Building A Mobile Detailing Rig

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DSC03874-copy-150x150.jpg

By Don Ford

August 27th, 2020

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_4970-1024x768.jpg — ^{Dream Machine Detailing mobile rig.}

Hello friends of Dream Machine Detailing. This will be my first blog article and I figured a great first article would be one on how I built my mobile detailing rig. This isn’t the end all be all way to build a mobile detailing rig, but it’s the way I decided to build my rig to suite my needs.

The Build Basics

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_4973-1024x768.jpg — ^{Dream Machine Detailing mobile pressure washer trailer.}

^{In building my own rig I wanted something simple, reliable, self-contained, compact, relatively quiet and very professional looking.}

In building my own rig I wanted something simple, reliable, self-contained, compact, relatively quiet and very professional looking. To achieve this I used all electric equipment with an on board inverter generator. I carry my own water with an electric sprayer pump that has it’s own battery supply. I installed a solar panel to keep the battery source charged. The rig also includes an electric pressure washer and an air compressor, which are integral tools for providing the high quality detailing services I set out to deliver. In the following paragraphs I will break each part of my build down and explain my reasoning behind the choices I made. I hope this article is both helpful to those interested in my services as well as those potentially looking to start their own detailing business.

Mobile Detailing vs. Fixed Location

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DSC03874-copy-1024x684.jpg — ^{On a mobile job.}

_{I ended up coming to the conclusion that being mobile would benefit me the most starting up due to a lower overhead cost.}

Before I dive into the details of my build, I’ll explain briefly a bit of back-story of my business. In developing my business I looked at different business models including mobile detailing as well as renting or owning a fixed location. After searching for many month for a small garage or shop, I ended up coming to the conclusion that being mobile would benefit me the most starting up due to a lower overhead cost.

There is still overhead when it comes to being mobile, such as bad weather day cancellations, cost of fuel and vehicle maintenance as well as travel time and the time it takes loading and unloading the vehicle between every job. So far though, in my experience, these expenses are still less in comparison to running a fixed location. This became especially important as the pandemic hit and caused the economic shut down during the months of March and April.

Oddly enough this down time came at the the perfect moment. Many “essential” trips to the hardware store and the take over of a friends heated garage lead to the design and conception of the Dream Machine Detailing mobile pressure washer trailer. I rolled it out of the garage for it’s first test in mid April.

Mobile Detailing without a sacrifice in Quality

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DSC04888-1024x684.jpg — ^{Wheels so clean you can eat off of them.}

_{High-end detail shops use compressed air, spot-free water and various pressure washer tools for maximum efficiency and exceptional results.}

My goal has always been to offer high quality services in an efficient manner. High-end detail shops use compressed air, spot-free water and various pressure washer tools for maximum efficiency and exceptional results. When I set out to build my rig I knew I wanted to bring those same tools with me to offer those types of services and results to people in the convenience of their driveways.

Vans, Trucks and Trailers

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is WT-Ranger-02-1024x768.jpg — ^{Dream Machine Detailing pickup truck concept image.}

^{I was able to build my entire rig for around the same cost, as I would have paid to purchase a brand new enclosed trailer or a cheap truck or van.}

When deciding on which route to go I considered building a van, pickup truck, enclosed trailer as well as a utility trailer. I ended up choosing the utility trailer as it allowed me the ability to put more of my budget into high quality equipment such as a generator, air compressor and pressure washer.

The trailer by itself ended up being the most budget friendly item. I was able to build my entire rig for around the same cost, as I would have paid to purchase a brand new enclosed trailer or a cheap truck or van. It also allowed me to use my personal vehicle for work rather than adding another vehicle to my fleet.

Design Goals

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Mobile-Trailer-Overhead-Dimensional-Diagram-791x1024.jpg — ^{Conceptual blueprint of mobile trailer drafted to scale.}

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_5699-1024x768.jpg — ^{My Ford Explorer is used to carry detailing supplies and equipment.}

Once I chose a utility trailer I decided I wanted something rather compact so it would be easy to park on the street or in peoples driveways. I also concluded that I could use my Ford Explorer to carry my supplies and the trailer would be a stand-alone pressure washer rig. Before I decided on a specific size I created a few diagrams and figured out the dimensions of each piece of equipment I would be carrying. This allowed me to play around with the layout of the main components within the trailer so I could figure out the best placement for functionality as well as weight distribution within the trailer. I decided on a 4×6 layout as I could easily convert my rig to the back of a pickup truck bed or a van if I wanted to later on. I ended up purchasing a 4×6 Carry On Trailer from Lowes. This became the foundation of my build.

