What Size Generator Do You Need For Auto Detailing? Explained

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If you’re a mobile auto detailer, you probably had situations where you couldn’t use a power supply from the client’s house. That’s where generators come. Now, you probably ask yourself what size generator I need for auto detailing. Today, I’ll give you an answer to this question and also give you some extra information about this topic. 

For most detailers, the 3000 Watt inverter generator is the optimal choice. That’ll ensure enough power for all tools you could need when detailing vehicles. 

However, every car detailer is different, and we all don’t use the exact same tools. You need to know your tools, their power, and some other information. 

I want to answer your question thoroughly, that’s why this article will be a bit longer. I recommend you read the whole article. That way, you’ll know the exact size generator you need for your specific needs.

Make Sure To Understand These Things

Before everything, there are some things that you should understand. That’ll help you a lot when choosing the right size generator for your auto detailing business.

Things to know:

• Continuous power – the number of watts an inverter generator can distribute all the time. It would be best to always choose a generator with at least slightly higher continuous power than the device you run with the generator.
• Maximum or peak power – the number of watts an inverter generator can export in the short-term period. It’s always a bit higher than the continuous power. It’s important because some tools also have peak power higher than constant power. Usually, tools will use more power when you’re just starting them up.
• Watts (W) – a unit used to measure the power. It’s the amount of energy that some tools need to function correctly. 
• Volts (V) – the difference in charge between two points. Usually, USA appliances are 110-120 volts, while European appliances are 220-230 volts.
• Ampere or amps (A) – the unit of electric current. 

Most devices have all these numbers listed in the description. However, sometimes, you’ll see that there are no Watts numbers on some tools. That’s why you need to know how to calculate the wattage required for a specific electric device.

The formula for calculating watts: Amps * Volts = Watts. So, to calculate the required power, you need to know the Amps and the Voltage numbers.

For instance, a device has 8A, working on 120V. 8*120=960 Watts. Or a 6A device, working on 220V. 6*220=1320 Watts.

If you’re not familiar with calculations, you can use an online calculator for the amp-to-watt conversion. Now that you know all the basics, we can continue further with the article. 

Best Overall Generator Size For Auto Detailing

As I already said, I suggest you buy a 3000W inverter generator. It’ll distribute enough power for all tools and equipment you might use when detailing vehicles.

I want you to understand everything, so let me show you how I came up with this number. I made a table of the six most common auto detailing tools you might use when washing cars.

Also, I’ll concentrate on USA-based tools to avoid getting confused with Volts if you’re from Europe.

Tool	Volts (V)	Amps (A)	Watts (W)
Karcher K1700 Pressure Washer	120V	14A	1620W
Rupes LHR 15 ES Big Foot Polisher	110V	4.5A	500W
Rigid 12.Gal Wet and Dry Vacuum	120V	9A	1080W
Bissel Spot Clean Pro Heat Extractor	120V	2.3A	276W
Hulk 20 Gallon Air Compressor	115V	13A	1500W
Vapamore MR-75 Steam Cleaner	120V	8.3A	1000W

As you can see in the table, even the 2000W generator can power all of these tools. However, I still recommend you go with a bit more powerful generator.

The 3000 Watts generator will give you plenty of additional power in case you ever need it. Yes, it’s a bit more expensive, but at least you’re 100% sure that you have more than enough power needed. 

Also, when you use a 3000W generator with devices below 2000W, it won’t work 100%, and I believe it’ll last longer that way.

How To Buy a Generator That Fits Your Needs

Now that you know basic things and my recommended generator size (power), I want to show you a quick buying guide for generators. 

Types of Generators

First thing first, you need to know the types of generators. I’ll show you two types only (there are plenty) that I believe can benefit auto detailers.

Two types of generators you should consider:

1. Inverter Generator – it’s the best type of generator for auto detailers. They don’t always work at 100%. They only work as enough as it’s enough to power the plugged-in tools. They’re very efficient because of that, so you’ll spend less money on gas. They’re also much quieter. 
2. Conventional Generators are cheaper than inverter generators and usually give you more watts per money invested. However, they are less fuel-efficient since they work at the same pace all the time. Also, they’re not as quiet as inverter generators and are usually much bigger. 

