4 Best Portable Generators For Mobile Detailing

If you are a mobile detailer, then you know the importance of quality, as your job involves cleaning and restoring cars until they are polished and show-ready. Sometimes this calls not just for rags and cleaners, but high amperage power tools as well. This is where a portable generator will have your back!  

Reliable, efficient power, on-demand, can be truly invaluable. As their name implies, portable generators are specially designed to be mobile. You can take them with you on-site, or to a remote job or task. 

To help you purchase the right model best suited to Mobile Detailing we have put together a list of the 4 Best Portable Generators For Mobile Detailing

A Portable Generator Help With Mobile Detailing and More 

A portable generator will give you reliable, portable power, on-demand. They are used at home, at campgrounds, on farms, at construction sites, on the road… even at sea, to create a boat environment that is ideal. These powerhouses are both versatile and practical. 

As a mobile detailer, you have probably had to visit some remote places in order to do your work. An outlet may simply not always be handy, and you may have had to limit your range and clientele overall. 

A portable generator, on the other hand, will be there, anywhere, anytime. One of the Best Portable Generators For Mobile Detailing may be your solution.

Safe Generator Use

Fortunately, using a generator of quality should be quite simple. Just follow the manual to install, fuel-up, and use the button start or recoil. 

To keep your portable generator running smoothly, make sure that there is always enough fuel in the tank. The generator will not function as well when it is low. Along with this, be prompt when changing the oil. 

To prevent overload and other issues, make sure not to exceed your generator wattage threshold. Otherwise, your generator may break down! 

Many generators are not meant to be used inside the home. Instead, choose an area that is well-ventilated for install. Along with this, make sure to be upwind of your generator while you are detailing a car, motorcycle, or the like. 

See our TOP 5 BUDGET GENERATOR guide here

Choosing The Best Portable Generator

There are some outstanding portable generator features that you can keep an eye out for. Some aspects are also totally up to personal preference. There are a few things that you will want to consider in order to find the best portable generator for you, your mobile detailing setup, and so on. Such as:

Inverter Or Conventional?

Generators come in a couple of different types, inverter and conventional. Each has its strengths and its weaknesses. Conventional generators, for example, are better at taking on big loads, charging bigger appliances (like your TV), and the like.

They may not be as good of a choice if you are looking to charge smaller devices that are more sensitive (like your tablet or cell).

Read our guide on the Best Solar Phone Chargers

Inverter generators, on the other hand, have a gentler, more even current, which means that they can safely charge electronics and devices big or small. However, compared to conventional generators, inverter generators may not be as powerful. This is the main trade-off.

Pick Your Fuel 

There are benefits and drawbacks to every fuel. Some fuels burn more quietly, more cleanly, or are simply more affordable. There are generators available that are dual fuel. The most common generator fuels are listed below! 

Gasoline

Gasoline is the classic generator fuel choice. This is because it is the most readily available, and the most affordable. There are gas stations in every town, and gas sold in many stores, should your generator need a refill.

The main downside to gasoline is its short shelf life. You can’t store gasoline for more than a month, or it will deteriorate and become unviable as fuel. This means that, if a power outage comes around, you may find yourself needing to refuel… and gas stations may not be available! You should never leave it sitting in the tank; always fuel up with gasoline that is nice and new.

Propane

Propane generators are renowned for their quiet function. This makes them a great choice for campers, homeowners, and mobile detailers alike! Propane is also more clean-burning, compared to gasoline and diesel. You can also store propane for months or more.

However, propane can be rather expensive. You may also find it more difficult to acquire compared to some. Not only that, but propane generators will often need their own, attached propane tank. This may give them more bulk.

Natural Gas

The greatest plus of natural gas is that it is a very quiet generator fuel. This means that generators that use it will have a quieter function in general. 

However, this does come at a bit of a cost: natural gas is pricer, and harder to locate, compared to a gasoline, diesel, or even a propane alternative. If the expense is not the biggest factor, and you know where to refuel conveniently, natural gas can make an excellent choice in fuel.

Diesel

Diesel is almost as popular a fuel choice as gasoline. Both of these fuels can be purchased at your local gas station, or at the store. This makes fueling up simple. 