The Tools of the Trade

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DSC04988-1024x684.jpg — ^{Putting the pressure washer to use.}

Before I started my build I did a ton of research on the specific tools I wanted to include on the trailer. I wanted an air compressor, a generator and a pressure washer.

Air Power

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_4998-1024x768.jpg — ^{Makita MAC5200 3hp 5 gallon 6.5 CFM at 90 PSI air compressor.}

The air compressor is important because it allows me to use air tools such as a blow out nozzle for blowing out debris from tight areas of a vehicles interior such as under seats, HVAC vents and cracks and crevices. It also lets me clean polishing pads with compressed air when doing paint enhancements or paint correction work (machine polishing or buffing).

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DSC05109-copy-1024x684.jpg — ^{Tornador pneumatic cleaning gun.}

^{The Tornador is an amazing air tool that allows detailers to work very quickly and achieve exceptional results.}

Once of my favorite professional detailing tools is the Tornador pneumatic cleaning gun. The Tornador is an amazing air tool that allows detailers to work very quickly and achieve exceptional results.

It utilizes a nozzle that has a rotating assembly inside so the compressed air acts like a vortex. This high-pressure vortex makes quick work of ground in dust, dirt, pet hair and other debris that vacuum’s can have a hard time sucking up from tricky carpet or fabric.

It also has a reservoir that can hold water or cleaner so you can use it to obliterate stains and clean just about any surface on a vehicles interior. It’s an amazingly versatile tool and made having an air compressor on my mobile rig a must.

In deciding on an air compressor it had to have enough CFM’s (Cubic feet per minute) and PSI (Pounds per square inch) to run my air tools as well as hold enough air so it didn’t need to constantly replenish the tank. I ended up deciding on the Makita MAC5200 3hp 5 gallon 6.5 CFM at 90 PSI air compressor.

It’s relatively compact, but powerful enough to handle all of my air tools. It’s motor has no trouble keeping up with replenishing the tank and surprisingly, I’ve rarely had to wait on the compressor to continue working.

Water Power

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^{The pressure washer set up would be the centerpiece of the build.}

Next I knew I wanted a pressure washer set up. The pressure washer set up would be the centerpiece of the build.

There are many makes and models of pressure washers on the market including gas powered as well as electric. I didn’t need an incredible amount of pressure and I didn’t want something really noisy so I decided on an electric pressure washer.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_4997-1024x768.jpg — ^{Sun Joe SPX9004-PRO 1300 PSI 2.1 GPM pressure washer unit.}

In order to utilize a snow foam cannon I also knew I needed some flow or GPM (gallons per minute). After watching and reading many reviews on pressure washers, I ended up purchasing the Sun Joe SPX9004. It’s rated at 1300 PSI, which is plenty for washing cars. It also has a flow rate of 2.1 GPM, which is perfectly adequate for producing rich snow foam when utilizing the MTM hydro foam gun attachment.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_4993-4-1024x768.jpg — ^{Pressure washer accessories.}

I sourced my pressure washer accessories through an online re-tailor Obsessed Garage because they specialize in creating great accessory packages that are geared specifically for auto detailing application. You might say they are Obsessed with it.

The kit I purchased included a 50ft Kobrajet high-pressure hose. This hose is durable and flexible making it easy to work with, yet not susceptible to kinking.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DSC05663-copy-1024x684.jpg — ^{MTM Foam Cannon in action.}

^{The rich snow foam helps safely lift dirt from the paints surface and create a highly lubricated surface for the contact wash}

The kit includes the MTM Foam Cannon for applying shaving cream like snow foam during car washes. It’s proven to be one of my favorite tools. The rich snow foam helps safely lift dirt from the paints surface and create a highly lubricated surface for the contact wash. This greatly minimizes the potential for creating scratches and swirls in the paint.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DSC04971-1024x684.jpg — ^{Mosmatic Pressure washer gun with built in swivel fitting.}

The kit includes the Mosmatic pressure washer gun, which is also very durable and well made. The gun comes equipped with a swivel fitting on the gun-to-hose attachment end. The swivel fitting makes the hose much easier to use as the gun can pivot free of the hose leading to the hose not binding when moving around the vehicle.

