A generator is an essential part of the detailing business. However, finding the best generator for mobile detailing is crucial, especially when you have many options but not sure about them. Here I have compiled a list of the generator for car detailing.
The products that I am reviewing are
· Champion Power Equipment 201052
· Pulsar Dual Fuel Portable Generator
· WEN 56200i 2000 Gas-Powered Inverter Generator
When buying the best generator for mobile detailing, ensure it possesses the following factors.
A Quick Guide for the Generator for Car Detailing
When starting or expanding your car detailing business, make sure to consider the following factors as the must-have in your generators. These factors include
1. Generator type; Inverter or regular
A conventional generator is heavy and bulky, but it is a great option for uninterrupted running your car detailing business. However, for this type of generator, you need to go with the one that offers dual-fuel option.
The popularity of inverter generators has been increasing for quite some time now. They are portable, quiet, lightweight, and provide enough power to run many machines. If you are considering a battery-powered inverter generator, you need to keep in mind that it might lose its charging in the middle. Hence, they are not recommended for car detailing business.
2. Fuel type
It is common confusion that the generators run on the same fuel; however, that is not true. Many models nowadays require more than one fuel type, like propane, gasoline, natural gas, and diesel. With this, their running time is different as well.
The most popular is gasoline which is powerful enough to run the equipment smoothly. Hence, I suggest the generator, which is gasoline-powered, to run the mobile detailing business.
3. Wattage
The wattage requirement is different for every mobile detailing equipment; you need to add the wattage of the pressure washer, vacuum, polisher, air compressor, and other accessories. This way, you will get the exact wattage.
The minimum requirement that I suggest for the mobile detailing business is 3000 W.
4. Simultaneous operation
Consider the total wattage needed when running multiple devices simultaneously. If you plan to operate several devices simultaneously, add their wattage requirements to ensure the generator can handle the combined load.
It is generally recommended to have a generator with a capacity that exceeds the total wattage requirement by at least 20% to accommodate power fluctuations and prevent overload.
5. Noise level
Generators are very loud when functioning. However, some models claim to be quieter comparatively, with the noise level ranging from 60 dB to 80 dB.
The best practice is to look for a generator that has the minimum noise.
6. Additional Features
Apart from the following feature, you can consider features like a magnetic oil dipstick, connector, parallel connectivity kit (in inventory generator), an additional extension cord, and handlebars for easy mobility.
Other than that, an LED indicator will help you to get an idea of how much fuel is left in the tank.
The Recommended Best Generator for Mobile Details are
Here I have researched and found some best mini generator for car detailing setups.
1. DuraMax XP10000E
Product Specification
· Dimension: 30 x 29 x 26 inches
· Weight: 249 lbs.
· Wattage: 8000 W with 10000 Output Wattage
· Power source: Gas Powered
· Fuel type: Gasoline
· Voltage: 120 V
· Tank capacity: 5 Gallons
· Runtime: 133 hours
Pros
· Has a great runtime
· Offers robust power boost
· EPA and Carb Approved
· Excellent power output and runs smoothly
Cons
· It is heavy and a little tough to move freely
· This generator lacks a dual-fuel option that many competitors support
In the list of best generator for mobile detailing, the first robust option that we have is the DuraMax generator due to its high-end power and uninterrupted power supply.
It is an excellent choice to run the mobile detailing business as it has a starting wattage of 10000 W and 8000 W when running continuously. Even it is a great option to power a home, RV and a good choice for a food truck.
In terms of safety, you can completely count on it as it is EPA and CARB certified, which makes it legit to use in every state.
On a single tank of 8.3 gallons, it can run for 10 hours. The heavy-duty frame makes it long-lasting. Overall, I recommend this one to cater to medium to large power requirements.
2. Westinghouse WGen9500
Product Specification
· Dimension: 27.2 x 26.1 x 26.5 inches
· Weight: 211 lbs.
· Wattage: 9500 W, 12500 Output Wattage
· Power source: Gas Powered
· Fuel Type: Electric
· Voltage: 120 V
· Tank capacity: 6.6 Gallons
· Runtime: 12 hours
Pros
· Efficiently runs auto detailing equipment
· It has a large fuel tank
· A hybrid model with a dual-fuel generator
· Allows three methods to start; recoil, remote, and push button start
Cons
· It is heavy and a little difficult to move
· May produce noise when operating
The second option for the best generator for mobile detailing is the Westinghouse dual-fuel generator which starts with gasoline and switches to propane gas to increase the runtime.
