Portable Car Vacuum Recommendations

Do you already own a cordless system like Bosch, Dewalt, Bauer, Milwaukee...? I'd probably be dissapointed in a cordless vac. I don't see how it will have the power compared to a good corded vac when trying to vacuum stuff embedded in the carpet in a vehicle. Are the positive reviews coming from who knows, finish carpenters using it for easy peasy to clean sawmill dust from a smooth surface?
 
Do you have a good upright vacuum at your house? Most come with a hose attachment and crevice tool and a brush as well as a pipe extension. I take ours into the garage, hook up the hose to the pipe and use. Crevice tool is great for tight spaces. Why spend money when you probably already have the tool?
 
I've heard good things about a couple brands on YouTube shootouts (Ridgid) and was disappointed with the DeWalt performance. I've got a Bosch (already have other tools & batteries) that I'm fairly happy with but it's a bit awkward to carry due to it's shape, otherwise I'm happy enough with it.



 
... also, I would REALLY like a portable shop vac that has blower function. Another thing I don't like about the Bosch.

I heard Stihl is coming out with a battery shop vac this spring so I'm interested to see what that's like.
 
I have the DeWalt 20V due to battery commonality with my tools. It's OK for maintenance cleaning, but if the car is really dirty, You'll want a conventional corded Shop-Vac.
 
... also, I would REALLY like a portable shop vac that has blower function. Another thing I don't like about the Bosch.

I heard Stihl is coming out with a battery shop vac this spring so I'm interested to see what that's like.
There was one made:
When it first came out it was mid-$600. Never sold well.
I kept watching for one on EBay, finally got one at $240 not including tax.
82V, soft-start. Performance is pretty much what a corded model will do.
 
A battery shop vac is only so useable.

I have an M12 and M18 Milwaukee vac. I have them because I have their batteries/tools.

Im not sure any is particularly noise-friendly, and the hoses are short. You'd be better served with a corded unit for any real cleaning...
 
Do you already own a cordless system like Bosch, Dewalt, Bauer, Milwaukee...? I'd probably be dissapointed in a cordless vac. I don't see how it will have the power compared to a good corded vac when trying to vacuum stuff embedded in the carpet in a vehicle. Are the positive reviews coming from who knows, finish carpenters using it for easy peasy to clean sawmill dust from a smooth surface?
Yes. I love my Milwaukee portable vac that runs on M18 or M12 batteries.
 
Agree with everyone here. Any of these tool system vacs should have the power and size to get the job done.

I mostly have Ridgid tools but I bought my first Ryobi batteries to get their fantastic shop and handheld vacs. No regrets - the mini shop vac in particular leaves absolutely nothing behind on my carpets and upholstery, and I have two young kids. These aren’t anything like the weak battery powered car vacs of yesteryear. Strong enough that I don’t reach for anything corded anymore.

Fully charged 4ah battery gets me through the interiors and trunks of both of our cars with one bar left on the battery but you have to be moving efficiently and not lingering with it in the air.

This tiny 1gal is my current favorite for the car and it goes on sale for $50 every now and then. Pair it with the Shop-Vac car upholstery nozzle and it’s a car cleaning beast.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-O...jBlRuTNB1aHbcWCgGPOwp-XU40PLFWLrgQndzqY&gQT=1
 
Last edited:
This tiny 1gal is my current favorite for the car and it goes on sale for $50 every now and then. Pair it with the Shop-Vac car upholstery nozzle and it’s a car cleaning beast.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-O...jBlRuTNB1aHbcWCgGPOwp-XU40PLFWLrgQndzqY&gQT=1
I use the 3gal alot... picked up that 1 gallon for 35 the other day and I really like it. small but not too small (looking at you dewalt DCV517B)
4ah battery gives a decent run time.. 15-20m probably.

the 1 gal ryobi is the right combo of value and power.. the 3 gallon is decent too imo.

For a whole car if you are working in the garage and have plenty of room around the car for a full size shop vac.. nothing beats plug in beast vacs but that isnt always an option. my plug in shop vac pulled almost 1500w last I checked....
 
I use the 3gal alot... picked up that 1 gallon for 35 the other day and I really like it. small but not too small (looking at you dewalt DCV517B)
4ah battery gives a decent run time.. 15-20m probably.

the 1 gal ryobi is the right combo of value and power.. the 3 gallon is decent too imo.
Congrats on the insane deal
 
Congrats on the insane deal
direct tools can have some lightning deals.
Picked up the 10" hp chainsaw for a gift for $69 the other day as well.
It should be great as a 2-4" limbing saw.. or to strap on the tractor and take out hanging down branches mowing.
1740161640072.webp

I was after their new HP pruning saw.. but that was $159!!!
so regular style 10" "HP" Ryobi Chainsaw it was.

IIRC the 1gal vac was still on for 40? or so and there is a new design 3gal shop vac now.. with better integrated tool holders etc.
 
I did not think much of my battery operated car vacuum kind of a waste of money. Bought a corded Ridgid 4 gallon 5.0 HP shop vac. Much much better yet still a reasonable footprint around vehicles.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...vb_st84kMZO78O38-C8aAjQpEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
I ended up geting one of these and I like it, good size, plenty of power and a nice handle. It will be easy for the wife to maneuver if she ever uses it. Thanks everyone for your input.
 
Back
Top Bottom