Diesel is also the second-most affordable option (compared to propane and natural gas). Diesel is fairly efficient and lasts longer than gasoline. Finally, diesel has up to year-long shelf life.

The catch? Diesel is also more costly. Along with this, compared to gasoline, diesel generators tend to have a higher sound level. During a power outage, Diesel can be as tricky as gasoline to refuel.

Noise Level

Generators can vary widely in their noise level. You can find one that emits little more than a hum, one that is not much louder than a conversation, or one that could be compared to a lawnmower. The noise level you require will depend upon personal preference, as well as the situation you are in.

For example, in a campground, there are rules to how loud generators can be. This is, of course, to preserve the natural atmosphere. In a private setting, you can use a generator that will make a bit more noise.

Most generators are between 50-80 decibels, with those on the lower end (50-60) being some of the quietest there are. The trade-off is that the more powerful the generator, the greater its noise level.

During mobile detailing, you will likely be working on your own. The sound may not be as much of a worry. This is a scenario where it comes down to personal preference. How much noise are you okay with? How much power do you need? These are some questions you will want to ask!

Power (Wattage)

Finding a powerful portable generator is simple: just look for the highest wattage, which translates to power. Don’t forget to balance the wattage with the other aspects of the generator, of course! A well-rounded portable generator is ideal.

Use our wattage calculator to help.

To find out the average wattage needed for various appliances we have provided some outputs here:

Appliances	Running Watts	Start Up Watts
Clock Radio	3 W	5 W
Phone Charger	3 W	5 W
Google Nest	5 W	5 W
Tablet Computer	10 W	15 W
32 In LED TV	20 W	60 W
Air Purifier	25 W	30 W
Humidifier	35 W	40 W
Cooling Fan	40 W	60 W
Freezer	40 W	60 W
PS4 or Xbox	50 W	120 W
Lightbulb 60 W	60 W	60 W
Water Dispenser	100 W	100 W
Refrigerator	150 W	300 W
American Style Refrigerator	200 W	500 W
Garden Strimmer	300 W	500 W
Submersible Water Pump	350 W	500 W
Music Stereo	400 W	400 W
Vacuum Cleaner	400 W	1000 W
Toaster	700 W	1900 W
Electric Drill	800 W	1100 W
Coffee Maker	800 W	1000 W
Washing Machine	800 W	800 W
Lawn Mower	1000 W	1500 W
Air Fryer	1400 W	1400 W
Air Compressor	1500 W	4800 W
Oven	2000 W	2000 W
Home Air Conditioner	1200 W	4000 W
RV Air Conditioner	1300 W	4500 W
Belt Sander	1400 W	2400 W
Hairdryer	1400 W	1400 W
Hammer Drill	1700 W	1600 W
Air Compressor – 1 HP	1600 W	4800 W
Welding Rig	2500 W	3000 W

4 Best Portable Generators For Mobile Detailing

4. Wen 56200i Super Quiet

Latest Price on Amazon ↗️

The WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator is all about safety and energy efficiency. This generator operates on an inverter frequency, making it risk-free for even the most sensitive devices, like your tablet or cell. 

The WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator also includes an Eco-Mode, so you don’t burn any unnecessary fuel. Eco-Mode will also decrease the overall generator noise level. This makes it the perfect nighttime-mode; or the perfect mode if you are using just one tool at a time, during a mobile detail.

This generator boasts 1600 running watts; enough to charge several electronics, appliances, or devices at once. 

You can move the WEN 56200i Super Quiet 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator around with a convenient carry handle, from daily task to task.

PROS

• Quiet 
• Eco-mode
• Lightweight at 48 lbs
• Carry handle
• Low oil shutdown
• Overload protection
• Inverter 

CONS

• Some had trouble with startup although we have never had an issue

Read more customer reviews on Amazon ↗️

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3. DuroMax XP1000E Gas Powered

Latest Prices on Amazon ↗️

The DuroMax XP10000E Gas Powered Portable Generator is, in a word, powerful. A Duromax 18HP, 440cc Duromax OHV engine provides 8,000-10,000 watts of raw power. The engine spins at an astounding 3600RMP. 

