Generator???

C

CrxSiR-GNY

New member
I was wondering what type of generators you guys are running for a mobile detail operation. What size and all of the specifics like that.



Also, I have a truck and I was considering just getting an extra battery and running a power inverter instead of a generator to cut down on the noise while im working. Do you think this would work and how big of an inverter would I need to consider?



For the most part what I will be running off of my generator or inverter are:

-Vaccum

-Carpet Shampoo Machine (Hot water carpet extractor, or what ever else you would like to call it)

-Buffer

-and other electronics necessary for detailing.

*note - everything does not necessarily have to run at the same time



What would you guys reccomend?
 
hockeyplaya13 said:
Are you going to run your halogens off of it? Because those things suck quite a bit of energy.
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Yes, I will be running any lighting that is going to be necessary off of it. Im not sure how much lighting I am going to need though, most of my jobs are going to take place during the day
 
If you are going to run halogens at all, an inverter is totally out of the question.



I have a Honda F3000. It is more than enough for my pressure washer, vacuum, and any peripherals I need to use on the occasions that I do on-site work. Haven't ever used it with halogens though, I don't do any polishing in locations that are likely to require outside power sources.
 
I contemplated this rig before and the only feasible way I could see it working was to have a series of 6V RV/golf cart batteries put into a series and parallel with a strong high-end inverter.



Using 4-6 of the batteries and having them permanently setup in a box or on a trailer, you'd have to mount the inverter in a location where it would dissipate heat, and you'd need to have easy access for recharging the rig at night.



The batteries I had in mind at the time where Interstate U2200s, so I guestimate the setup would cost the following:



(6) U2200 - $593.94

1 2000 watt continuous/4000 watt surge power inverter - $150

(or possibly a 3000 watt inverter - $600)

Misc. materials for the box, straps, etc - $100

6v/12v slow/fast charger - $80



So it adds up pretty quick, and consider that this much equipment is HEAVY. I worked retail for a battery chain and I did not like it when I had to haul golf cart batteries out to someone's truck.



These batteries last a decent time if kept up, but you can expect maybe 2 years at most of service before you'll need to swap them all out.



Honestly I think you're better off in the long run with a quiet running Honda generator.
 
agree, a generator will be your best bet. I have a 5000w generator that will power most of my whole 1 story house, with the A/C and three major appliances on. I've had it for about 7 years now and it's still running strong. It can be a major PITA to start up if left alone too long a time, such as winter. I try to start it up once or twice a week in the winter to keep it easier to start up.
 
truzoom said:
I contemplated this rig before and the only feasible way I could see it working was to have a series of 6V RV/golf cart batteries put into a series and parallel with a strong high-end inverter.



Using 4-6 of the batteries and having them permanently setup in a box or on a trailer, you'd have to mount the inverter in a location where it would dissipate heat, and you'd need to have easy access for recharging the rig at night.



The batteries I had in mind at the time where Interstate U2200s, so I guestimate the setup would cost the following:



(6) U2200 - $593.94

1 2000 watt continuous/4000 watt surge power inverter - $150

(or possibly a 3000 watt inverter - $600)

Misc. materials for the box, straps, etc - $100

6v/12v slow/fast charger - $80



So it adds up pretty quick, and consider that this much equipment is HEAVY. I worked retail for a battery chain and I did not like it when I had to haul golf cart batteries out to someone's truck.



These batteries last a decent time if kept up, but you can expect maybe 2 years at most of service before you'll need to swap them all out.



Honestly I think you're better off in the long run with a quiet running Honda generator.
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Thanks alot for the information. It was real helpful. As far as a quiet Honda generator what would you suggest? I will be doing a lot of residential jobs where the noise may be a problem so I am looking for something that is not too loud. If you have any suggestions about a quiet and effective pressure washer that would also be helpful.
 
3 or 4kw honda, the EU series rock, I have a 2kw EU series and its awesome! It powered a small window a/c and got us thru the first 3 weeks after katrina, we were lucky to have a/c...miserable.



HONDA generators rule!
 
I just picked up a Honda 1000 generator. Haven't used it yet, but I don't usually use more than 1 tool at a time (pressure washer, rotary, flex, pc, etc). I figured, it should be enough.
 
We use a 1000 watt (or so) honda at work (laminate countertops) for skil saws, jig saws, etc. out for installing when the customer doesn't have power. It's electric start and is probably just a tad louder than a regular sedan at 1500 rpm. I love honda's mufflers.
 
I run a Yamaha EF2600. It dose the job and is not to loud but not super quiet.

It runs a electric pressure washer, vapor steamer, vacuum, extractor, buffers and so on. Not all at one time. I can get around 7 hours of run time from one tank of gas.
 
I actually use a Husky (Home Depot brand) 750w Power inverter off of my car battery. I leave the car running and it's great with my shop vac, leaf blower and the flex. I haven't tried the rotary with it yet, but I have a feeling it will work since the flex works great with it.



Good luck,

Steve
 
so do you guys think that it will be safe to go with a Honda EU3000? do you guys think that the 3000 is overkill for what I am going to be using? Keep in mind I plan on running a buffer, vaccum, hot water carpet extractor (shampooer), lighting, and other electrical equipment necessary for detailing.



Thanks
 
No, the honda should be fine.I would find out what the highest watt piece of electrical equipment you have and go for there. I would talk to a honda dealier and see what they say.

I use a porter cable 5250 watt unit.I like it, but it is loud. Good luck, Joe
 
I have a cheap 1300w generator and it gets the job done now. Looking to upgrade when I get some cash, it was only like $150 lol.
 
CrxSiR-GNY said:
so do you guys think that it will be safe to go with a Honda EU3000? do you guys think that the 3000 is overkill for what I am going to be using? Keep in mind I plan on running a buffer, vaccum, hot water carpet extractor (shampooer), lighting, and other electrical equipment necessary for detailing.



Thanks
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The EU 3000is is a supreme piece of equipment (quiet, electric start, easy on gas) and worth every penny. You can run all the equipment you list individually, but can't run the buffer, extractor, and lighting at the same time.



It will work great if you're a one man operation. But if you plan to have the extractor warming up while one worker uses the buffer and the other is running the vacuum, you'll have to step up to a 5000 watt generator.
 
I suppose I'm the odd man out here but I rebuilt my mobile set-up two years ago and I have never looked back. I run a 2000w inverter directly from the battery on my 2004 Wrangler. I have never had a problem with the inverter, the battery or the alternator. I only run my extractor in the shop but if I had it on the road I'd definitely beef up the inverter. I run the usual equipment, vac, polisher, lights etc. and never have a problem. I use a gas pressure washer but in the rare instance I have an early morning gig in a residential community I have electric pump back up system that gives reliable garden hose pressure with virtually no noise. Try the inverter route first. It's much cheaper than a generator and if you don't like it you can always switch and keep the inverter for your electric shaver.
 
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