Professional Mobile Mechanic Tools/ Side Work POST YOUR PICS

[jredmond1107]

I currently do what I consider an extremely large volume of "side work." I run a craigslist ad for a mobile mechanic service, I have a facebook group dedicated to this endeavor, I get word-of-mouth referalls, etc. I am preparing to make the jump to pursuing self-employment with this focus strictly.

I understand lots of techs these days have this dream of just doing sidework/getting rich doing sidework/ and there has been a lot of publicity about this. "Mobile Mechanics" by and large to me, seem like a big group of unprofessional, sloppy, uncouth, unskilled craigslist hustlers at least in my market.

I feel I have a grasp of the hurdles facing this business model as I have already experienced a few. So if you have any advice other than getting business liability insurance or buy a Snap-On cordless impact, I would love to hear it!

I KNOW THAT I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE DOING THIS GUYS!!! I REALLY WANT TO SEE YOUR VAN/TRUCK/TRAILER/ VEHICLE, MOBILE TOOL SETUP, LINK TO YOUR WEBSITE, PICS OF WORK YOU HAVE DONE, IF YOU THINK IT IS RELEVANT I WANT TO SEE HOW EVERYBODY ELSE IS GETTING IT DONE ON THE GO!!!

So if you do a large volume of side work, or are a full-time mobile mechanic, lets see it!

Apologize in advance if this is too general, this is the first thread I have started and my second post on this forum, I don't really feel this topic is beat to death I have searched the forum and not seen too much other than "should I buy cordless tools" or "should I get business insurance" or "how do I succeed at sidework" threads. If these pics exist elsewhere on the forum please point me in that direction.

Well it's nice out and I have a few vehicles to check out/ repair, I'll check back when I return home!

 

[Toolhorder]

I'm thinking of going this route too but if I do I'll be getting a license and insurance, all the legal stuff. In CA. it's a big no-no and plenty of guys are getting busted for it (fine and jail time) CL seems to be the biggest way they get busted or they do shady work and someone complains.
I'm interested in this thread. OP you should start with your setup!

 

[cascivic]

I'm thinking of going this route too but if I do I'll be getting a license and insurance, all the legal stuff. In CA. it's a big no-no and plenty of guys are getting busted for it (fine and jail time) CL seems to be the biggest way they get busted or they do shady work and someone complains.
I'm interested in this thread. OP you should start with your setup!

yeah or now a days people just complain just to try to get some money off even if you do good work! im interested in seeing some setups like this.

 

[jrlp]

Hi,

I do something similar. I do full-time mobile fabrication and mechanics. Most of the 'big' money and time-sinks for me is repairing stainless steel for restaurants on-site, doing aluminum repairs at boatshops, or doing car work.

There are quite a few 'mobile' mechanics that I wouldn't trust with a lawnmower around my town. But I take pride in being able to distinguish myself from them. I do quick, clean work. I don't overcharge and don't play the 'replace y til we fix x' game either. If you are good to your customers, they will be good to you, for the most part. I keep my main tools in an RKI chest, but it's full to the point no other tools fit, and that's just SOME hand-tools. I have another chest I'm installing some time this week to house the power tools/welders/plasma. I'm very cautious about my equipment, I don't know how the welders that have 10 extension cords, oxy/fuel setups, etc just sitting in their beds..

I run an oba setup (electric, warn powerplant hd) with a 10gallon tank, I use for airtools until I can get a good horizontal electric compressor mounted. I have a miller bobcat, I pretty much just use as a generator. For stick, I'd much rather use my Dynasty 200dx than the bobcat. I know the situations are different..

All I can say, is if you take care of your customers, and make it a point to distinguish yourself from your competition, you'll have more work than you can do. I'll post pictures in a bit.

 

[Big Johnson]

I'm thinking of going this route too but if I do I'll be getting a license and insurance, all the legal stuff. In CA. it's a big no-no and plenty of guys are getting busted for it (fine and jail time) CL seems to be the biggest way they get busted or they do shady work and someone complains.
I'm interested in this thread. OP you should start with your setup!

I go to people's houses and work on their cars also, but without insurance and everything legal it is only a matter of time before you make a mistake and have to PAY for it. Another thing is people, at least where I live, try to rip you off because they think you wont be able to do anything.

