Do you love painted furniture and crafty furniture makeover videos you’ve seen on social media? If yes, you might enjoy furniture flipping.

Jennifer Beck burned out from being the number one seller in a corporation. She started Saved by Design to escape the rat race and turned her passion into a six-figure furniture flipping business—without taking on any debt.

In this article, you’ll learn about the most profitable furniture to flip and how to use the cool videos you’ve seen to refinish coffee tables, chairs, dressers, and other quality pieces people want to buy.

[su_note note_color="#dbeafc"] Jennifer shares how to start a furniture-flipping business, with information about:

• What is furniture flipping?
• What is the best furniture to flip?
• Is flipping furniture profitable?
• Where to find furniture to flip
• How to start a furniture flipping business
• How much can you make flipping furniture?
• When is the best time to buy furniture?
• What is the best way to find free furniture near me?
• Valuable resources for furniture flippers
• Start flipping furniture yourself[/su_note]

Read all her advice, or click on any of the links above to jump straight to the section that interests you most.

What is furniture flipping?

Flipping furniture is a process where you find old furniture, improve it by fixing any damage and adding new hardware, stain, paint, or fabric, and then resell it for a profit.

Jennifer told us:

[su_quote]I knew I loved DIY, fixing things, and design and saw people doing it, but not focusing on the sales aspect, so I knew I could do it better.[/su_quote]

What is the best furniture to flip?

The best furniture to flip depends on your skill set. A furniture flipper might focus on end tables, dressers, shelves, couches, and chairs. Jennifer shared the simple key to a worthwhile furniture makeover:

[su_quote]It needs to be what your customers want to see.[/su_quote]

Check out our interview with her below.

Is flipping furniture profitable?

According to business research firm IBIS World, the furniture restoration industry makes $1.8 billion per year. The firm estimates furniture restorers spend 42% of their revenue on wages, purchases, and rent; the other 58% of revenue could be comprised of marketing costs, tax payments, and profits.

According to Jennifer, Saved by Design was profitable immediately, and it has remained so every month for five years.

But how profitable is it?

[su_quote][We make] $12K in revenue [annually], and our gross profit margins are 80%. You’ll have to be frugal, and [remodeling the furniture] will take a little more time because you aren’t investing in crazy expensive tools.[/su_quote]

Where to find furniture to flip

Places to find used furniture include thrift stores, garage sales, auctions, yard sales, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and friends and family. You can even grab unwanted furniture from the side of the road.

Be careful when grabbing furniture from the side of the road, though, because it could have bed bugs or other critters in it.

How to start a furniture flipping business

Starting a furniture flipping business can be a creative and profitable venture. Here are steps to help you get started:

1. Research the market.
2. Create your business.
3. Get furniture-flipping supplies.
4. Source furniture.
5. Do a furniture flip.
6. Establish the price.
7. Create a sales strategy.
8. Market your furniture flips.
9. Provide great customer service.
10. Keep detailed records of each furniture flip.
11. Reinvest in the business.

Get ready to learn all about flipping furniture for beginners.

Step #1. Research the market

Before you decide to flip furniture, you should research the market. You’ll want to:

1. Identify the type of furniture to flip.
2. Identify your target audience.
3. Perform competitor analysis.
4. Write a business plan (optional).

Identify the type of furniture to flip

Decide what type of furniture you want to focus on. You might narrow it down by the furniture piece or style.

We discussed standard furniture pieces earlier, but the style might be vintage, modern, Victorian, or custom.

Jennifer explained:

[su_quote]We have two main ways we make money: custom commission work [and] sourcing our pieces … We mainly focus on old pieces.[/su_quote]

Identify your target audience

You’ll want to identify your ideal customer to simplify selling furniture. If you don’t know who might like a piece of furniture, it may be harder to make extra cash on it.

Jennifer explained:

[su_quote]We focus on high-quality clients who value design quality, value the history [of the piece], and are willing to pay a price.[/su_quote]

Perform competitor analysis

Jennifer stressed the importance of paying attention to furniture flipping trends. She researches major retailers and listens to her customers’ demands.

Create a business plan (optional)

When you write a business plan, you’ll want to have at least the following sections:

1. Mission and vision statement
2. Budget and financials
3. Marketing plan
4. Operational plan

Mission and vision statement

Tell people why you do what you do and how you do it. Even though Jennifer never wrote a formal business plan, she still knows her mission clearly:

[su_quote]We provide quality pieces, customer service, and [honesty]. And if I can’t do something, I’ll tell you.[/su_quote]

Budget and financial projections

It helps to estimate your startup costs, ongoing expenses, and projected revenue.

