The Best Generator for Mobile Detailing: How to Spark Up Your Business!

In today’s busy world, mobile detailing is gaining popularity, especially in cities and suburbs. People find it super convenient to have their cars cleaned and detailed right at their home, office, or any place they choose.

If you’re thinking about starting a mobile detailing business or already have one, you know how important a generator is. It’s what gives you the power to use all the tools and equipment needed to clean and detail vehicles effectively.

Some of the best generators for mobile detailing are the Honda EU2200i, the DuroMax XP12000EH, and the Westinghouse 4500. In this article, you will find a quick overview, the specifications, the features, and the pros and cons of the generators. 

Best Generator for Mobile Detailing: A Quick Overview

So I compiled this table here on the best 3 generators on the market using user reviews and market experiences. The generators have running power output ranging from 1.8 KW to 9.5 KW. The generators, however, are not ranked in the list. You should choose the generator that is the best fit for your use case.

Generator	Surge Power Rating	Running Power Rating	Weight	Product Dimensions	Unique Feature	Price
Honda EU2200i	2.2 KW	1.8 KW	47 lb	20″L x 16″W x 11″H	Advanced Carbon Monoxide Detection System	Check Latest Price
DuroMax XP12000EH Generator	12 KW	9.5 KW	224 lb	29″L x 30″W x 26″H	Uses both propane and gasoline	Check Latest Price
Westinghouse 4500 Peak Watt	4.5 KW	3.7 KW	104.7 lb	24.5″L x 17.5″W x 20″H	Remote start/stop	Check Latest Price

Best Generator for Mobile Detailing: Detailed Specifications

Honda EU2200i  

The Honda EU2200i  is a portable inverter generator that you can use for mobile detailing. It is quiet even at high workloads and can power a few small mobile detailing tools simultaneously.

Specs: 

Here are the specifications of the Honda EU2200i:

1. Surge Wattage: 2200 W
2. Running Wattage: 1900 W
3. Engine: Honda GXR120
4. Receptacles: 20A 125V Duplex (2 power outlets)
5. Frequency Regulation: Inverter
6. Fuel Type: Gasoline
7. Item Weight: 46.5 Pounds
8. Voltage: 120 Volts
9. Starting System: Recoil Starter
10. Color: Red
11. Product Dimensions: 20″L x 16″W x 11″H
12. Engine Type: 4 Stroke Engine
13. Tank Volume: 0.95 Gallons
14. Run Time Per Tankful: 3.2 hours at rated load and 8.1 hours at 1/4 load
15. Engine Displacement: 121 Cubic Centimeters
16. Frequency: 60 Hz
17. Noise Level 57 dB(A) at rated load and 48 dB(A) at 1/4 load
18. Item Weight: 46.5 pounds
19. Review: 4.8/5.0 stars from 1,746 ratings

Unique Features:

1. CO – MINDER advanced carbon monoxide detection system
2. Proprietary “My Generator” smartphone app for remote start/stop monitoring operating conditions completely wirelessly.
3. Honda 121cc GXR120 Commercial Series engine.
4. Inverter-regulated generator.
5. Highest rating from users in this list of best generators.

The Pros:

Here are some of the pros of the Honda EU2200i generator:

1. Built-in carbon monoxide sensor
2. Remote control
3. Inverter generator for greater efficiency
4. Highly portable. Comes with a handle.
5. Very quiet, even at a full workload.   
6. Can run for more than 8 hours in a single tank of gas.
7. Can be used in conjunction with another Honda EU2200i generator.

The Cons:

The Honda EU2200i generator also comes with some disadvantages that you should consider before making the investment:

1. Considerably more expensive compared to non-inverter generators
2. Concerns about long-term durability 
3. Can only power 120 V tools
4. Few power outlets
5. The CO sensor sometimes causes issues on Honda generators. In that case, you may need to bypass the Honda CO sensor.

DuroMax XP12000EH Generator

This is a heavy-duty portable generator that you could use if you need heavy power tools for your detailing work. It can power lots of high-powered detailing tools at the same time. You could use multiple power washers and a large vacuum cleaner simultaneously with this generator.

Specs: 

Here are the specifications of the DuroMax XP12000EH Generator:

1. Peak Output Wattage: ‎12,000 watts (gasoline), 11,400 Watts (propane) 
2. Running Output Wattage: 9,500 Watts (gasoline), 9,025 Watts (propane) 
3. Fuel Type: ‎Dual Fuel
4. Power Source: ‎Gasoline and Propane
5. Item Weight: 224 Pounds
6. Voltage: ‎240 Volts and 120 Volts 
7. Power Outlets:
   1. Two  120 V 20 A Outlets (household power outlet)
   2. One  120 V 30 A Outlets (twist lock)
   3. One  120/240 V 30 A Outlets (twist lock)
   4. One  120/240 V 50 A Outlets (heavy-duty twist lock)