A guy I know was working 9-5 and also doing side work, he would drive to some one's house or other location in a diesel truck 80 miles round trip, do a job for several hours, and the guy would want to only pay $100. After paying for gas, and having to use all his own equipment, he would only make $50 on his day off.

I dont want to throw a wrench in the idea, but success is never easy.

 

[richfinn]

1. Be prepared for bad weather.

2. Know your limitations.

3. carry fast moving ignition coils/sensors/drive belts/batteries

4. invest in a midtronics battery tester

5. get a tow pole and a buddy with a workshop and lift

6. invest in some auto locksmith tools

7. offer specialist services like removing locking wheel nuts/lock outs/and any type of special diagnostics or programming you can do.

8. get some space saver wheels/tow eyes/anything else you can think of from the junk yard.

9. Use your vehicle to advertise/drive politely/keep it spotless and be well presented at all times, people trust smart (thats why politicians wear a suit and tie).

10. be aware of the legalities like waste disposal/used engine oil/flammable material as well as insurances

11. be very visible and wear Hi Viz clothing and use beacons at the roadside (accidents happen a lot more in a mobile environment) place your personal safety above everything else as you cant help no one if your dead or dying.

 

[smothers33]

Definitely invest in q good scan tool. I assume most people would call you because their car won't start and can't get to a shop w/o a tow. Having a good scan toolto diagnose those no starts could save you and customers time and money and thats how you get the word of mouth out. Also keep all tools and parts organized.

 

[Toolhorder]

I want to see pictures

 

[richfinn]

I want to see pictures

There are about six pics of my van on the site somewhere but I have no idea where to find them

 

[mikefromme]

There are about six pics of my van on the site somewhere but I have no idea where to find them

 

[Toolhorder]

There are about six pics of my van on the site somewhere but I have no idea where to find them

What type of van is it?

I was thinking about maybe a mobile detailing trailer too. Haven't decided yet.

 

[mikefromme]

What type of van is it?

I was thinking about maybe a mobile detailing trailer too. Haven't decided yet.

I'd be nervous about using a trailer. Too easy for scumbags to steal.

I had a 16' box trailer for my construction company. Sold it because I never felt safe leaving my tools in it. Even at home it just seemed to vulnerable.

 

[richfinn]

What type of van is it?

I was thinking about maybe a mobile detailing trailer too. Haven't decided yet.

I live in the UK and work for R.A.C, Currently I have a Ford Transit AWD which has a small workshop and storage area and a rapid deployment trailer for recovering vehicles .

 

[richfinn]

I know, thanks for reminding me in such a low key fashion

 

[Brownsfan]

I am not a mechanic(mobile). I am a mobile electronics installer. I go to on site locations when a dealer cant bring it to me or there are a larger number of vehicles for me to do an install in like gps tracking for fleet vehicles. I have a mobile tool box and a small parts in for connecters screws etc. I work out if the back of my 2010 Explorer. I am considering getting rid of my retail location and going strictly mobile. We will see when my lease is up

 

[jrlp]

Toolbox loaded with hand tools, straps, axe, shovel, 2gauge jumpers, air tools. I'm adding another chest soon for the welders

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Edit: Rki chest toolbox, 20x22x60"

 

[JMcFly]

that is a pretty serious looking bumper

 

[FLRover]

Icon System Combat Vehicle System boxes and a standard tool box. Allows me to carry spares, my computer and of course tools. All loaded into the back of my Rover.

 

[pipsters]

Toolbox loaded with hand tools, straps, axe, shovel, 2gauge jumpers, air tools. I'm adding another chest soon for the welders

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Edit: Rki chest toolbox, 20x22x60"

You'll show that next deer that tries to run out in front of YOU!!

 

[jrlp]

I live in FAR south Texas, and spend a lot of time on the highway at night. Those that have driven 359 to Corpus will know, you'll pass 50+ deer on the side of the highway just from Freer to Corpus! I usually have 35" tires on my truck, but the Nitto MT's I had (E's) wore out in about 20k, so the stock pizzacutters went on until I can afford the next set. Sorry for hijacking!

 

[Toolhorder]

Icon System Combat Vehicle System boxes and a standard tool box. Allows me to carry spares, my computer and of course tools. All loaded into the back of my Rover.

You'll need all them tools when the head gaskets blow!