For Jennifer, taking on debt was never a consideration:

[su_quote]I filed bankruptcy at 22 and committed to never taking on debt again. For my small business and lifestyle, taking on debt was never even considered.[/su_quote]

Marketing plan

Outline how you will market your business, including how you’ll create your online presence, use social media, and the software you’ll use to accomplish your goals.

We’ll talk more about marketing later, but Jennifer explained:

[su_quote]I will never downplay the word of mouth. Our very first customer was a coworker of a friend of ours.[/su_quote]

She also explained that much of today’s word of mouth occurs on social media.

Operations plan

You’ll want to detail the day-to-day operations, including sourcing furniture, refurbishing, and sales.

Jennifer had numerous furniture-flipping tips when it came to managing operations. First, you need to:

[su_quote]Educate yourself about everything you can about small business, and then let go and let people better at specific skills take over those.[/su_quote]

Jennifer stressed the importance of setting designated to work on your furniture flipping business—it’s important to have a life outside of your business.

How does she manage her furniture revamps?

[su_quote]Our workdays are Monday through Friday. 8 hours a day. We are doing physical work when we’re in the office. We do all our pickups and deliveries ourselves. We do all our filming ourselves, too.[/su_quote]

Next, you’ll want to create the business.

Step #2. Create your business

You aren’t required to report flipping furniture on your taxes until you make over $600, but if you’re trying to make substantial money reselling furniture, you should probably create a business.

That means you’ll need to:

1. Create a business structure.
2. Register your business.
3. Comply with tax laws.

Create a business structure

Decide whether you want to operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. Most small businesses opt for an LLC or S-Corp. You can learn more in our guide to business structures.

It’s helpful to consult a legal professional to choose the best option for your situation.

Register your business

You must register your business name and obtain any necessary permits or licenses. You may need state, county, or municipal registrations. Each state is different, so check your secretary of state’s business guide for what you’ll need when selling used furniture.

Comply with tax laws

You must understand tax obligations, including federal and state income, payroll, and sales taxes. There are over 13,000 tax jurisdictions in the U.S., so if you furniture flip in multiple jurisdictions, you might want to use the tax resource Avalara.

Once you’ve created your business, it’s time to flip furniture.

Step #3. Get furniture-flipping supplies

You’ll need tools and materials to perform a furniture makeover. Each piece of furniture is different, so you’ll need to research what is required.

You can choose power tools or hand tools. Hand tools require more elbow grease, and Jennifer doesn’t mind using a little elbow grease. She explained:

[su_quote]We are frugal about what we spend. Our first tools were old hand-me-downs we got from friends and family.[/su_quote]

[su_quote]Start with the basics. Research. Then, decide what you think works. Take $20 and go to a thrift shop. Don’t buy a bunch of expensive tools.[/su_quote]

At a minimum, you’ll probably want the following items for wood furniture:

• Sandpaper
• Paint
• Brushes
• Stain

As for acquiring a physical workspace, Jennifer told us:

[su_quote]My daughter and I work out of our garage, so the space for each furniture flip is free. Where we spend money is on the supplies.[/su_quote]

Step #4. Do a furniture flip

For each furniture flip, you’ll need to:

1. Acquire furniture.
2. Take before and after pictures.
3. Repair the furniture.
4. Find a buyer.

Find furniture

You’ll want to find quality furniture reasonably priced that you can flip. People commonly look for a coffee table, end table, chair, couch, shelving unit, or dresser.

Flippable furniture can often be found at a thrift store, garage sale, Craigslist, OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, or on the side of the road.

You’ll want to look for relatively good-quality furniture, but you can repair it to create the perfect piece.

Take before and after pictures

Flipping old furniture usually requires some marketing to sell it. That means you need to take some before pictures of the piece to show what it looked like before you gave it new life.

After you finish, you’ll want to take some well-lit pictures that provide a perfect example of how someone might use the new furniture in their house.

You can also record a video of yourself sanding, applying paint, and performing other repairs.

Repair the furniture

You’ll want to develop a style or signature touch that separates your furniture. This could be a particular finish, color palette, or design element.

How to create painted furniture

One of the trends that a lot of people love is painted furniture. You just sand the original finish off the wood, add a little paint, and maybe change the hardware, and it’s ready for a resell.

How to flip a dresser

Dressers are one of the more challenging flips because they have drawers. If the drawers aren’t in working condition, your dresser flip will require replacing hardware, which will add to the cost of your dresser makeover.