So, if you’re not on a tight budget, I advise you buy an inverter generator since it’s quieter and more energy-efficient. So, in the long run, it’s better to invest a bit more money.

What Tools Do You Have

To determine the needed generator size, you need to know the power consumption of the auto detailing tools and equipment you’re using when cleaning vehicles.

I suggest you check the table above again, so you can get a better picture of the power consumption of some auto detailing tools and equipment.

If you only use a pressure washer and a vacuum cleaner, especially some less powerful ones, you can save some money and choose a less powerful generator. However, I’d never go with a generator that distributes less than 2000 Watts.

The Free Space Available For Storing The Generator

As a mobile auto detailer, you know the struggle with space and organization. Depending on what vehicle you use to store all the tools and equipment, you should only choose a generator that will fit your vehicle. 

If your working vehicle is smaller, you will have to buy a smaller generator. Otherwise, you won’t be able to carry it everywhere, or you’ll just have to buy a larger vehicle. 

What’s The Best Generator For Car Detailers?

If you need a generator, here I’ll recommend my two best choices when it comes to inverter generators. As I already said, I prefer inverter generators since they are quieter and more fuel-efficient.

I recommend one of these inverter generators:

• Predator 3500 – 3,500 Watt inverter generator
• Honda EU2200i – 2,200 Watts inverter generator

By choosing any of these two generators, you won’t make a mistake. However, make sure to choose a powerful enough generator, so you can run all your detailing tools and equipment.

1. Predator 3500 – Plenty of Power For An Affordable Price

If you need more power (as I suggested earlier in the article), you might want to go with this Predator 3500 inverter generator. With this generator, you’ll get more power than with the Honda one, for even less money. 

Predator 3500 is also a high-quality generator, and you shouldn’t have any problems with it. I see many detailers use this brand, and it’s justified. The price is affordable, and you get plenty of power so that you can run more than just one device on it. 

Predator 3500 Specs

• 3,000 Watt inverter generator, works at 120V
• 3,500 Watt surge load (maximum load)
• 12V output for charging batteries
• LCD showing volts, amps, and watts
• Electric start
• Three power outlets
• 3 gallons fuel capacity
• Weighs 115 lbs
• Standard wheels for portability
• A fuel gauge and hour meter
• Electronic overload protection

I suggest buying this inverter generator if you want a quality device that’s affordable and produces plenty of power. With this generator, ROI is fantastic.

2. HONDA EU2200i – Extremely High-Quality Inverter Generator

Honda produces one of the best inverter generators on the market. They’re known for making high-quality car engines, so nothing stops them from doing the same thing with generators.

Since Honda generators are of the highest quality, they tend to cost a bit more than others on the market. If you don’t mind spending a bit more money on a new generator, this Honda EU2200i will give you fantastic performance and serve you for many years.

Honda EU2200i Specs

• 1,800 Watt inverter generator, works on 120V
• 2,200 Watts maximum (surge load)
• Three power outlets
• 1 Gallon fuel capacity
• It runs up to 8 hours with less than a gallon of fuel
• Extremely quiet device – operates at only 48-57 dB
• Carbon monoxide detection system
• Remote generator operation with your phone
• Lightweight – it weighs only 47 pounds.
• Improved inverter technology that’s safe even for the most sensitive devices (PCs, TVs, etc.)
• You can parallel it with another Honda to get the 4,400 Watt of power.
• Electronic Circuit Braker – prevents the engine from overload.

I suggest you buy this inverter generator if you don’t need too much power, and you want the best generator on the market. If your tools are more powerful than this device, I suggest you check the 2nd recommendation. 

FAQs

Conclusion

Having a high-quality and reliable generator is a must if you’re a mobile auto detailer. I hope that now you know what size generator you need for your auto detailing business or even a hobby. 

More power is always beneficial, and that’s why I recommended you go for a 3000 Watt generator. Most auto detailing equipment will work under 50% of the generator’s capacity.

At first, buying a generator is a significant investment, but it’ll quickly pay off. You’ll work quicker. There’s no need for carrying electrical cord reels everywhere, etc. You get the point. If you’re serious about your auto detailing business, you’ll surely get one.