All gun and hose attachments include quick connects for quick and easy use. It really makes all the difference in the world if I need to move things on and off the trailer or if I want to break the unit down for winter storage.

All-in-all I’m very happy I went this route. It’s a bit more expensive than sourcing everything separately, but I think the additional expense is worth it when considering it’s a cohesive kit made up of very high quality components. It makes washing cars a pleasure and the quality of the components gives me piece of mind that they will always perform and last a long while.

Electrified

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_4915-1024x768.jpg — ^{Champion 4000watt open frame inverter generator.}

^{In retrospect this is the only piece of equipment that I might have needed to get more power out of.}

Finally, in order to keep the unit self contained and be able to operate without access to onsite power I needed a generator. I wanted something powerful enough to operate the pressure washer and air compressor as well as be relatively quiet. I ended up going with a 4000watt open frame inverter generator from Champion. In retrospect this is the only piece of equipment that I might have needed to get more power out of. A 7000watts unit would probably be the sweet spot however being a larger generator it probably wouldn’t fit on my trailer in its current configuration.

The 4000watt inverter generator operates the pressure washer, my polishers, vacuum, air blower and pretty much all other accessories with no issue. The air compressor is the only piece of equipment that the generator has issues with. Even though the generator when running uses around 1700 watts it’s cold start peaks is around 5000 watts, which throws the breaker on the generator.

In order to use the generator to start the compressor I have to empty the air tank and I’m unable to use my higher flow air tools like the Tornador. Other than this issue I really like this generator. It’s not overly loud and it powers 90 percent of my equipment. This just means that I tend to run extension cords when I can on site to run the air compressor and only use the generator when there is no other option.

Spot-Free Water

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_5700-2-1024x768.jpg — ^{The trailer fully loaded and prepared for a mobile detailing job.}

^{Unfortunately, these water-spots if left to bake in the sun, can cause permanent damage to the paint in the form of etching marks.}

This set up includes carrying my own water. I decided that to achieve the results I desired when washing vehicles I wanted to utilize spot-free water.

A very common problem people face when washing their cars outdoors and in the sun is water-spots. Tap water is full of minerals and when the water evaporates in the sun the mineral deposits are left behind as water-spots. Unfortunately, these water-spots if left to bake in the sun, can cause permanent damage to the paint in the form of etching marks.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_4498-2-1024x768.jpg — ^{Camco RV water filters.}

^{I use Camco RV filters as they are far more economical than a water de-ionizing system.}

To minimize these issues I decided to bring my own filtered water. I still use tap water, but I run it through a filtration system as it goes into my water tank. I use Camco RV filters as they are far more economical than a water de-ionizing system. They still do a good job knocking down the minerals to an acceptable level for washing vehicles without getting excessive water spotting.

Heavy Load

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_4988-2-1024x768.jpg — ^{68 gallon water tank.}

^{When carrying water as well as the other components on the trailer I had to consider weight balance.}

In keeping things compact I decided on a 68 gallon water tank to hold the water. With the pressure washer set up I have 68 gallons usually gets me through 2-3 vehicles. When dry it takes me 20-30 minutes to fill.

When carrying water as well as the other components on the trailer I had to consider weight balance. 68 gallons translates to almost 570 pounds of weight. In placing the various pieces of equipment on the trailer the weight balance when fully loaded is about 60/40 with the bulk of the weight placed closer to the trailer tongue.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_4971-1-1024x768.jpg — ^{The trailer after it’s first successful test run.}

I am not an engineer so my biggest fear was how is this trailer going to perform at highway speeds. I’m pleased to say that the trailer tracks very well and I have yet to experience any trailer sway. When the water tank is half full I can feel a bit weight transfer since the water can slosh around more, but it’s nothing alarming. The trailer is rated at 1750 pounds capacity and fully loaded I’m probably close to 900 or so pounds.

Trailer Modification

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_4487-1024x768.jpg — ^{The 4×6 Carry On Utility trailer I purchased from Lowes in it’s mostly stock configuration.}

Radials

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_4522-1024x768.jpg — ^{Installing 15inch radial tires.}

In building the trailer itself I ended up making some modifications along the way. The trailer came with 15inch bias ply tires. I decided to replace these with 15inch radial tires for a bit more payload and safety on the freeway. I also ordered them with black wheels and center caps for a cohesive look to match my tow vehicle.