Other than that, the procedure is the same as different furniture makeovers and flips.

How to flip couches

Flipping a couch is entirely different than most furniture makeovers. You will most likely be working with fabric or leather instead of (or in addition to) wood. That means you’ll need additional tools.

Most couch-flipping blogs focus on finding sellers, buying the couch cheap, and cleaning it up.

You might also consider reupholstering couches if you can get them for a steal. Check out Family Handyman’s reupholstering guide for couch-flipping tips.

Now that you know how to flip a couch, let's discuss finding a buyer.

Step #5. Establish the price

When you establish your asking price, you’ll want to consider your material costs, time you spent, and desired profit margin.

Jennifer prices her items based on market value, the time the flip takes, and the cost of the materials. Her profit margins tend to be higher when she sources the furniture herself.

She usually does 12 pieces per month, nine of which are her selections, while the other three are commissioned. She makes about $1,000 per piece.

Step #6. Create a sales strategy

Decide where you'll sell your refurbished furniture. Venues could include online marketplaces, your website, local consignment shops, or even your own showroom.

Jennifer mainly uses word of mouth to make money flipping furniture, but she includes social media in the “word of mouth” category. She explained that she didn’t know much about how to make money flipping furniture when she started:

[su_quote]I had no idea what I was doing. During the first year, I didn’t put much energy into it (selling on social media).[/su_quote]

Fortunately, you can learn from her mistakes before you start flipping furniture. Learn how she markets her business now.

Step #7. Market your furniture flips

There are many ways to market your work. Jennifer uses two main methods. To follow her path, you’ll want to develop an online presence and get referrals to sell your work.

Create an online presence

You’ll want to build a website and create profiles on social media platforms. Check out all of Saved by Design’s web assets.

Jennifer’s website uses a simple one-page design, but she also does a lot on social media. She told us:

[su_quote]We utilize Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Instagram does best for us.[/su_quote]

[su_quote]For those who are wondering how to succeed on social media, she suggests you:
• Find your niche.
• Post consistently. [And I mean] all the time.
• Provide content that your followers want and need to see.[/su_quote]

It should be noted that Jennifer has other streams of revenue, including:

• Consultations: Jennifer advises people on how to flip furniture for a rate of $100 per hour with a 15-minute minimum.
• Affiliate links: She also sells products to paint furniture on Amazon using affiliate links. Learn more about affiliate marketing.
• Etsy: Jennifer also makes additional revenue by selling gallons of paint on Etsy. The colors for painted furniture range from neutral shades to bright yellow and Tuscan red.

Word of mouth requires a great product and excellent customer service, which we’ll discuss next.

Get referrals

You can get referrals by handing out business cards, asking for customer reviews, or running an affiliate program. The goal is to get people who have already benefited from your furniture flip services to spread the word (which means you have to do a good job).

Step #8. Provide excellent customer service

Customer service can make or break companies. Jennifer explained how to flip furniture and provide excellent customer service. She started with a little about her history:

[su_quote]I was trying to figure out what made me such a great salesperson and concluded that follow-through is the difference between what I did and what other salespeople do. … People want to know they can believe what you say. [Which means] always underpromise and overdeliver.[/su_quote]

Jennifer explained that she takes this approach from the first time someone reaches out to her about a project. She’ll use an email or script that says:

[su_quote]Thank you for reaching out to me. I will always be honest with you, and if I can’t do something, I’ll tell you.[/su_quote]

Something as simple as that helps build trust with customers, even if she has to reject certain requests. She explained:

[su_quote]I reject a project mainly because I am too busy. I will (also) reject pieces if it’s so far gone that we can’t, or it’s a piece that so inexpensive we can’t justify working on it.[/su_quote]

In the rare instance that Jennifer has an issue after completing an order, she has an excellent way to handle that, too!

[su_quote]If you did make a mistake, own it and offer to fix it. Alternatively, ask them what can I do to correct this?[/su_quote]

Sometimes, that just isn’t enough, and you must be more creative. Jennifer explained:

[su_quote]When people just want to be angry, offer them solutions. Tell them we’ll have to agree to disagree if they don't accept them, but these solutions are still open if you change your mind.[/su_quote]

Another piece of customer service Jennifer and her daughter employ is personally delivering the furniture themselves, further building a relationship with the customer.

Step #9. Keep detailed records of each furniture flip

As a small business owner, you must track expenses and income. When flipping furniture for profit, make sure to document:

1. The cost of the furniture piece.
2. The mileage to pick up and deliver it.
3. The time it takes you to do the makeover.
4. The cost of paint, varnish, and anything else went into the redesign.