 

[Need4racin]

i'm in a slightly different business, but i'm mobile

constuction equipment dealership field mechanic.

company owned truck
'06 f550 PS

This is what I was picturing for a mobile mechanic. Doesn't have to be a f550, might even be able to get by with a nice utility bed like that on a long bed half ton, if you're just carrying tools.

 

[abbeylives]

more pics of peoples setups please

 

[richfinn]

more pics of peoples setups please

Here you go found it


http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=106842&highlight=Transit+van

 

[crewchief888]

This is what I was picturing for a mobile mechanic. Doesn't have to be a f550, might even be able to get by with a nice utility bed like that on a long bed half ton, if you're just carrying tools.

the tools are the heavy part !

thats an 11ft body, with 3 section sliding top, 3202 autocrane

i dont carry as many parts as i used to in a previous F450, my old truck crosssed the scales at a little over 14.8k lbs., this one is closer to 12k.

these service bodies are a POS, some of them have leaked from day 1 brand new.. both the ones from my store are stressed cracked
suppose to be getting some new trucks this year, f450, gasser, 11ft (steel) body with a full (stand up) height top, no crane.

 

[jredmond1107]

I go to people's houses and work on their cars also, but without insurance and everything legal it is only a matter of time before you make a mistake and have to PAY for it. Another thing is people, at least where I live, try to rip you off because they think you wont be able to do anything.

A guy I know was working 9-5 and also doing side work, he would drive to some one's house or other location in a diesel truck 80 miles round trip, do a job for several hours, and the guy would want to only pay $100. After paying for gas, and having to use all his own equipment, he would only make $50 on his day off.

I dont want to throw a wrench in the idea, but success is never easy.

I quickly encountered this problem your buddy had and figured it out: I try to extend the cost of fuel to the customer. If they aren't willing to pay for my gas, they can call someone else. I charge a preliminary fuel surcharge that also covers the first hr of any kind of diag I have to do, if they are a repeat customer or dropping an acceptable number I deduct the surcharge from my labor rate. I have mainly just been doing word-of-mouth because people are shady and scammers EVERYWHERE, but I know ALOT of people in my area and have more work than I can do.

I have only gotten a few quality customers off of craigslist. Craigslist attracts bottom-feeders and scumbags so I have to weed out many "can you do my intake gasket for $20 and my wife makes you dinner" sheisters. I have had to threaten to ONE TIME (but never have actually had to) "un-do my labor" or un-fix a car yet! Most of my clients are decent, affluent people who are not really overly concerned with cost because they already understand the savings they are getting when they call me. I charge out work at $40-70 per labor hour, generally do not mark up parts (but charge a delivery fee if the customer doesn't get them/ they don't get delivered) and have standard prices on common maintenance items. Yes people are crazy at times and I try to not even take anyone I feel iffy about.

Does anyone else not really enjoy someone watching over your shoulder or watching you while you work, or trying to make conversation while you work? Recently helped a few people who did this THE WHOLE TIME!!! I have accepted some people will do this and unlike in the shop I can't exactly tell them to wait up front. Any advice on how to address this? I have just been putting up with it but one guy in particular was very annoying/distracting...

I'm not going to lie here I generally stick to gravy on the side because AHEM I don't have insurance at the moment but am shopping around for a good rate. I stick to jobs that I am close to 100% confident will not result in damage I cannot cover, and yes I do know my limitations. I do my best to feel out the customer and the situation over the phone, to avoid getting caught without a paddle. My tax situation is 100% legal, and for the record the IRS does pay out up to 10% on tax fraud cases to informants so if you do "side work" or make any kind of unreported income perhaps keep that to yourself as much as possible.

I will post pics of my setup later, but I am pretty cheap so its pretty scary!!! lol I have gotten alot of good feedback from you guys here so thank you! I see alot of you have way more invested here than anything I plan to (or will be able to ) any time soon but the feedback was awesome great pics too I have been seriously thinking about buying a Transit...

 

[jredmond1107]

mobilediagnosticsmn.com not me by a long shot but good lord!!! anybody care to do a rough estimate as to how much this guy has in diag equipment?

richfinn that Transit is INSANE. The rapid deployment trailer blew my mind. I'm in awe.