It has an impressive power wattage with 12500 W on gasoline and 11200 W on propane for a smooth run of the equipment.
This model possesses electric recoil, start, and a key fob. Its tank capacity is good, 6.6 gallons which make the car equipment run for 12 hours.
Aamna Ayub
3. Briggs & Stratton Q6500
Product Specification
· Dimension: 25.5 x 21.1 x 21.4 inches
· Weight: 139 lbs.
· Wattage: 6500 W
· Power source: Gas Powered
· Fuel Type: Gasoline
· Voltage: 120 V
· Tank capacity: 5 Gallons
· Runtime: 14 hours
Pros
· Impress output wattage of 6500 W
· Operates quietly
· It is portable and lightweight
· It allows a run time of 14 hours
Cons
· Has a finicky sometimes
One of the popular options for the best generator for mobile detailing is Briggs & Stratton, a robust option for a team of 2. It is highly portable with a weight of 64 only.
With an impressive power of 6500 W with an output of 5000 W, that simultaneously operates more than one machine. This best mobile detailing vacuum generator has a smart feature that adjusts its speed according to the requirement.
It is an electric start generator; however, you also get the option to purchase the manual transfer switch pack. This 4-stroke engine generator is suitable for car detailing due to its power capacity.
Furthermore, this generator has a tank capacity of 5 gallons that can run for 14 hours simultaneously.
4. Champion Power Equipment 201052
Product Specification
· Dimension: 25.5 x 21.1 x 21.4 inches
· Weight: 119 lbs.
· Wattage: 3800 W
· Power source: Propane- Powered
· Fuel Type: Gasoline- LPG
· Voltage: 120 V
· Tank capacity: 4.7 Gallons
· Runtime: 14 hours
Pros
· Has electric starting
· Great and continuous runtime
· It is EPA-certified and CARB compliant
· Has a 4-stroke 224cc
Cons
· Frame is not sturdy
· May be noisy when working
The next option we suggest is Champion Power, with exceptional power output for a mobile detailing truck setup.
It offers a continuous output of 3800 W with a runtime of 14 hours when using gas and a little less on propane which is 10.5. This best generator for mobile detailing relies on an electric start system which can be turned on with a stroke button.
It possesses a cold start technology that prevents you from the hassle of string pulling during harsh cold weather conditions.
This generator is said to be quiet at 68 dB; however, it might make a little more noise than it is said.
5. Pulsar Dual Fuel Portable Generator
Product Specification
· Dimension: 20.5 x 25 x 27 inches
· Weight: 205 lbs.
· Wattage: 7750 W
· Power source: Gas Powered
· Fuel Powered: Electric
· Voltage: 120 V and 240 V
· Tank capacity: 6.6 Gallons
· Runtime: 13 hours
Pros
· This generator is fuel efficient
· Compatible with dual-fuel technology
· Simple and easy operation
· Comes with four alternative current power outlets
Cons
· It is noisy
· This generator is heavy and is difficult to drag
This best pressure washer for mobile detailing works with a simple and easy electric start generator to save the hassle of pulling rope.
This car detailing generator can run your equipment on both voltages of 120 V and 240 V. It has flat-feet tires of 10 inches, which makes it convenient to transport.
When you take it out from the box, you will get a propane hose for a quick and easy hookup. With a capacity of 6.6 gallons of truck, you can run this generator for 13 hours.
One intelligent feature many lacks is its low oil indicator, which senses the oil level and immediately turns off the generator to ensure safety.
Furthermore, you will have 4 AC outlets of 120 V.
6. Honda EU662220
Product Specification
· Dimension: 25.5 x 21.1 x 21.4 inches
· Weight: 139 lbs.
· Wattage: 6500 W
· Power source: Gas Powered
· Voltage: 120 V
· Tank capacity: 5 Gallons
· Runtime: 14 hours
Pros
· Noise Less
· Economy friendly in terms of fuel
· Low Engine-Oil Sensor
· It has a fuel-efficient design
· Have holes for proper ventilation
Cons
· A little tricky to change the oil
This Honda EU662220, the best portable generator for mobile detailing, is compact and a good option for the mobile detailing business due to the power and portability that it offers.