Use accounting software, like QuickBooks, to track income, expenses, and payroll. You might also want an accountant to help you automate your record-keeping and audit your books quarterly.

Step #10. Reinvest in the business

You’ll want to expand your business as you go. This may mean investing in more tools, moving into a store, advertising, hiring employees, or adding new revenue streams.

However you decide to expand your business, Jennifer recommends reinvesting profits. She told us how she handled hers:

[su_quote]It took at least a year for [the company] to fully cover [our living expenses]. … When we started, we reinvested 50% of our profit. As we’ve grown, we reduced our reinvestment down to 10%.[/su_quote]

Pro Tip: You can make a profit, and a business still fails. Imagine your cost of running a business is $2K per month. You make $3K per month, but your living expenses are $5K monthly. Are you paying all your bills? Nope. When calculating the cost of doing business, include your cost of living by adding up all your bills and multiplying by 2.5.

How much can you make flipping furniture?

The sky is the limit. People spend over $243.8 billion annually on furniture, with an average of $767 per person. That means there is plenty of room for you to expand, especially if you focus on living room furniture.

The most significant percentage of the spending is on living room furniture, like coffee tables, end tables, and couches.

When is the best time to buy furniture?

The best time to buy furniture from a store is during the end of the summer or winter seasons because that is when retailers shift their stock the most. During those times, you are likely to save money.

What is the best way to find free furniture near me?

If you hope to find free furniture to make extraordinary profits, you should look at online marketplaces. While you can sometimes find free pieces on the side of the road, people moving will often include words like “sold immediately” in posts that you can find with an easy search.

Valuable resources for furniture flippers

• Furniture Flipping Teacher: Want to take a course on furniture flipping? Blogs typically recommend Furniture Flipping Teacher. We have not audited the course to see if it is applicable. We suggest watching their YouTube videos first.
• Dave Does Carpentry: Check out the YouTube channel on carpentry.
• Home Depot: Home Depot does lots of DIY videos.
• Business book: Try reading Jennifer’s favorite business book, Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey

Start flipping furniture yourself

Now you know how to start furniture flipping. It’s up to you to create creative ideas that will look amazing in people’s homes. Then find people who want the redecorated furniture. What kind of furniture revamps have you done?

Truckers need great trucking company names to help people remember them. Many trucking businesses just use some variation of the owners’ names or initials, but a trucking company might want to find a business name that is more unique.

[su_note note_color="#dbeafc"] Click on any of the links below to jump to the truck company name section that interests you.

• 14 badass trucking company names
• 76 cool trucking company name ideas
• 50 catchy trucking company names
• 64 good truck company names
• How do I choose a trucking company name?
• What truck company starts with U?
• What is the number one trucking company in the U.S.?
• How to register a trucking business name
• How to start a trucking business
• Did you find the trucking name inspiration you need? [/su_note]

Keep reading to find some of the best trucking company names available in the U.S.

10 badass trucking company names

Let’s be real here: Truckers are known for being a colorful bunch. If you’re looking for some badass company names, know that I’m not one to disappoint. Y’all are road warriors driving more in a year than some people do in their whole lives. Consider some of these names:

1. Hi Line Trucking
2. Big Rig Brotherhood
3. Hot Haulers Express
4. Magnum Trucking
5. Goliath Express Transport (GET)
6. Down to Frieght (DTF)
7. Hauling Over Territory (HOT)
8. Freaky Fast Freight
9. BroHaul Logistics
10. Step Off Trucking

Pro Tip: Many of the cool trucking company names are best represented by an acronym that’s used as the official business name. Why? You can’t be too explicit when you’re naming your truck company or the government might not approve it.

76 cool trucking company name ideas

When it’s time to come up with trucking company names, you should think of who your potential customers are. Not the end consumer, but the businesses you’ll be partnering with. Your trucking company business name should reflect the type of transportation company that you are and show that you’re the best trucking company around!

Pro Tip: Select from our list of trucking company name ideas to find the right one for your trucking company. You can use these as they are, or edit them to make them the perfect fit for your business. Keep in mind your brand identity and your target audience when selecting your name.

50 catchy trucking company names

Your list of prospective catchy trucking company names should include your trucking industry, trucking services, and whether or not you are national carriers. Here are some ideas that you could use as is or combine with your trucking company details to get a name that’s perfect for you.

