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Thinking about going mobile?

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  • #1

    Thinking about going mobile?

    I've been detailing in my garage and I've been thinking about going mobile. Kind of new to this and if anyone could show me some pictures or how to get started, that'll be great! Saw Nick's trailer and it's awesome!

    Not sure what I need in a mobile detailing company. Maybe the following?

    Cargo van
    50 Gallon Water Tank
    Generator (not sure which one)
    Steamer/carpet extractor
    Pressure washer (electric? built in?)
    Air compressor

    I am clueless on which brands, model etc etc to get as well. And the thought of stripping the van and "nailing" all these equipments down on the van sounds like complicated too.
    Thanks!
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: Thinking about going mobile?

    I sent off for this:

    Mobile Detailing Systems How to Build it e-book

    Although it won't be published until April 20th. I know it will pay off many times over with this man's knowledge.

    My the way, most of the cargo vans you find used are built with just a cargo area in the back, no seats.

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    • #3
      Re: Thinking about going mobile?

      my set up is:
      -4x7 open trailer
      -150 gallon water tank (built a custom 6" base under the tank so the water exit sits 1" above the inlet to my pressure washer, just to be safe)
      -I have custom pressure washer with a gas honda engine and cat pump, but look at this thread I posted:http://www.meguiarsonline.com/forums...ad.php?t=41666
      -I also have a Honda EU3000iS generator I use for my smaller details (anything over 6 hours I use the customer's power or the vehicle gets dropped off at my house)
      -No extractor (no need), as I use the a Vapor Clean Unilux 3000 for carpets/seats/engines/etc.
      I also carry a small 6 gallon Craftsman Air Compressor, and a gas leaf blower for drying engines and exterior.

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      • #4
        Re: Thinking about going mobile?

        One thing I noticed the other day is there are a number of people across the US advertising to sell their detailing trailer on craigslist, most used, although some are dealers selling new ones.

        http://www.allofcraigs.com/2009/08/search-all-of-craigslist.html?cof=FORID:11&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&newwindow=1&q=detailing+trailor&cx=partner-pub-9413604915893153:o8xsd8d7h7s&sa.x=0&sa.y=0


        You might even be interested in buying one of these, as some are pretty good deals (of course, you may have a drive to go pick it up).

        Or, otherwise, they all list what equipment is on them and what the brands are. This should give you an idea of what people use.

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        • #5
          Re: Thinking about going mobile?

          ^^^^ good call

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          • #6
            Re: Thinking about going mobile?

            Thanks guys!

            I'm pretty sure I've seen lots of pictures of Nick's trailer somewhere around here. Can't seem to find it. If anyone could post up the link that'll be great!

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            • #7
              Re: Thinking about going mobile?

              Also depends on your budget. We're thinking about going mobile this summer to be able to reach more customers. However, we'll probably just load up in the back of one of our trucks and go from job to job.

              We'll probably just throw this stuff in the bed:
              -Plastic Containers with MF towels and with all our supplies and polishers
              -Shop Vac, LGM, and Steam Cleaner
              -MAYBE pressure washer, depends on the job
              -Various hoses, extension cords, etc

              It's not a "Pro" setup, but a door magnet with our logo and a couple of monogrammed polos and we'll look good enough to seem like we know what we're doing (which we do lol). Still working out some kinks in the plan as far as preparing to present ourselves as a legitimate business as two 17 year olds, plus the city and tax implications it would create.

              Talk to any buddies you have with businesses with parking lots full of cars. I've been convincing my mother and grandfather to let us set up in their parking lot, (my mom runs an interior design firm and they lease out the rest of the building to tenants). It would be a sweet paying gig so look for those!
              www.idetailautopros.com
              iDetail Professional Automotive Detailing

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              • #8
                Re: Thinking about going mobile?

                Originally posted by anson89 View Post
                Thanks guys!

                I'm pretty sure I've seen lots of pictures of Nick's trailer somewhere around here. Can't seem to find it. If anyone could post up the link that'll be great!
                Here's one: http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33619
                Shane
                1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera SL

                If you trim yourself to fit the world you'll whittle yourself away. - Aaron Tippin

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