Although it is small, it can easily power a washer; calling it the best generator for pressure washer for mobile detailing will not be wrong. Not only this, it is good at powering other mobile detailing trailer setup.
It is a fuel-efficient generator that runs for 9.6 hours with a single refill simultaneously. Furthermore, it operates quietly by making noise within the range of 45 dB to 57 dB maximum.
7. WEN 56200i 2000 Gas-Powered Inverter Generator
Product Specification
· Dimension: 18 x 11 x 18 inches
· Weight: 48 lbs.
· Wattage: 1600 W and 2000 W output
· Power source: Gas Powered
· Voltage: 240 V
· Tank capacity: 1 Gallon
· Runtime: 6 hours
Pros
· Has three AC outlets
· The telescopic handle with integrated wheel kit
· Has an LED display
· Robust in its own way
Cons
· Works on a single fuel
· It is heavy
The last option we have is a portable inverter generator that is gas-powered and portable inverter. However, it has the lowest wattage in our listed generator for mobile detailing.
It is lightweight and compact; in short, it is a portable generator that is easy to transport. With a limited tank capacity, this can run up to 6 hours.
It is a good option for running minor devices such as electric pressure washers and other small appliances.
You will get two and three-prong outlets, a 12 V DC port, and a 5-V USB port. For the engine, you will get a warranty of two years, and the rest has a guarantee of 5 years.
Furthermore, it is safe to run in many states in the USA.
Aamna Ayub
What size generator do I need for mobile detailing?
Every piece of equipment used in the mobile detailing business has a different power requirement, so you must be very particular when selecting a generator. However, the primary need is to power the pressure washer and the vacuum machine. Here is the equipment used for mobile detailing alongside their required wattage.
|
Mobile
Detailing Equipment |
Required
Wattage W |
|
Electric Pressure Washer |
1620 W |
|
Air Compressor |
1500 W |
|
Shop-Vacs and Vacuum |
1500 W |
|
Power Steam Cleaner |
1000 W |
|
Single Polisher |
500 W |
|
Dual Action Polisher |
500 W |
Frequently Asked Questions | Best Generator for Mobile Detailing
1. What size generator works best for mobile detailing?
A precise number required wattage is around 5500 W and above, which will help determine the size of the generator. It will depend on the equipment you have and their power requirement. Here are a few factors that will help you to list the generator you need.
· Power assessment: Make a list of power ratings for your equipment, usually written on their box.
· Starting and running watts: Mostly, the running watt is a little low than the overall wattage of the generator. So, do not purchase a generator with a high wattage overall but a low power output.
2. How many watts do you need for auto detailing?
The wattage requirement of a generator in a car detailing business depends on the equipment requirement. As per the general guidelines, a minimum requirement for the best generator for mobile detailing is 3000 W minimum which is a sufficient amount of power is sufficient—can handle a pressure washer, polisher, and lighting.
3. What generator do I need for my pressure washer?
If you are looking for a generator that can easily run an electric power generator, you will need an 1800 PSI machine that will need 1200 running watts and up to 3000 surge watts. However, you can consider Honda EU662220 and WEN 56200i from our list.
Aamna Ayub
4. How many gallon of water tank do you need for mobile detailing?
For a mobile detailing business, you will need a tank with a range of 60 to 100 gallons, which is sufficient. Remember that per gallon has 8.5 lbs. water, so try not to haul for getting a tank with more than 100 gallons.
5. How many cars can you wash with 60 gallons?
On average, a car requires 15 to 20 gallons of water minimum. With a water tank of 60 gallons, you can easily wash five cars maximum.
Note: All the listed products are specifically narrowed down by keeping all the basic requirements of mobile detailing setups.
Conclusion | The Best Generator for Mobile Detailing
A generator with a lightweight and compact design looks good for a car detailing business. However, in terms of running it on a larger level, you will need to have a generator with high wattage. Hence, to cut the hassle, I have searched for the best generator for mobile detailing by keeping all the important factors in mind.
Hope it will help.