Pro Tip: As with nurses, there always seems to be a shortage of truck drivers. Attract new drivers to the trucking industry with your trucking business name ideas. Let your drivers see that your trucking crew is most important and that they can pick a route and schedule that works best for them.

64 good truck company names

As you ask yourself “What are good truck company names?” and work to narrow down your trucking company name ideas, think of your entire trucking business and decide what your mission and values are. Those should dictate how you name it. It’s recommended that you select several names that you really like and start playing around with logos. Your logo will be very large (think of it plastered across the side of your truck!) and it’s the first thing potential customers will see.

Pro Tip: Hopefully by now you have a list of at least a few potential names for your trucking business. Something you will likely need once your business is up and running is a website. After you narrow down your names list, check domain name availability to see if you’ll be able to get the .com that matches your new trucking company name.

How do I choose a trucking company name?

When choosing a trucking company name, you can:

• Use Keywords: Create a list of keywords related to the trucking industry, such as "freight," "haul," "transport," "logistics," or "delivery." Include industry-specific terms that resonate with your brand identity and services.
• Differentiate Yourself: Avoid generic or overused terms, and try to create a name that stands out from competitors.
• Think About Your Target Market: Think about your target market and the type of message you want to convey to them.
• Share Your Brand Values: Choose a name that reflects your brand values and mission and conveys professionalism and credibility.
• Keep It Simple: Avoid long or hard-to-spell names.
• Avoid Confusion: Avoid names that are too similar to other companies.
• Animal Names: Animal names are popular, especially if they are known for speed, such as Panther Expedited or Roadrunner Transportation Systems.
• Check Domain Name Availability: Check that the domain name is available for your trucking company.
• Verify Trademark Availability: You’ll want to check with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to verify the trucking company name you want is available. This is especially important because many transportation companies work in numerous states.
• Register With the Secretary of State (SOS): Trucking pros will want to register a new company with the SOS because you’ll want a corporation to protect from personal liability if something goes wrong.

Pro Tip: Try to keep your trucking company name ideas limited to two or three words and under 15 characters for ease of typing into a search engine.

What truck company starts with U?

A lot of them, actually, including a few major players…

1. UPS (United Parcel Service)
2. U-Haul
3. USA Truck
4. Universal Logistics Holdings
5. United Road Services
6. Uber Freight

What is the number one trucking company in the U.S.?

What counts as the largest trucking company in the U.S. depends on how you measure the size of the trucking company. We’re not including Amazon on the list despite the fact that it could be considered the largest by revenue.

• UPS: Most revenue ($100B) and net income ($11.5B).
• FedEx: Most employees(147K) and trailers (nearly 142K)
• Old Dominion Freight Line: Highest net income percentage at 22%
• Ryder Supply Chain Solutions: Most tractors by nearly a 2:1 margin

These numbers are based on statistics from Freight Caviar. Other notable companies to research include:

• XPO Logistics
• J.B. Hunt Transport Services
• YRC Worldwide
• Schneider National
• Swift Transportation
• Werner Enterprises
• Knight-Swift Transportation

How to register a trucking business name

Registering a trucking business involves several steps, and the specific requirements can vary depending on your location, the legal structure of your business, and the type of services you plan to offer. Here is a general guide to help you register a trucking business:

1. Choose a Legal Structure: Common legal structures for your trucking business include sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations.
2. Register the Business Name: Choose a unique and appropriate name for your trucking business. Check the availability of the name with the business registration office in your jurisdiction to ensure it's not already in use. Register the business name according to local regulations.
3. Register with the Secretary of State: Depending on your location, you may need to register your business with the Secretary of State or the equivalent business registration office in your country or region. This typically involves submitting the necessary forms and paying registration fees.
4. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN): If your trucking business has employees or is structured as a corporation or LLC, you'll need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This unique number is used for tax purposes.
5. Obtain Motor Carrier Authority (MC Number): If you plan to operate in the United States and engage in interstate commerce, you'll need to obtain a Motor Carrier Authority (MC Number) from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This process involves filing the appropriate forms and paying the required fees.
6. State and Local Permits: Research and obtain any state or local permits required for operating a trucking business. The specific permits may vary based on your location and the services you provide.
7. Commercial Driver's License (CDL): Ensure that any drivers you employ possess the necessary Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) required for operating commercial vehicles. Familiarize yourself with the regulations set by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
8. Insurance: Obtain the required insurance coverage for your trucks and drivers. This may include liability insurance, cargo insurance, and other specific types of coverage mandated by authorities.
9. Safety Compliance: Familiarize yourself with and ensure compliance with safety regulations set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and other relevant authorities. This may include regular vehicle inspections, driver training, and adherence to hours-of-service regulations.
10. Recordkeeping: Implement a robust record-keeping system to track your business finances, including income, expenses, and taxes. This is crucial for compliance and financial management.
11. Environmental Compliance (if applicable): If your trucks operate in regions with environmental regulations, ensure compliance with emissions standards and other environmental requirements.

