Shop Vac hose sizes?

[MyWifesBoyfriend]

I have an old 1.0 HP Shop Vac (model 3331.0) that came with a 1-1/4" hose. I just use it as a garage and car vacuum for things too dirty for the wife's Dyson. The hose has seen better days and I was thinking of replacing it with a larger hose. 2-1/2" seems too unwieldy for my usage and I'm not sure if the motor generates enough suction for it? Would I be better off with a 1-7/8" hose? Does it matter if I use an adapter for my existing 1-1/4" attachments? Or would a 1-1/4" hose be a better match for the 1 HP motor?

For what it's worth, I use both bags and a HEPA filter. The inlet and outlet ports are 2-1/2" (ie 2-1/4" ID).

Also, how do motor HP ratings work? How are manufacturers claiming >5 peak HP from 1500W?

 

[grasscutter]

I highly recommend this hose kit. Super high quality.

https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Nozzle-M-100-DB-Wet-Tool/dp/B0000223X5

 

[JHZR2]

2 1/2 has its uses but it is a real hassle more often than not.

I believe Ridgid sells a “car cleaning” hose and attachment setup, one variant coming with a 2 1/2 reduced to something smaller without a bunch of adapters. Adapters are a pain in their own right.

 

[Cujet]

I just jam a pool hose in the Shop Vac. Works very well.

 

[MyWifesBoyfriend]

Well, I tried a 1-7/8" 7' hose and while suction was better, it didn't really make a difference in my usage. The larger hose was a bit unweildy and very plasticky. I think a good quality 1-1/4" is better for my use...

 

[tbm5690]

I use a 1 1/4 for all car stuff and a 1 7/8 for my floor cleaning. The 1 1/4 is a 10' long "premium" hose that is more flexible than the typical plastic standard hoses so it works great for the cars. I see no need for a 2.5" unless you are vacuuming up large chunks of debris.

Good Black Friday deals on shop vacs...1 hp restricted with HEPA and filter bag seems underpowered to me.