What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

[AeroCleanse]

Right now I have a 1993 Ford F-150 that I use for mobile detailing. Its seen better days, so I am planning on what to get next. I don't carry large amounts of water or any water reclamation systems. My options at the moment are:

1) Full size truck (F-150 4x4, Toyota Tundra 4x4)
2) SUV (Toyota 4Runner V6 4x4)
3) Full size van (E-150)

What do you use / your opinions

[Megafast13]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

I suggest a GMC Savanna or Chevy Express for the job. A van is truly the best way to go, for fitting large machines, products, vacuums,etc. Side and Back door access. Get your custom logo on the sides.

Just ask Nick Chapman and check out his Van

[Carfire]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

I would use the Full Size Van, that way everything is inside and protected

[Markus Kleis]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

How soon do you need it?

I HIGHLY suggest taking a look at the new Ford Transit Connect. They are going to get 22 MPG city, 24 highway, and would allow you to store everything inside. They are really neat, utilitarian vehicles.

I would get one for sure if I was going to be detailing full-time.

[barry]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

I used a truck for 4 years,then I started using a van 2 years ago.A van is the way I would go, you can get everything in side of it and not have to worry about weather or someone getting sticky fingers at what you have in the back of the truck.Mine is a old ford econoline van,it gets around 14 miles to the gallon,but I usually don't have to drive on average more than 7 or 8 miles, so gas hasn't been a big expense for me.If you get lucky like I did, you might get one pretty cheep from a used car dealer.I did 2 full details for mine and got the title.I worked on it for several months and I love it.My total cost for my van was about $1200.00.Thats tires,paint,rims,and some nice seats.(Most of all no car payment.)

[Tuck91]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

i would go with a Chevy Express 3500 or a Dodge Sprinter

[new2detailing]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

It really depends on your needs/requirements. I would first take an inventory of what you will carry in the vehicle. Second, how important is fuel economy? Are your details local or do you really log on miles? Ideally, a covered vehicle is ideal. A full size van is perfect if fuel economy is not important (and like Barry mentioned earlier you can pick up a used one for a song). If fuel economy is important, you could look at a Chevy HHR (Panel version that replaced the back seats with a flat floor), Honda Element, new Ford Transit Connect (Very intriguing design and the ability to have rear seats and a dedicated cargo area).

[AeroCleanse]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

Since I'll be buying used that leaves out the Ford Transit Connect.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

what type of budget/range do you have to work with?

[AeroCleanse]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

what type of budget/range do you have to work with?

Probably less than $20k

[Tuck91]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

Probably less than $20k

I would go with a stripped down Chevy Express or Ford Econoline.

[WrightDetail]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

I have a Crew Cab Silverado and planning on getting a cap for it for my future mobile detail biz.

Truck was paid for by insurance via total of my SUV...so no overhead there for me ( except maintenance )

I get 18 city/highway which is 30/70 ratio where I live and can squeeze 22 on highway out at 70 mph.

[07g5gt]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

if you dont need alot of space then a Chevy hhr panal would be could because then you could put a logo on it and the gas miles would be good. if you need more space then a Chevy Express or Ford Econoline

[Robby144]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

if you dont need alot of space then a Chevy hhr panal would be could because then you could put a logo on it and the gas miles would be good. if you need more space then a Chevy Express or Ford Econoline

I seriously was about to respond with that! LOL Timing huh? I agree the HHR panel truck would be a good choice. You should also check for state auctions. I used to work for CalTrans at the Division of Equipment, and we had some good trucks, gas and diesel, vans, trucks, and stake beds, some with utility boxes! They are all kept in great running order and have all records, I know from experience, but cosmetically they are rather poor. I forget the website but I'll call a buddy of mine and I'll try to get the link posted here if its ok with the mod's.

[AeroCleanse]

Re: What vehicle for a mobile detailer?

I seriously was about to respond with that! LOL Timing huh? I agree the HHR panel truck would be a good choice. You should also check for state auctions. I used to work for CalTrans at the Division of Equipment, and we had some good trucks, gas and diesel, vans, trucks, and stake beds, some with utility boxes! They are all kept in great running order and have all records, I know from experience, but cosmetically they are rather poor. I forget the website but I'll call a buddy of mine and I'll try to get the link posted here if its ok with the mod's.

Cosmetically poor would be the reason I'm looking at getting something else.