Remember that regulations and requirements can vary, so it's crucial to consult with local business authorities, transportation departments, and legal professionals to ensure you meet all legal and regulatory obligations specific to your location and business structure.

How to start a trucking business

You’ll need to move through the following steps as you start a trucking business:

1. Get knowledgeable about the trucking industry.
2. Write a trucking company business plan.
3. Secure startup funding.
4. Register your business.
5. Get customers.
6. Manage your trucking business finances.
7. Hire a dispatcher.

Learn more about starting a trucking business in our interview with Sant Lines’ owner.

Did you find the trucking name inspiration you need?

Hopefully this list of trucking company names helped you find an idea for your business name that will help your trucking business succeed. What kind of trucking company business names do you like?

When you start a pressure washing business, you need the best mobile pressure washer trailer setup you can afford.

Don’t worry if you don’t know what you need. We provide the ultimate guide to buying or building a commercial pressure washer setup. We talked to the team at Brown’s Pressure Washing business to find out what equipment they use for their pressure washer setup.

[su_note note_color="#dbeafc"]

• What is a pressure washer trailer?
  
• What are the benefits of pressure washer trailer systems?
  
  • Increase mobility
    
  • Organize better
    
  • Protect equipment
    
  • Project a professional image
    
  • Improve workflows
    
  • Scale easier
    
• Benefits of a pressure washer truck setup
  
• Best pressure washer trailer setup for under $25K
  
  • Skid frame
    
  • Pressure washers
    
  • Hoses and reels
    
  • Power source
  • Water tank
    
  • Chemical tank
    
  • Reclaim tank
    
  • Accessories and customization
    
  • Controls and safety features
    
• Get your own pressure washer trailer
  
  • Buy a mobile pressure washing trailer
    
  • Build a homemade pressure washer trailer setup
    
• What trailer setup will you get?[/su_note]

What is a pressure washer trailer?

Pressure washer trailers are single or dual-axle trailers that include:

1. A self-contained gas, electric, or diesel-powered hot or cold water pressure washer
2. Hose reels
3. Water tanks

You can add chrome fittings and other accessories to improve your workflow and make your job easier. You might also add a recovery system to your mobile wash trailer. The reclamation allows you to recover dirty water from pressure washing and safely dispose of or reuse the water.

Pro Tip: This allows you to comply with most municipal and environmental regulations that govern wash-water runoff, which is an essential part of running a successful power washing business.

Pressure washer trailers must meet requirements outlined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and may be certified by the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM).

What are the benefits of pressure washer trailer systems?

Investing in a mobile pressure washing trailer for your pressure washing rig can offer several advantages and benefits. Here are some reasons why it might be a worthwhile investment:

1. Increase mobility
2. Organize better
3. Protect equipment
4. Project a professional image
5. Improve workflows
6. Scale easier

Let’s look at how a pressure washer trailer achieves each of these objectives.

Increase mobility

A pressure washing trailer setup provides the ability to transport your pressure washing equipment easily and efficiently. You can connect to a vehicle and take your pressure wash rig to multiple job sites or locations without disconnecting and reassembling the equipment each time.

You’ll save time, money, and effort, especially when you have multiple projects or sites daily.

Organize better

A pressure washer trailer provides dedicated space for your pressure washing equipment, accessories, and tools. You’ll benefit from having everything in one place so you’ll know exactly where to look for what you need.

You can customize the trailer with racks, shelves, and compartments to optimize storage and know your trailer-mounted equipment is secure during transportation.

Protect equipment

A commercial pressure washer trailer often provides secure weatherproof storage for your pressure washing equipment. Power washing trailers protect your investments from rain, snow, and UV exposure. You’ll reduce deterioration and damage, plus the power washing trailer locks deter theft of equipment.

Project a professional image

A dedicated trailer for your pressure washing rig enhances how your customers view you. It conveys a more professional and organized appearance. Clients may perceive you as more reliable and serious about your work, which can improve trust, customer satisfaction, and value perception compared to other pressure washers.

