Where do you store your mobile detailing trailer

[Mary S]

Hi the people who do mobile detailing with a trailer but don't have a brick and mortar shop, where do you store the trailer when you aren't using it? I am sure my neighborhood wouldn't let me keep one in my driveway, and it wouldn't fit in the garage.

[Fly Bye]

Re: Where do you store your mobile detailing trailer




I take it your neighborhood is run by a homeowners association?

[Innovative Detailing]

Re: Where do you store your mobile detailing trailer

I live in an association and the CC&R's specify that the garage is for vehicles first, not RV's or trailers. What I did initially is traded services with a neighbor who only used half of their garage since she only had one car. I would provided her with a bi-weekly service in which the vehicle was washed thoroughly on the first week of the month and a mini detail on the third. She gave me a remote control and I had complete access 24-7. Then after about a year she met a guy, I got axed.....but I found a local enclosed storage place, great location, very clean units for $1.00 the first month and $159.00 per month there after. In a way, I like the storage place better, I dont feel like an intruder in someones home, and I am not bothering her with opening or closing the garage door early in the am or late in the pm.

[Mary S]

Re: Where do you store your mobile detailing trailer

I take it your neighborhood is run by a homeowners association?

Yes, HOA with covenants and all. They may allow commercial vans parked in the driveway, but I doubt they would allow a trailer.

David, the idea of making a deal for someone's spare garage sounds like a really good idea. We don't have too many 3-car garages in my direct vicinity, but they are there in some of the newer parts of the neighborhood.

And there is an underground storage facility not too far from here.

I saw this, it looked like a good deal. It may be too tall to fit in a garage, not sure.

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/for/1671477755.html

But now is probably too soon to buy one, just thinking into the future.

Thanks!

[Fly Bye]

Re: Where do you store your mobile detailing trailer

They may allow commercial vans parked in the driveway, but I doubt they would allow a trailer.

If they were to allow a van to be parked in the driveway, I don't see why they wouldn't allow a trailer, provided that it moves at least once every 3-4 days. Get a copy of the HOA rules & regulations, & thoroughly read through it.

Even if they will allow you to park a small trailer in your own driveway, how safe would it be? Someone could simply drive right up, hook it to their vehicle, and drive off with your trailor, & everything inside of it.

Where ever you park it, make sure it's safe & secure.

[Fly Bye]

Re: Where do you store your mobile detailing trailer




Just buy a large cargo van. Problem solved.

[Mary S]

Re: Where do you store your mobile detailing trailer

True, I wouldn't want someone stealing it with all my equipment inside.

I want to at least try seeing how much equipment I could fit in my Explorer, but ultimately, a van might work better.

[Mary S]

Re: Where do you store your mobile detailing trailer

Brainstorm! Maybe I could install one of those removable enclosed luggage containers on my roof rack to hold some of the things I couldn't fit in the back of my explorer. Who knows, it might work.

[agp56]

Re: Where do you store your mobile detailing trailer

The Safety Storage Places here in Blue Springs rent a 10 foot by 20 foot unit for $89 a month. Maybe you can find something like that if you can't do a co-op deal.

[CieraSL]

Re: Where do you store your mobile detailing trailer

Why not just get something like this?



You could put some of your stuff in the Explorer, and then put Rubbermaid bins on the back platform with the rest of your stuff in it and just use bungee cords to secure them down. Be cheaper than buying a van or trailer, too.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Where do you store your mobile detailing trailer

I know you want to keep your expenses to the minimum. However, around here, if you rent a mini storage, they will also accept deliveries for you. So yes you have a added expense. But while you are aware working, you could have all your supplies sent to the mini. They accept shipment. no worries. Plus it will be already at your trailer for re-stocking your supplies.

[Mary S]

Re: Where do you store your mobile detailing trailer

The Safety Storage Places here in Blue Springs rent a 10 foot by 20 foot unit for $89 a month. Maybe you can find something like that if you can't do a co-op deal.

I might be able to rent something smaller if they have it, because the trailer is only 4 x 6 I think. But that is probably a good solution if I go the trailer route.

Why not just get something like this?



You could put some of your stuff in the Explorer, and then put Rubbermaid bins on the back platform with the rest of your stuff in it and just use bungee cords to secure them down. Be cheaper than buying a van or trailer, too.

Ciera, I have never seen anything like that before! But yes, I would look into something like that. Ultimately, being able to use my Explorer would be the best solution if I could swing it. Once my daughter is in college, we could permanently leave the rear seat backs down to make the room.

And I think my business plan is going to look like starting out small and growing with the income from the business.

[Mary S]

Re: Where do you store your mobile detailing trailer

I know you want to keep your expenses to the minimum. However, around here, if you rent a mini storage, they will also accept deliveries for you. So yes you have a added expense. But while you are aware working, you could have all your supplies sent to the mini. They accept shipment. no worries. Plus it will be already at your trailer for re-stocking your supplies.

J. A., it sounds like it would be worthwhile for me to check the mini storage areas in my area just to get a feel for what they cost and what sizes are available.

[agp56]

Re: Where do you store your mobile detailing trailer

You will need to know the width across the axle(s) - plus whatever fudge factor you would be comfortable getting it in and out. The sizes usually start at 4 feet by 6 feet and go up. THe caveat is that the smaller units are more likely to just have a regular door on the front instead of a garage style door.

[sudsbyhubbs]

Re: Where do you store your mobile detailing trailer

I have a home owner's association too and I'm allowed to keep my trailer in the driveway. I just can't park it on the street or in the grass. So it might be worth checking into your neighborhood's statutes if you haven't already.