A Sturdy Foundation

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_4708-3-1024x768.jpg — ^{Pressure treated plywood secured to the trailer floor.}

^{All the major components in the trailer are easily removable as they are held down with heavy gauge rubber tie downs.}

The trailer comes with a metal mesh floor, which doesn’t provide much stability or anything to bolt things down to. To remedy this I installed a pressure treated piece of plywood held on by 6 heavy-duty carriage bolts. The plywood was then sealed with black outdoor paint to make it hold up to the inevitable exposure to moisture from regular use.

In addition all the major components in the trailer are easily removable as they are held down with heavy gauge rubber tie downs. The tie downs attach to sturdy anchor points that are bolted through the floor for extra security. They keep everything safely in place when in transit, but make breaking everything down efficient.

The Test Fit

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_4576-1-1024x768.jpg — ^{Test fitting the main components of the rig.}

^{Being a very compact set up, it was fairly limited as to where each item would fit.}

Once I had purchased the trailer and had compiled all of the components that would fit in the trailer, I test fit everything by temporarily placing each piece generally where it would go. Being a very compact set up, it was fairly limited as to where each item would fit. I had to take into account the best accessibility for each piece of equipment as well as the heat from the exhaust on the generator as I didn’t want to melt any hoses or set anything on fire. Generally everything fit as I had originally laid out in my crude design diagrams.

I wanted to include hose reels for the air compressor and pressure washer and have them curb side, so this put the pressure washer and air compressor on the right side of the trailer. The generator would then fit on the left side with the exhaust exiting safely away from hoses and any fire hazards. The water tank was placed on the front of the trailer to help balance out the weight and put the heaviest weight forward of the trailer axle and closest to the trailer tongue. Having the heaviest weight ahead of the trailer axle would minimize any trailer sway or pendulum effect.

On The Fly Engineering

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_4674-2-1024x768.jpg — ^{The first mock up of the water tank assembly.}

^{I wanted this trailer to be built like a tank.}

I was building the trailer at a friend’s garage and he pointed out that we could create more room for storage if we raised the water tank off the trailer floor. Initially we thought about using 2×4’s to create a platform, but I wanted this trailer to be built like a tank.

I purchased steel angle iron in order to build a sturdy removable frame that the water tank would be perched upon. I wanted the trailer to be modular so if I wanted to return it to a utility trailer at some point I could remove the components as well as remove the water tank and unbolt the water tank frame.

This led to some on the fly engineering and many trips to the hardware store for various nuts and bolts. It also included purchasing a welder and teaching myself how to use it. I’m quite proud of the fact I was able to learn a new valuable skill and really ended up enjoying laying down beads and “stacking dimes” as welders say.

A Frame within a Frame

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_4634-1024x768.jpg — ^{The angle iron cut and tacked together and test fit into the trailer.}

I used the frame of the trailer as a guide for cutting and welding the water tank frame. I used the dimensions of the water tank for measuring the length and width of the frame. For structural rigidity, I placed two pieces of angle iron across the center of the frame. These beams would support the water tank. The water tank has strap indents molded into it and I used those to measure where the beams needed to be on the frame. This is also where the tank straps would mount to. I’m no mathematician or engineer so I used a mix of measure twice, cut once as well as old fashioned eyeballing to build the frame.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_4842-1024x768.jpg — ^{Rubber bumpers keep the frame from metal on metal contact.}

Once the frame was welded together I sanded off any scale and surface rust and then sealed the raw metal with a primer coat followed up with gloss black paint to match the trailer.

I didn’t want metal on metal contact between the frame and the trailer so I purchased four rubber isolation bumpers that are sandwiched in between the water tank frame and the trailer. The frame is bolted to the trailer using four automotive grade 8 bolts and hardware.

Pump it up

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_4985-2-1024x768.jpg — ^{The North Star sprayer pump and power source mounted below the tank.}

^{It’s very bad for a pump if it runs air through it and causes cavitation.}

Since the tank was raised off the trailer bed this allowed for room underneath for storage. I decided I could also utilize this space to install a sprayer pump and a battery to run it. The idea was to utilize the pump to pull water from the tank so it would always be providing the pressure washer with a consistent flow of water.

It’s very bad for a pump if it runs air through it and causes cavitation. This can lead to a pump failing or burning out. The pressure washer can pull water itself, but I figured having a sprayer pump would remove load on the pressure washer pump preserving its longevity.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_4945-1-1024x768.jpg — ^{Car battery mounted in a battery box and wired to a power switch.}

I went with a North Star Sprayer pump rated at 3GPM. I mounted a car battery in a battery box underneath the water tank to power the sprayer pump. My friend helped me install a power switch so the pump can be switched on and off. I also installed a solar panel trickle charger that helps keep the battery topped off at all times.