Improve workflows

Optimize your business workflows and increase efficiency with a well-designed trailer. Customize your pressure washer trailer with features like water tanks, hose reels, and equipment mounting options to streamline your operations.

You’ll have easier access to water sources, more efficient hose management, and quicker setup and teardown. Each of these reduces downtime and improves productivity so you can take more jobs each day.

Scale easier

Investing in a pressure washer trailer provides flexibility for future growth and tool expansion. As your pressure washing business grows, you can easily add more equipment or upgrade your rig without worrying about storage limitations or constraints.

A power washing trailer offers the capacity and versatility to accommodate additional equipment or accessories as demand for your services increases.

It’s important to carefully assess your specific business needs, budget, and operational requirements before buying a trailer for your pressure washing rig.

Pro Tip: Measure the dimensions and weight of your machine, fuel tanks, and large water tank before choosing a pressure washer trailer.

You’ll also need to gather additional information about the capacity of the trailer, towing capacity of your vehicle, and any local regulations or permits that pertain to towing a powerwash trailer.

Next, let’s look at why Brown’s prefers a truck bed pressure washer setup.

Benefits of a pressure washer truck setup

Pressure washing trucks like the one pictured above can be a great alternative to pulling pressure washing trailers around behind your vehicles. A pressure wash truck setup serves all the same benefits as a washer trailer and has some additional advantages. You might prefer a pressure washing truck set up for these reasons:

1. More compact: Trailers can add an additional 10 to 20 feet to a vehicle, which makes it difficult to travel in congested cities. A power washing truck requires less space.
2. Less maintenance: You won’t have to replace wheels on a trailer if you get a skid for a truck, though you’ll still have to maintain your power washing trucks.
3. Less storage space: A power washer truck will fit in a single parking space, while a power washer trailer will need its own space. That means you’ll need only half the parking.

A mobile pressure washing company will probably want to consider the pros and cons of each, but the team at Brown’s considers a truck pressure washer rig better than a power washer trailer.

Want to learn more about pressure washing?

Brown's Pressure Washing share their tips and strategies about how they've reached their success in out article on starting a pressure washing business. Learn more here.

Next, let’s look at what to include in a pressure washer trailer system.

Best pressure washer trailer setup for under $25K

Brown’s Pressure Washing uses a pressure washing truck setup that includes:

• 8’ Skid
• 8 GPM @ 3500 PSI Honda Gx690 pressure washer
• 18-gallon fuel tank
• 200-gallon water tank
• 100-gallon chemical tank
• 7-gallon soap tank
• Interstate deep cycle marine battery
• 3-18” electric hose reels
• 7 GPM 12v chemical pump with metering system
• 250’ water house
• 200’ pressure hose
• 200’ chemical hose
• 20” surface cleaner
• Remotes to operate equipment
• Toolbox

Josiah Le Beau, the Operations Manager at Brown’s Pressure Washing, told us:

[su_quote]We also add some additional technology that helps us operate our equipment through remotes which increase efficiency and an overall better cleaning for the homeowner! Everything all together cost around $23,000.[/su_quote]

Check out their custom pressure washer setup for trucks in the interview below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDVizUeYuIU

Next, we discuss the elements you’ll want to include in your pressure washing rigs.

Skid frame

The skid frame is a sturdy and durable platform made of metal, such as steel or aluminum. It is where you mount the pressure washer components and accessories.

The skid frame design can easily be put in a truck bed or trailer for easy transportation and stability. If you have a big multi-day job you can even take it out and leave it on the job site. You can buy skids online but the closest option to Brown’s current pressure washer setup with add-ons is the Alumimax Pro Pressure Wash Skid.

Pressure washers

Brown’s Pressure Washing recommends the 8 GPM, 3500 PSI Honda Gx690 Pressure Washer. This gas machine is the heart of their custom rig.

You might choose an electric-powered unit instead of a gas-powered washer depending on your preferences and needs. You’ll connect the pressure washer securely to the skid frame, often with vibration-dampening mounts to reduce noise and enhance its operational stability.

Learn about some of the best pressure washers for each type of cleaning job.

Hoses and reels

You’ll need hoses for the pressure washer to be truck or trailer-mounted. Brown’s uses three color-coded hoses on electric reels. The hoses are:

• 250’ Water hose ($299)
• 200’ Pressure hose ($259)
• 200’ Chemical hose($259)

You’ll want each hose to be rated to handle a minimum of 3500 PSI (or whatever your pressure washer is rated) so that you can utilize the power washers full force on bigger jobs. Brown’s color codes their hoses and uses Kings hose reels.