 

[NJHandyGuy]

yeah that dude is asking for it adversiting the s/o logo on trailer like that

 

[jredmond1107]

Icon System Combat Vehicle System boxes and a standard tool box. Allows me to carry spares, my computer and of course tools. All loaded into the back of my Rover.

what are these Icon System boxes? Where do you get these?

 

[Tarheelgarage]

I do a lot of side jobs, but am not mobile. I will run out and look at a car and do diag but repairs will be in home shop. I've got a list of customers and get many referals, but always look closely to weed out the scammers and con artists before taking on any work.

I got a T belt job this weekend.

My business model: $CASH$ only, no funny money, no payments plans, etc, no ********.

 

[lortech]

I go to people's houses and work on their cars also, but without insurance and everything legal it is only a matter of time before you make a mistake and have to PAY for it. Another thing is people, at least where I live, try to rip you off because they think you wont be able to do anything.

A guy I know was working 9-5 and also doing side work, he would drive to some one's house or other location in a diesel truck 80 miles round trip, do a job for several hours, and the guy would want to only pay $100. After paying for gas, and having to use all his own equipment, he would only make $50 on his day off.

I dont want to throw a wrench in the idea, but success is never easy.

You need to avoid CL. I got lots of crappy calls aka, cheap customers. If it rains, put the car on the customers that have a empty garage or carport. Stay local if you have a large local population. Last week, I did two cars only 150 feet from my place Find the cars 5-7 years old and are known to have cirtain problems. Hit the cars you know, and put the business cards on them. Lastly, offer discounts for repeat business from new customers. Existing customer can get a discount, if it leads to new mouth referrals.

 

[lortech]

Because room is limited in a truck or van, you may have to take the blow molded cases that are over sized, and make much smaller ones to accomidate more tools in a tighter space.

When weather is foul, ask a shop for a partnership agreement. First work for them to see how it goes then if he agrees, work on your own and bring in more cars if he is slow and reap the rewards without the weather.

1. Be prepared for bad weather.

2. Know your limitations.

3. carry fast moving ignition coils/sensors/drive belts/batteries

4. invest in a midtronics battery tester

5. get a tow pole and a buddy with a workshop and lift

6. invest in some auto locksmith tools

7. offer specialist services like removing locking wheel nuts/lock outs/and any type of special diagnostics or programming you can do.

8. get some space saver wheels/tow eyes/anything else you can think of from the junk yard.

9. Use your vehicle to advertise/drive politely/keep it spotless and be well presented at all times, people trust smart (thats why politicians wear a suit and tie).

10. be aware of the legalities like waste disposal/used engine oil/flammable material as well as insurances

11. be very visible and wear Hi Viz clothing and use beacons at the roadside (accidents happen a lot more in a mobile environment) place your personal safety above everything else as you cant help no one if your dead or dying.

 

[jjmtech]

any stories of anyone starting with very Little to making it big?

 

[Rezeppa]

the tools are the heavy part !

thats an 11ft body, with 3 section sliding top, 3202 autocrane

i dont carry as many parts as i used to in a previous F450, my old truck crosssed the scales at a little over 14.8k lbs., this one is closer to 12k.

these service bodies are a POS, some of them have leaked from day 1 brand new.. both the ones from my store are stressed cracked
suppose to be getting some new trucks this year, f450, gasser, 11ft (steel) body with a full (stand up) height top, no crane.

A half ton with a service body isn't really enough. I have seen very vert few. Tools alone will kill your GVWR. My boss has an extremely basic GMC 3500 with a Stahl box and last time he crossed the scale with basic tools he was 11.5k my old F-350 7.3 after tools, welder, air comp, torch rig was 12.2k. Idk what this one weighs but I'm sure with oil and fuel its over that.
That is an F-550 and it still doesn't have the all the room I thought it would. The problem is service trucks you are farther away from your coworkers toolbox so you CAN'T BARROW anything. In a shop a regular toolbox a month after you buy one you wonder why you didn't go bigger its the same with a service truck but instead of a 3000$ on a box its a 50,000$ truck. All I can say is you don't see many mobile automotive techs and I think it is because after fuel, insurance, equipment cost, lack of capability like (AC machines for example) and dealing with the general public there isn't much left on the bone.

