This may seem like a dumb question...

[tonk]

Can a mobile WSR business be comfortably carted around in the trunk of a car? I know the kit is fairly small, but I've read posts where some of you are talking about tents, signs, other add-on equipment, etc...

I guess the tent is the main concern, and how many of you use tents? Do they stay up on windy days? I'm in L.A. so the sun is pretty much always out. I'm assuming the tent is used if you are setting up at a car wash or some other location?

Thanks!
Tom

[Brent Deines]

It all depends on your business model. I had a friend that worked out of the trunk of his sedan and did very well. I liked having a little larger ladder, even though I rarely used it, so I always drove a pickup. I never used a tent because when I was mobile I was jumping from job to job and every minute counted. There were times in the winter when a tent would have been nice to keep the rain and snow off, but then I would have had to deal with putting a wet tent away every 30 minutes or so. If you are strictly mobile I don't think you will find much need for a tent, but if you want to set up at a car wash or parking lot where you will be there all day, I tent will protect you from the sun as well as the rain.

Once upon a time several forum members were kind enough to post photos of their repair vehicles. Some were both functional and also served as rolling billboards. Unfortunately when we made some upgrades to the forum awhile back all of those photos were lost. Maybe one of these days someone will add more photos to the old topic or start a new topic and show off their wheels.

If I were to go mobile again I would get something with good mileage and a fold down back seat so I could pack a tent and ladder if I wanted to.

[SGT]

It is still hard to believe that I have a totally legit and successful business and I operate out of a tool bag. Simply amazing! Granted I have a home office but all work is done mobile. I use my 2dr subaru imprezza most of the time and I have an EZ up tent 10x10 and it could easily fit in my car. I carry a small 3 step ladder that fits no problem as well. So depending on what your focus will be with a few exceptions, I say YES you can.

As for wind concerns with tents, you can buy the sand bags to weight the tent down.

Good Luck.

[adam@gtglass]

There are even some technicians out there that carry all of their gear in motorcycle saddle bags! I'm sure some of them would tell you that a sedan would be plenty of space!

Cheers,