You’ll notice that they have both hand crank and electrical options in the picture above.

Power source

Your power source will consist of an electrical battery or a fuel tank. If you use any electrical components with a trailer-mounted gas washer, you may need both.

Fuel tank (gas-powered only)

Your mobile power washer trailer will need fuel for the engine. Brown’s uses an 18-gallon fuel tank like the one in the picture below. We have provided one that appears to have similar features in our Amazon shop.

Battery (solar optional)

You’ll need a battery to power electric pressure washers and any other electrical equipment. Brown’s uses an Interstate deep cycle marine battery.

You’ll probably want a way to charge it, too. There are a variety of ways to charge batteries including solar, alternators, or heat reclamation turbines.

Water tank

Custom pressure washer rigs often incorporate a self-contained water tank instead of connecting a hose to the water supply at the job site. The tank is securely fastened to the skid frame and may include features like baffles for stability during transport.

The team at Brown’s suggested getting a 200-gallon-capacity tank to meet the needs of most applications, including residential, business, and small industrial jobs.

Chemical tank

You will also want a separate tank for the chemicals in your pressure washer setup. Brown’s suggests a 100-gallon chemical tank because companies will use two parts water to one part chemicals.

Reclaim tank

The pressure washing industry uses a lot of water. Brown’s 8 GPM setup uses as much water in 45 minutes as the average U.S. household uses in a whole day.

Reclaiming water may be required in your area, but even if it isn’t, it may reduce your long-term costs because you can filter it and reuse it.

Accessories and customization

Custom rigs on skids can be customized to include various accessories based on specific requirements. These may include surface cleaners, extension wands, nozzles, spray guns, and chemical injection systems. The accessories can be mounted on the skid frame or stored in dedicated compartments for easy access and organization.

Controls and safety features

Custom rigs on skids typically include controls and safety features for convenient and safe operation. This may include pressure control valves, thermal protection, safety switches, and pressure gauges. These components ensure optimal performance, protection against overheating, and safe use of the pressure washer system.

Custom pressure washer rigs built on skids offer flexibility, portability, and efficient organization of equipment. They are commonly used in various industries such as construction, property maintenance, agriculture, and fleet cleaning, where a self-contained and transportable pressure washing system is beneficial. The customization options allow for tailoring the rig to specific needs, ensuring optimal performance and productivity on the job.

[su_note note_color="#dbeafc"]

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[/su_note]

Get your own pressure washer trailer

You have two options to get your first pressure washing trailer:

1. Buy a fully assembled pressure washer trailer.
2. Buy the components and build a pressure washer trailer.

Josiah told us:

[su_quote]I recommend that you start with a skid build-out for your pressure washing business. You can easily haul it in the bed of your truck, or if you don’t have a truck, you can haul it on a trailer until you get a truck that will fit it.[/su_quote]

Buy a mobile pressure washing trailer

When you first start a pressure washing business, you’ll probably want to buy a commercial pressure washing setup so you can start cleaning quicker.

You can find trailers and truck systems by searching terms like:

• Power wash trailer for sale
• Soft wash systems for sale
• Power wash trailers
• Soft washing trailer
• Pressure washer for trucks

Places to buy pressure washer setups

Southeast Trailer: This company offers options for a pressure washer setup. Businesses have options ranging from $1,399 to nearly $50K.

Northern Tool: Consider pressure washing setups ranging from $300 to $20K+. You can choose from softwash systems for sale, power wash trailer setups (hot water), commercial pressure washing trailer (cold) setups, and more.

Build a homemade pressure washer trailer setup

Once you develop expertise in your mobile cleaning business, it may be worth it to spend extra money on a custom wash trailer. You’ll save money by buying each piece of equipment separately, but you’ll have to perform the installation work or pay someone else to do it.

This route will require:

1. Gather all your equipment.
2. Build a complete skid.
3. Secure equipment to the skid.
4. Secure the skid to the power wash truck or softwash trailer.

What you’re saving in costs, you’ll be spending in sweat equity. Based on this setup, which is comparable to Josiah’s, it appears you can buy a similar model truck power wash unit for about $7K more than it would cost to build it yourself.

While it may be cheaper, you should decide whether the $7K is worth the time it will take to build out your rig or whether it’s better to buy a truck or trailer on the open market

What trailer setup will you get?

There are tons of options to expand your pressure washing business and improve efficiency. Making all these decision can be hard. Simplify your decision making with our Pressure Washing Class.

Will you choose a homemade trailer setup or a pre-built one? What quality and features are most important to your business?