 

[mobiletech]

I'm also in the same business and the only local mobile mechanic, I have been working out of my sport trac, I am thinking of buying a retired bread truck with the 4bt 3.9L cummins, has anyone else used a bread truck or maybe box truck. do you have pics or threads on this. Also thought bout pickup with utility bed( cost a little more) ...love to see pics...

 

[146wmike]

Hi, new to this site. I too am looking to make the jump after 25 years of working for someone else. Tired of telling big guy what should be done and how to avoid same problem in future only to be told to patch it up and get it going until we can fix it later, problem is later never comes. Then the bandaid falls off somewhere down the line and you go from hero to zero real quick! I am currently setting up a F350 4x4 dually with a knapphied body on it . I want some opinions on a compressor , hose reels ,generator. I am not going to install a welder so that gives me some space.Im also thinking a mobile hose making machine . Just looking for some feed back thanks ahead of time !

 

[cientiros]

What do you guys think about the 99 F350 service trucks?
These guys seem to have a pretty good price on them. Similar to our local AT&T service trucks.
http://rondotrailer.com/commerce/item/index.php?departmentID=1&parentID=39

Almost look like the Knapheide style found here: http://www.knapheide.com/product/kuvcc-bodies/

 

[SmashedKnuckles]

Greeting Guys,
I just came across this thread and figured since i am a full time mobile mechanic i should jump in an give my 2 cents as some one who has played around doing mobile work for about 4 years and been doing it full time for almost 6 months.
So a bit about me, i'm a younger fellow and i actually sub contract for a mobile mechanic service, means i know the guy who owns the company and he sends me leads and he get's a cut. My Boss has all the city and state licences to operate the business including all the necessary insurance. We are BBB Accredited as well as fully licenced and insured, we have a website, Facebook site and and spend plenty of money on advertising. the big thing is you can find us. we don't just show up screw up a car then disappear off the face of the earth. We have paperwork. That really is the key to success here, get everything on writing. if the customer signed the invoice saying they would pay you $175 to install a starter and the starter is installed and they don't want to pay you. boom you can take that paper to court. our's is set up in a way that allows up to put a lien on their car if they don't pay. so that's how we ensure that everyone plays by the rules. now as far as rigs / tooling. i work out of the back of my 1996 ford bronco. i have probably in the range of $1000 worth of tools mostly husky some mac one or 2 snap on and some harbor freight. but here's the thing: some jobs are not meant for mobile mechanics. things like clutches. while i can do one it's really not practical to do in a driveway. because i work for a reputable service, and we service upper middle class all the way up to the upper class we charge a premium for our service. people want the convenience, for example had one guy with a problem that required the ****** come out of his truck, our labor guide and our normal rate plus parts and parts markup was about $1150, instead of crawling around in the mud for hours working on this we spent $60 on a tow and paid another shop $480 then drive it back. the customer was happy because it was first of all only 1 charge and it was totally hassle free for him. so in summary, you can do it, no you don't need a huge truck, no you don't need $30k in tools. the biggest thing is to have good customer service and to look professional. obviously when you come out from underneath a car after doing a starter you are not going to look your best but simple things, keep you pants up, keep your chirt buttoned, don't wear ripped clothing ect. can go leaps and bounds. and you need to be able to talk on the phone. any questions let me know i'll be happy to answer them.
Wrench on my friends

 

[kctyphoon]

I'm not a lawyer, so I don't know if this applies to the mobile mechanic thing. If you advertise on Craigslist or anywhere as a handyman and you are NOT a licensed contractor - you CANNOT be sued.. If you make the choice to hire someone that discloses that he his not licensed and insured (as far as home remodeling goes anyway), you forfeit your ability to sue for damages.

Anyway - I can't imagine wanting to give up the use of a shop, having all your stuff organized AND staying out of the weather (and dirt for that matter).. Brakes and oil changes - OK.. Not thinking much more would be worth the aggravation.

 

[MercLSU]

I'm just a shade tree guy myself, but this thread is very interesting to me. Not trying to hijack it or anything, but how often on jobs like these do you get halfway in and realize that you don't have something specific that you need? I imagine you guys are pretty organized and would have the tools required the majority of the time but if you need parts, do you have an arrangement with a parts supplier (to run them to you) or do you leave the job to go get them?

Or do you limit the jobs you take to a specific niche (certain makes / models and types of jobs) to ensure that the above doesn't happen?