First priority should be getting your maintenance regimen as safe as possible, so here is my suggestion based on my experience:
1. Pressure washer:
You dont really even need a super powerful one TBH, this is a link from Lowes, they have a
1500psi@1.3gpm and a
1700psi@1.5gpm- if you wanna save some of your budget, go with the 100 dollar option and you could get a foam lance. Both options can be had under a different brand via amazon for 20-30 less, but lowes is convenient and local.
The biggest different between the 2 is the larger one has a "universal" motor, whereas the smaller one has an "induction"- as far as power output, the difference isnt much, the Gallons Per minute is the more important number. Ive been using a store bought Karcher 1800psi@1.5gpm i bought almost 3 years ago and its plenty powerful for detailing (when it was new, its lost some power and still works fine) so i think the 1.3 gpm option will be effective and safe for you.
The bigger one has a slightly longer hose, but honestly, the smaller one you could wall amount and then just buy a 50' hose and never take it down, which would help cleanup time and look nice.
A pressure washer will increase the safety of your wash as far as avoiding swirls tho, especially when combined with a foam lance (which would fit in your budget if you got the little one). Really helps when cleaning wheels/wells, removing bugs safely, that sort of thing, but at 1500psi and a GPM<1.6 youd be hard pressed to hurt anything without being dumb.
If you get the 100 dollar pressure washer then i would also recommend these items to pair with it in your routine, youll be washing super safe....
All of this can be had @ autoality.com
- A DETAILERS CLUB MEMBERSHIP- best $50 bucks youve ever spent AND will also cut down on the cost of all of the following items below to make room for more supplies inside your budget
-2 5gal buckets (2.50 each at Lowes)
-2 Grit Gaurds
-Gallon of soap ($15-25, About the only Chemical guys thing i use, cause its cheap and works great)
- Carpro Merino wash mitt- super safe wool mitt, very durable, super quality.
Thats my .02 The detailersclub membership will save you a crapload and its only 50/year. Get the membership first, then order all the goodies- probably should just ask your wife for the pressure washer and a 100 dollar visa gift card lol.