Plumbing for Beginners

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_5002-1024x768.jpg — ^{The bucket fill and tank drain spout.}

_{The plumbing was the biggest brain twister of the entire build.}

The plumbing was the biggest brain twister of the entire build. Figuring out all the diameters of piping the various fittings and how to route everything was a challenge.

I ended up installing two bulkhead fittings on the water tank. One on the right side of the tank to act as a bucket fill and a tank drain. The other was installed on the center of the tank and it would serve to feed the pressure washer.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_4995-1024x768.jpg — ^{The pressure washer plumbing with strainer filter.}

Due to tight space on the trailer, on the pressure washer bulkhead I installed an elbow followed by a ball valve, then a filter and then a clear wire mesh nylon hose, which goes to the sprayer pump. The sprayer pump then has a nylon hose that runs to the pressure washer with a quick connect on the pressure washer end. The filter serves as a safety to preserve the sprayer pump as well as the pressure washer pump in case a leaf or some debris somehow got in my tank.

All the fittings and piping are brass and have appropriate connectors, adapters, barbs and hose clamps. The drain bulkhead has a 4-inch pipe with a ball valve that you can thread a standard garden hose or quick connect onto. In a pinch I could in theory run the pressure washer by gravity feed if my sprayer pump ever died on a job. The diameter of all the pipes is ¾” and the bulkhead fittings are 1”.

Rapid Deployment

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_4984-1-1024x768.jpg — ^{50ft hose reel and air hose reels.}

_{Once set up, I’m able to unreal a hose and start using the pressure washer or air compressor within minutes.}

With rapid deployment and curbside service in mind I installed an air hose reel and a pressure washer hose reel on the right side of the trailer. Both are 50ft reels, which has proven to be plenty of hose to work around all the vehicles I’ve encountered so far, short of a semi or RV.

Once set up, I’m able to unreal a hose and start using the pressure washer or air compressor within minutes. It’s another feature that adds to the overall functionality and efficiency of the whole set up.

Diamonds are Forever

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_4819-1-1024x768.jpg — ^{Aluminum diamond plate riveted onto the trailer to close in the sides.}

To finish off the esthetics and close in the sides of the trailer, I cut to size and riveted in aluminum diamond plate panels on the front and sides of the trailer. It gives the trailer a truly custom and professional look as well as keeping everything safely tucked in out of the wind and elements.

Odds and Ends

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DSC05000-1024x684.jpg — ^{Image of the trailer in action on a neighborhood street.}

Other odds and ends I carry on the trailer are three extension cord reels that tuck nicely along the left side of the trailer. I carry some safety cones for when the trailer is parked on a street. I have a 25ft garden hose for filling the water tank, which is stowed underneath the tank. I also carry a Camco RV water filter in case I need to fill up on site.

A Month and Change

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_4880-1024x768.jpg — ^{My dog supervising the first test of the trailer in early April of 2020.}

I built the rig in about 4-5 weeks over the months of March and April. I’ve been using the unit since late May-early June and it’s been nothing, but a workhorse. Occasionally, I have to tighten up a hose fitting or two, but that’s mostly due to encountering pot holes on the city streets.

In Closing

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is IMG_6773-2-1024x768.jpg — ^{The Dream Machine Detailing mobile rig in action.}

_{“The heart is happiest when the head and the hand work together”.}
Jay Leno

Well, there you have it. That’s a look at the conception and construction of my mobile detailing trailer. Lot’s of online research of other builds, careful planning as well as educating myself on the basics of metal working, cutting and welding techniques made for my own crash course in how to build a functional and mechanical piece of machinery nearly from scratch.

Believe me, If I can do it, anyone with a little wrenching know how and a hunger to take on and learn new skills can do this too. In a time of isolation, during a global pandemic it was an incredibly valuable blessing that kept me busy and focused on something positive. I looked forward to putting my head and my hands to use everyday and that theme continues with every detail I get to do. As comedian and infamous car guy Jay Leno say’s, “The heart is happiest when the head and the hand work together”.

I hope people find this article insightful and perhaps it will help others looking for ideas on how to build their own mobile rig. Eventually, I plan to create a video showing the trailer in action and it’s various functions and features. Until then keep em’ clean and happy detailing.