What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

[AeroCleanse]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

Or you can just save yourself a bunch of troubles and buy mine! Everything included for the right price

I'll probably end up buying a Ford E-series when the money is available. It can't be any longer than my extended cab F-150, or it won't fit in the garage.

[Nick Chapman]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

Or you can just save yourself a bunch of troubles and buy mine! Everything included for the right price

[Nick Chapman]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

Here's my $0.02, take it for what it's worth

Van is the only way to go. Period, end of story. And don't settle for some rinky dink little one either. Get the biggest and best quality you can afford. When I was shopping for a van, I wanted the little Chevy Astro van. Something small, easy to park, and something that gets good gas mileage. I test drove about 20, and was about to buy one. Checked around on Ebay the night before I was going to buy it and found a 2004 1 ton Chevy van for a good price and jumped on it. That was the smartest decision I ever made!

You will outgrow the smaller vans really fast! I had my van completely filled up within the first year, and I need more room(and remember, I'm in a full size 1 ton!). I'm now starting to build a 2nd floor inside the van to get more stuff inside. I like to be prepared for any job at any time. If someone ask you to do something for them, and you don't have the tools/products to do it, they may change their mind before you run home and get everything you need, then get back, so make sure you have everything with you all the time(I can't stress this enough!). I can do anything from a basic wash, all the way up to a full wet sand, buff and polish out of this van. It is FULLY FUNCTIONAL! And make sure you get things like a large water tank. Mine is 90 gallons. It's enough to wash about 20 cars if you stretch it(like I said, be prepared for anything at any time!)

Here are some pictures of my van...









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[WrightDetail]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

Vehicle wrap far cheaper too

[AeroCleanse]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

is a repaint an option? i would think you could trade skills with any paintshop and be out of pocket product rather than dollars. But then again if your company is doing well and you have the means then why not. Im kinda curious as to whether or not this economy has slowed down detailers? I wasn't surprised to see that places like autozone and pepboys are doing well since people are fixing what they have rather than getting new

Repaint is not an option, way to much rust.

[Andrew C.]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

Just a suggestion is that if it is not too expensive you could pick up an auctioned van with bad paint condition and get it repainted, but get it repainted so people would turn their head to look at your van. Like the red bull van here http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2210/...a7d68d.jpg?v=0 Just something to get people's attention. Just a thought

[Robby144]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

is a repaint an option? i would think you could trade skills with any paintshop and be out of pocket product rather than dollars. But then again if your company is doing well and you have the means then why not. Im kinda curious as to whether or not this economy has slowed down detailers? I wasn't surprised to see that places like autozone and pepboys are doing well since people are fixing what they have rather than getting new

Well I have a theory on that. Detailers in High-end cities and tourist destinations like San Diego and Miami, would still have some business because in both of these cities, image tends to be very important, if not everything. People want the image of success and what better way than having a flawless shine on your car? But again its just a theory.

EDIT: Clarification: When I say poor cosmetic condition I was referring to the lead-based orange paint that is still on some of these trucks. This paint didn't hold up too well and was prone to chipping. Because it was lead-based paint and we had several "anti-lead" and "lead awareness" programs, at least when I was there, the new vehicles that are added to the fleet are all painted white.

[blackmachdown]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

Cosmetically poor would be the reason I'm looking at getting something else.

is a repaint an option? i would think you could trade skills with any paintshop and be out of pocket product rather than dollars. But then again if your company is doing well and you have the means then why not. Im kinda curious as to whether or not this economy has slowed down detailers? I wasn't surprised to see that places like autozone and pepboys are doing well since people are fixing what they have rather than getting new

[AeroCleanse]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

I seriously was about to respond with that! LOL Timing huh? I agree the HHR panel truck would be a good choice. You should also check for state auctions. I used to work for CalTrans at the Division of Equipment, and we had some good trucks, gas and diesel, vans, trucks, and stake beds, some with utility boxes! They are all kept in great running order and have all records, I know from experience, but cosmetically they are rather poor. I forget the website but I'll call a buddy of mine and I'll try to get the link posted here if its ok with the mod's.

Cosmetically poor would be the reason I'm looking at getting something else.

[Robby144]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

if you dont need alot of space then a Chevy hhr panal would be could because then you could put a logo on it and the gas miles would be good. if you need more space then a Chevy Express or Ford Econoline

I seriously was about to respond with that! LOL Timing huh? I agree the HHR panel truck would be a good choice. You should also check for state auctions. I used to work for CalTrans at the Division of Equipment, and we had some good trucks, gas and diesel, vans, trucks, and stake beds, some with utility boxes! They are all kept in great running order and have all records, I know from experience, but cosmetically they are rather poor. I forget the website but I'll call a buddy of mine and I'll try to get the link posted here if its ok with the mod's.

[07g5gt]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

if you dont need alot of space then a Chevy hhr panal would be could because then you could put a logo on it and the gas miles would be good. if you need more space then a Chevy Express or Ford Econoline

[WrightDetail]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

I have a Crew Cab Silverado and planning on getting a cap for it for my future mobile detail biz.

Truck was paid for by insurance via total of my SUV...so no overhead there for me ( except maintenance )

I get 18 city/highway which is 30/70 ratio where I live and can squeeze 22 on highway out at 70 mph.

[Tuck91]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

Probably less than $20k

I would go with a stripped down Chevy Express or Ford Econoline.

[AeroCleanse]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

what type of budget/range do you have to work with?

Probably less than $20k

[Markus Kleis]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

what type of budget/range do you have to work with?