Mobile detailing trailers have to boost efficiency. Looking at the available options, we decided to custom build our own. We are professional detailers, but not professional trailer fabricators. This is our first attempt. There will likely be mistakes made. Please do your own research. Don't accept anything we say regarding construction as a how-to. We welcome any advice that you have. You can follow the trailer build process on the EvocativeResults YouTube channel.
This article discusses considerations for mobile detailers who may be thinking of adding a trailer. Additionally, it highlights benefits of mobile detailing services.
Mobile detailing trailer: Is it needed?
Detailing doesn’t require a trailer. In fact, many detailers deliver quality service from a pickup or even a coupe if the budget's tight. Despite this, it can be difficult to maintain efficiency when there are more jobs to do and more services offered. Accordingly, the cost of labor saved must be considered against the cost of use.
Should I carry water with me for mobile detailing?
This depends on your business model and workload. Evocative wasn't founded on quick mobile washes. Unquestionably, there's a market for that. Hand washing with a spot-free rinse is essential for maintaining appearance and protecting the finish over time. If mobile washes are your focus, definitely consider having your own water source.
Evocative started with a focus on mid-level paint corrections at our customers’ homes. Although we continue to bring quality results to driveways and garages across southwest Florida, our workload is changing. Typically, we would attach our filter and hose to the home water supply- not a big deal when doing 1 or 2 vehicles. In fact, we had discussions and reasoned that the extra weight and associated expense of carrying water with us was not worth it at the time. On the contrary, doing 4-5 jobs daily with 15 minutes of each spent attaching, detaching, and winding hoses equates to 4-5 labor hours weekly.
What else do I need to use the water?
The official answer is still a work in progress. My preliminary thoughts are plumbing from the water tank to a spigot to fill buckets and to a pump to maintain pressure in the system. Of course, the pump will need power, which I will get from the on-board generator. From the pump, the water will split to the pressure washer and to a deionized water filter for a spot-free rinse. Hose reels for both of the discharge points will have to be mounted to ensure maximum efficiency.
The Preliminary Plan
At the time of this article, the plan for the custom detailing trailer build includes the following phases:
Phase One: Build a base for the tank and secure the tank to the base. Then, plumb from the tank to a spigot for bucket filling. Finally, check the discharge port overnight. Done!
Lessons learned: Fortunately, the tank discharge port integrity was not compromised from previous use and- maybe- me cross threading it. The initial Tee placed to continue next phase of plumbing was 3/4". I should have first checked that the pump intake is 1/2". Accordingly, the PVC cutters got use. Before this, manual drainage of the tank occurred. Therefore, a main tank shutoff now exists.
Phase Two: Identify a suitable pump to add. Plumb from the 1/2" tee to the pump inlet. Then, connect to the pump to the pressure washer. Afterward, power the pump and test out the pressure washer. Finally, find a way to encase the pump if it works.
Lessons learned: Home improvement stores are not helpful in providing information regarding pumps. A demand pump seemed ideal for this application as it will turn itself on when there's a downstream pressure request. I found one that exceeded the GPM and input pressure requirements of the pressure washer that I'm using. Some minor leakage overnight from fittings onto the deck wood. For this reason, I'll cover the trailer deck with joist tape. More to come...Advice welcomed in comments.
Phase Three: Identify a suitable deionized water system to add. Plumb in a split after the pump to the deionized water system and pressure washer. Test out the deionized water discharge and pressure washer to ensure both function properly. Finally, install retractable hose reels for each.
Lessons learned: TBD. Advice welcomed in comments.