A generator is a vital tool for the car wash business. It can help you to power pumps to feed water from your water tank into a pressure washer, power on electric pressure washers, power on vacuums, extract carpets, power on buffers, and much more.
With such functions in mind, then this is a must-have tool for car washing. But with so many car wash generators on the market, which one is the best? As you already know, there is no one-size-fits-all generator as there are different brands and models to pick from.
That’s why we’ve simplified things for you by conducting thorough research and coming up with the best 4 portable generators for car washing on the market. Ensure to look at features like engine power in terms of watts produced and horsepower, noise level rating, type of generator (conventional or inverter generator), capacity, size, and ease of use.
Without much ado! Here are our 4 best portable generators for car washing:
Parker 2.8KW Portable Petrol Generator
First on our list is the Parker Brand 2.8kva 6.5HP DC portable petrol generator. This is a UK brand and it has similar features to those of high-end brands and models but at a favourable price. The generator runs on a 6.5HP engine, which can power different applications such as fan heater, pressure washer, charge batteries or even operate a dehumidifier.
Also, it features an easy to use design that makes loading and offloading it on a mobile car wash van simple. The open-frame design allows the unit to operate smoothly and efficiently without getting hot. Additionally, it has dual voltage outputs of 110V/ 230V and DC output of 12V. These outputs make the unit versatile and suitable for different applications.
Made of sturdy and high-end parts, this is a generator that you can depend on for a long while. It is also easy to transport and very quiet in operation. On top of that, the manufacturer offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 2-year warranty.
Pros:
- Made of durable and high-quality parts
- Easy to use with its unique design
- It is very easy to start
- Can run several appliances at once
- Quiet in operation
- Easy to transport and keep
- Delivers reliable power output
- Runs smoothly and efficiently with the open-frame design
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Some users have complained that the oil filler cap is difficult to remove
- It requires more than one pull in most cases to start the engine
Wolf 1100 4 stroke generator
Wolf WPX1500LR Portable Petrol generator is another quality unit for new car wash businesses. Sold at an amazing price, this unit produces 1100 watts maximum and 1000 watts continuous. It is powered by a 3.5HP 4 stroke engine that is enough to start and run several appliances. The unit also features a strong frame that houses and protects the engine.
It produces an output voltage of 230V and a DC output voltage of 12V 8.3Amp. At full capacity, the 6-litre fuel tank will run the unit for a maximum of 10 hours. This is exceptional for such a portable and affordable generator. Moreover, starting the generator is not an issue as it has recoil function.
At 95dB noise level, this is neither the quietest portable generator nor the loudest. So, it is okay but slightly loud. Besides, it is also safe to use as it comes with functions like the overload protection and low oil shutdown. The overload protection automatically shut down the power output while keeping the engine operating if there is a power overload. On the other hand, the low oil shut down automatically protects the engine by instantly cutting the engine if the oil level in the tank is very low.
The Wolf WPX1500LR is one of the lightest portable generators that you will find on the market. At 24kgs, this is a good generator if you’re operating a mobile car wash business.
Pros:
- Powerful 4 stroke engine
- Quiet operation
- It has overload protection
- Automatic voltage regulator
- Low oil shutdown function
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Several users have complained that it has a bad starter
Bohmer 6500w Portable Petrol Generator
Bohmer-AG brand is famous for producing high-efficiency generators. The Bohmer-AG W series 2800w generator is powerful and can be utilized for a wide range of applications. Weighing 40kgs, this is neither a heavy nor lightweight portable generator but it can still be carried or moved with much ease.
The Bohmer-AG is powered by a powerful 210cc 8HP air-cooled OHV Bohmer-Ag engine with a fuel-efficient wound motor. The Bohmer-AG copper wound motor offers greater conduction of electricity than aluminium wound motor. It also comes with dual 240V outlets and 12V DC outlets for versatile usage. When filled to the brink, the large capacity 11-litre fuel tank will be able to sustain you for more than 10 hours of continuous use.
Unlike generators with the same capacity, this unit is quiet in operation as it only produces 69dB noise level. Furthermore, it is fitted with an intelligent power management function that controls the power being discharged from the unit. Actually, it produces what is only required by automatically adjusting the engine revs to meet the current flow, and not more or less. The device is also easy to start as it has an electric key starter.
When it comes to safety, the Bohmer-AG W series has not been left behind as it has overload detection and low oil protection. So, the chances of the unit being damaged because of a power overload or extremely low oil level are almost zero.
Pros:
- Durable frame for longevity
- Quiet operation
- Easy to start with the electric key starter
- Low oil automatic shutdown
- Rubber suspension helps to reduce vibration
- Auto breaker overload protection
- Automatic voltage regulator
- Outstanding runtime of 10 hours
- Durable and powerful copper wound motor
- Can run multiple applications
- Powered by a powerful engine
- Easy to access with the external Earth point
- The large vent allows it to cool effectively
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Somehow difficult to fill the oil since it’s located below the control panel
- False advertising by the manufacturer to state that it is a 6500W generator whilst it is a 2800W generator.
Bohmer-AG 7000K-e Electric-Petrol Generator
The Bohmer-AG 11.5 kva is the most powerful and expensive generator on our list. This is ideal for busy car wash businesses as it runs for longer hours when compared to the other units.
The Bohmer-AG 7000K-e generator produces 9500 watts of startup and 7000 watts of continuous use. Starting this generator is simple and quick using the electric key start. Besides, it comes with lots of connectivity with the dual AC 240V plugs and 12V DC output. Featuring the 16HP 4 stroke OHV engine, you will get consistent power for all of your applications for 12 hours non-stop.
Additionally, the generator is fitted with the fuel-efficient Bohmer-AG copper wound motor that provides consistent performance and a more stable charge than aluminium wound generators. Apart from that, this generator comes with intelligent power management that suits your needs. As a result, it only provides the power that you need by automatically regulating the engine revs to match the current flow.
Not only does this unit perform outstandingly, but it is also durably made to last long. The durable frame protects and houses the powerful 450cc 16HP air-cooled OHV engine. It is also simple to use as it comes with a front panel with clear controls. All you need to get it started is to add oil and fuel, then turn the switch on, and the electric starter – Voila!
Other notable features and functions of the Bohmer-AG 7000K-e are two wheels for easy manoeuvrability, overload protection, low oil protection, and quiet operation.
Pros:
- Sturdy dual frame to protect the unit
- Excellent runtime of 12 hours
- It is green and fuel-efficient
- Easy to use design
- Easy to manoeuvre with the two large wheels
- It can run multiple applications at once
- Automatic low oil safety shutdown
- Easy to start with the electric key start
- Features overload detection
- Powerful copper wound motor delivers unparalleled power
- Intelligent power management
- 2-year warranty
Cons:
- Quite expensive
Conclusion
Finding the best portable generator for your car wash busy is not difficult if you know what you’re looking for. Also, you should have a budget in mind so that you can narrow down to certain generators and pick the best from that category. With our detailed review, hope you’ve found a portable generator that is suitable for your car washing business.
If you want to choose the best generator for your car washing business, you should consider features like engine power, ease of use, noise level, runtime, portability, and safety functions. All the best as you pick your best portable generator for car washing!