It is no wonder, then, that the DuroMax XP10000E Gas Powered Portable Generator is capable of so much: the generator can power many appliances, including refrigerators, home air conditioning… and of course, for the mobile detailer, even high amperage power tools; and more.

This generator will cover all of your energy needs, and then some. Just roll it on its handy wheels to your vehicle, and on to your next task. ½ load will get you a whopping 10.4 hours of runtime, on just an 8.8-gallon tank!

PROS

• Wheel kit
• Toolset
• Impressive runtime
• Powerful
• Wheels

CONS

• Don’t like foam wheels
• Have trouble keeping it charged

Read more reviews on Amazon ↗️

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2. Honda EU2200i Super Quiet

Latest Prices on Amazon ↗️

The Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator is best known for its quiet performance. This, without sacrificing function. The generator emits just 48-57 decibels, making it without a doubt one of the quietest portable generators out there. This is even less of a decibel output than your average conversation level.

Depending on the load, this generator will offer 4-9 and ½ hours of runtime on one tank.

Like many of top generators, the Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator utilizes inverter technology, which makes it extra safe for sensitive devices (like your tablet or cell).

Engage the exclusive Eco-Throttle system to save fuel.

To use the Honda EU2200i 2200-Watt 120-Volt Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator, there are some color-coded startup points that are nice and easy to follow.

PROS

• Ultra-quiet
• Eco-throttle
• User-friendly color-coded startup points
• Good engine cooling and ventilation 
• Some are fans of starting with the recoil

CONS

• Some have found it a little tricky to change the oil
• Some dislike starting with the recoil

Last update on 2024-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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1. Westinghouse iGen4500

Latest Prices on Amazon ↗️

The Westinghouse iGen4500 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator is, above all, powerful. This portable generator is off the charts, with 3700-4500 watts total. The Westinghouse iGen4500 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator is the extraordinary combination of raw power, and quiet function, with a decibel output as low as 52. 

You can run this generator for up to 18 hours on just one 3.4 gallon gas tank! Use the handy LED data center to track your fuel level, remaining runtime, power output, voltage output, and more.

Engage efficiency mode to maximize your fuel… if at times you don’t require full power, why waste the fuel? 

Start this heavy-duty portable generator up with a remote or pushbutton start (your call!). 

PROS

• Telescoping handle
• Efficiency mode
• Extra safe for sensitive devices (inverter)
• Ultra-powerful
• Remote or button start
• Backup recoil
• LED data center
• Rotating digital display 
• Super quiet function
• Excellent runtime

CONS

• A little heavy compared to some portable generators
• Some have had trouble working the choke

Read more reviews on Amazon ↗️

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How To Keep Your Generator Running Smoothly

• Keep the generator battery at least at the minimum charge. To keep any battery in good repair, you must keep it from reaching a low charge. This will wear it out over time. Some people will give their generator a frequent, partial charge. Instead, charge your battery fully, every once in a while.
• Secure your portable generator. Portable generators are some very nice, very useful pieces of equipment. You wouldn’t want yours to catch the eye of a thief. Recommended is to cover your generator, and to chain and lock it down as well.
• Do not overload your generator. Every generator should tell you its runtime on a given load. Try not to exceed this. Otherwise, your generator will ultimately break down (sooner or later).
• Change the oil. Oil is super important when it comes to lubricating machinery, and keeping it running smoothly. Without it, things will begin to grate on each other, leading to an inevitable breakdown. So, don’t forget to change the oil.
• Renew the fuel. No generator should run on old fuel. If your generator runs on gasoline or diesel, be sure to empty and refresh the tank.

Editors Choice

My pick of the bunch from the 4 best mobile detailing generators featured is the Honda EU2200i this generators ticks so many boxes for us.

Lightweight, portable and packs a punch!

It is well known within the industry as being one of the best work horse generators and will last for years without issues as long as you take care of it and follow Honda’s service guidelines.

Last update on 2024-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Conclusion: Best Portable Generators For Mobile Detailing

As you can see, whether for work or leisure, portable generators can be downright indispensable. Plug-in lights, air-conditioning, high-amperage power tools, and more… wherever you are!  Portable generators are simply made for convenience and luxury.

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Last update on 2024-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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