8. Included Components: ‎
   1. DuroMax XP12000EH Electric Start Generator. 
   2. A 12V Generator Battery.
   3. A Generator Wheel Kit.
   4. A Generator Tool Kit.
   5. A DuroMax Operating Manual.
   6. A Spark Plug Wrench
9. Color: Black and Blue
10. Product Dimensions ‎: 30″L x 29″W x 26″H
11. Material: ‎Metal
12. Approval: 50 State Approved
13. Engine Type: 4 Stroke engine
14. Engine Displacement: ‎457 Cubic Centimeters
15. Runtime: ‎8 hours at rated load
16. Frequency: ‎60 Hz
17. Item Weight: ‎224 pounds
18. Number of Batteries: 1 (included)
19. Battery Cell Type: ‎Lead Acid
20. Horsepower: 16.09 hp
21. Warranty Description: 3-Year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty
22. Rating: 4.5/5.0 Stars from 3,474 ratings

Unique Features:

The  DuroMax XP12000EH Generator has many unique features including:

1. 5 power outlets
2. Up to 80 A current delivery
3. Both 120 V and 240 V output
4. Comes with a comprehensive maintenance kit
5. Can utilize both gasoline and propane as fuel

The Pros:

Some of the pros of the DuroMax XP12000EH Generator are given below:

1. Can power your 240V tools.
2. Dual fuel use capability.
3. 1 Outlet is rated for 50 A.
4. Comprehensive maintenance tool kit included..
5. Some users have managed to modify the DuroMax XP12000EH Generator to run on natural gas as well.
6. Can be easily used to power a big 5-bedroom home with air conditioning. But in that case, you would need to wire one or multiple transfer switches to the generator.

The Cons:

While the  DuroMax XP12000EH Generator is a good generator, it has its own share of drawbacks. Consider these factors if you are going to purchase the DuroMax XP12000EH Generator:

1. Low portability. 
2. Bulky structure. The DuroMax XP12000EH Generator is rather bulky compared to the other generators with 29″L x 30″W x 26″H dimensions.
3. Comes with only 5 power outlets
4. Rather expensive for a mobile generator.
5. Loud.

Westinghouse 4500 Peak Watt Generator

The Westinghouse 4500 is another great portable generator that you could use for getting your mobile detailing work done. 

Specs: 

These are the specifications of Westinghouse 4500 Peak Watt generator: 

1. Peak Output Wattage: 4,500 Watts
2. Running Output Wattage: 3,700 Watts
3. Fuel Type: Gasoline
4. Power Source: gasoline-powered engine
5. Item Weight: 104.7 Pounds
6. Voltage: 120 Volts
7. Included Components:
   1. Westinghouse 4500 Peak Watt Generator
   2. Engine Oil
   3. An Oil Funnel
   4. An Owner’s Manual
8. Product Dimensions : 24.5″L x 17.5″W x 20″H
9. Engine Type: OHV 4 Stroke Engine
10. Tank Volume: 3.4 Gallons
11. Runtime: 18 hours
12. Total Power Outlets: 3
13. Frequency: 60 Hz
14. Noise output: 52 dBA at low load rating
15. Warranty: 3 years limited service warranty
16. Rating: 4.6/5.0 Stars from 4,783 ratings

Unique Features:

The Westinghouse 4500 also comes with many features that make it quite unique. Some of those unique features are given below:

1. Comes with two 1.0 A to 2.1 A 5 V DC USB A ports.
2. Includes a push-button for electric start.
3. Dedicated switch for efficiency mode
4. Digital instrumentation panel 
5. Comes with a single 120 V 30 A power outlet. 
6. Comes with two 120 V 20 A power outlets
7. High run time. It can provide you with power for 18 hours continuously from a single tank of gas.
8. Overload reset-button.
9. Electric start/stop button.
10. A key fob is included that can be used to remotely start or stop the generator.

The Pros:

1. Very high run time
2. Comes with 2 USB A ports 
3. Can be used in conjunction with another Westinghouse 4500  generator
4. Westinghouse has a nationwide warranty coverage network. 
5. Can be easily turned on or off using the electric push button.
6. An included remote key fob to stop/start and operate the Westinghouse 4500 generator remotely. 
7. A conventional recoil start system with this particular generator for redundancy. 
8. A digital data center instrumentation panel for easy reading.
9. Dedicated switch for eco mode. 

The Cons:

Despite the many pros of the Westinghouse 4500, there are some things you should still consider about this generator before making the purchase. Here are some of the cons of the Westinghouse 4500:

1. Does not give 240 V power output. 
2. Does not come with an inverter. 
3. Can be as loud as 65 dBA 10 feet away. But at low load ratings, the generator is comparatively silent.
4. Known to frequently suffer from a choke issue 

How to Choose The Best Generator for Mobile Detailing?

If you are looking for the best generator for mobile detailing, there are quite a few things you should consider. Purchasing a portable generator can be quite an investment. If the particular model that you purchase turns out to be inadequate for your detailing work you could end up acquiring significant losses.

