How to Choose the Best Generator for Mobile Detailing

To run a successful mobile detailing business, you need a reliable power source to operate essential equipment like compressors, pressure washers, vacuum cleaners and polishers. Choosing the right generator is crucial to ensure smooth operations without interruptions. Because if an interruption happens during a job, that's not good for your reputation. Here’s how to select the best generator for your mobile detailing business.

So the first thing I'll say is that some people in the camp of “generators are great”, we need to use generators to get more customers and that other people are totally against them. They better hook up to a customer's power source and their water and not worry about fuel and all that stuff. Which is totally acceptable if you are just starting out. It's understandable. But if you are sort of looking to graduate to that next tier of detailing which is on demand, you definitely want to invest in a generator. A recent trend that is helping mobile detailers are meeting clients at their office. In these cases, you definitely need to have backup power if you know these office parks don't allow you to hook up.

1. Determine Your Power Requirements

Before purchasing a generator, calculate the wattage needed to run all your equipment. Most detailing tools list their power requirements on their labels or manuals. These are estimates.

• Pressure washers: 1,200–3,000 watts

• Vacuums: 1,000–1,500 watts

• Polishers: 500–1,200 watts

• Air compressors: 1,000–2,500 watts

Add up the wattage of all the devices you’ll use simultaneously and choose a generator that can handle that load. A safe rule of thumb is to get a generator with at least 20% more power than your estimated requirement to avoid overloading.

2. Choose the Right Generator Type

There are two main types of generators to consider:

• Conventional Generators: These are typically more affordable but produce fluctuating power, which can be harmful to sensitive equipment. And for example, when using polishers, rotating speed might get lower or fluctuating

• Inverter Generators: These offer stable, clean power and are usually quieter and more fuel-efficient, making them ideal for mobile detailing professionals working in residential areas.

Most of the time I see people using inverter generators like the Honda EU3000. This is probably the most common one that I see because it's very quiet, it's portable and has good stable 3,000 watts of power. If you have a small vacuum, a compressor, three four gallons & a polisher something like that, that's a good option to get started with. You can actually pair this with another Honda unit which is great about inverter generators.

If you're interested in the difference between the conventional and an inverter generator, basically the inverters are cleaner because they invert the power. Inverter generators are great for beginners. They are a little more expensive but definitely worth it. If you are powering multiple devices with a compressor, look into an inverter generator like the Champion Power Equipment 4000-Watt. It's a decent brand if you have the room. I've actually seen people that have these ones on each side of the trailer with an aisle in the middle. So if somebody's polishing if someone is vacuuming just very portable for that sort of power.

3. Consider Portability and Size

Portability is crucial. Look for a generator that is lightweight or comes with wheels and handles for easy transport. Most portable generators are the same size.Look for wheels for better transportation. 

4. Check Fuel Type and Efficiency

Generators run on different fuel types, including gasoline, diesel, and propane. We like to suggest Gasoline because it's readily available.

5. Noise Level Matters

A loud generator can disturb customers and their neighbors. Inverter generators are typically quieter, with noise levels ranging from 50-70 decibel

6. Brand Reliability

If you're just getting started I mean generators are not cheap. But definitely worth it, look into some name brands if you are serious about detailing like Honda. Yamaha makes a good line, there are some champion models that are better, such as Ryobi!

- Ryan
VP of Partnerships