auto vacuum system

I am 40 or 41.your young

LOL Tanx!

[gorin002]

Re: best auto vacuum system

LOL Tanx!

welcome welcome