Here are some of the factors you should look into when it comes to picking the generator that is best for you:

Portability

Portability is one of the first things you should see when it comes to getting a generator for doing mobile detailing. You will have to carry the generator to your work site and move it around. If the generator that you purchase is too heavy or bulky to carry, your work will become difficult.

A big heavy generator could also get damaged when being moved around at the job site. So you should always try to get the most portable generator you can get for doing mobile detailing work.

Noise level

Noise level is another important factor that should be considered when purchasing a mobile generator. You may have to do detailing at places where sound has to be minimized, such as inside office buildings or hospitals. 

So if you are doing detailing at places where sound is not permitted you need a generator that is as silent as possible. Inverter generators are great for these kinds of jobs. While inverter generators are a bit pricier in terms of power output, they are incredibly quiet.

Starting Output Power

You should also consider the starting output power of the generator you are going to buy. Power tools used for detailing can have considerably high starting power draw. The generator you are using for mobile detailing should be able to accommodate for the power surge when starting these tools.

If you are going to be using multiple detailing tools simultaneously your generator needs to have a higher starting output power. Moreover, when using multiple tools, avoid starting them at the same time to prevent a big surge in power draw. Make sure that the surge power rating of the generator is at least higher than the highest starting power of the power tools.

Running Output Power

This is an obvious factor to be taken into consideration when it comes to selecting the best generator for mobile detailing. The running output power of the generator should be higher than the combined power ratings of the tools you will be powered simultaneously.

If the running output power of the generator is inadequate the tools will not work correctly. This will lead to a poor-quality detailing job. Furthermore, having less than adequate running output power could also end up damaging your detailing tools. So, always get a mobile generator with a sufficient running output power rating.

Power Output Ports

If you are going to be using multiple tools simultaneously, you need to have an adequate number of power outlets. Having too few outlets can reduce your work efficiency, leading to a long work time.

Some mobile generators also come with USB A ports for charging mobile devices. With this feature, you will no longer have to bring a phone charger to the work site. The ports can also be used to power small electrical appliances if necessary. Some generators also include a DC 12 V receptacle for powering devices.

You should also look into the current rating of the ports. If you are going to be using heavy equipment with a lot of current draws, you need ports with a high amperage rating.  

Runtime

You should also look into the runtime you can expect from the portable generator. You may have to perform detailing jobs that could take a very long time to complete. You could also have multiple workers working at different shifts to finish the job. If the generator has low run time it will run out of fuel quickly. 

Having a generator with a high runtime reduces the need for frequent refueling. It could also reduce the time needed for completing a detailing job, thus saving you a lot of money. So, always purchase a generator with adequate runtime. 

Inverter

Whether the generator includes an inverter could be an important question when buying the best generator for mobile detailing. An advantage of having inverters is the reduction of noise and fluctuations in the output power. If you are going to be using detailing tools that are too sensitive, not using an inverter could damage them.

Additionally, generators equipped with inverters also produce less noise, as mentioned in a previous section. This could be an important factor for certain mobile detailing jobs. Inverters are also more efficient than conventional non-inverter generators. This could be important for you if you are environmentally conscious. It will also save you money in the long run.

Maintenance 

Another obvious factor to consider when getting the best generator for mobile detailing is the need for maintenance. The need for frequent maintenance ends up increasing downtime and costs you money. 

Some generators come with features that reduce the need for performing maintenance. For example, some generators come with a fuel shut-off feature. This feature burns off the excess leftover oil in the carburetor. It reduces the chance of blockages and lessens the need for maintenance. So, get a generator that does not need to be maintained often.

Safety 

You should also be considering the safety features of the generator. This is because if you are going to be performing mobile detailing, you will be keeping the generator close to the work site. An unsafe generator could make the worksite unsafe.

One of the ways mobile generators can be unsafe is through production of harmful carbon monoxide gas. Some generators come equipped with CO-detecting and monitoring equipment. Those generators will automatically shut down if the CO concentration in the area reaches unsafe levels.

Generators could also sprout fuel leaks. Fuel leaks at the work site can cause accidents. So always get generators that have a robust construction and safety features like CO sensors.

Warranty

You should also check the warranty provided by the manufacturer of the generator. Mobile generators, even those manufactured by reputed makers, can often be defective. Having good warranty coverage lets you replace the defective generator if necessary.

Value for Money

Another thing to consider when investing in the best generator for mobile detailing is its value for money. Some generators come with a lot of features that may be unnecessary for performing mobile detailing. You should get the generator that only manages to meet your requirements for completing the mobile detailing job.

Conclusion 

Now you know about the best generator for mobile detailing. Generators require very big investments. So you should be very careful when purchasing a mobile generator for doing your mobile detailing work. I hope this article managed to clear up all your confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

That is all for today. Thank you and goodbye!