VDolly3D - modular car wash detailing bucket dolly

This model is part of the VDetail3D collection — a tag under which I publish 3D printable accessories related to car detailing. Follow the VDetail3D tag to stay updated with new tool holders and practical detailing gadgets.

VDolly3D is a modular bucket dolly system designed specifically for car detailing workflow.

Built around a unified dovetail connection system, it allows you to attach interchangeable modules such as tool holders, bottle mounts, brush holders, and dual-bucket connectors.

The goal was simple: create a mobile detailing station that adapts to your needs — whether you're using a single bucket or the full two-bucket wash method.

Key Features

• Modular dovetail connection system – secure and tool-free module attachment
• Supports single and dual-bucket setups
• Interchangeable accessory modules (Bucketnizer, Bottle Holder, Wheel Brush Holder, Dual-Bucket Link)
• Optimized for PETG printing
• Drainage patterns to prevent water buildup
• Designed for real-world detailing workflow and mobility

Recommended Print Settings

The model was designed to be printable on smaller printers. All parts fit within the build volume of compact machines such as the Bambu Lab A1 Mini, so a large-format printer is not required.

Material: PETG (recommended)
Layer height: 0.2–0.28 mm
Perimeters / walls: 3–5 walls recommended
Infill: 20–25% (grid, gyroid, or cubic)
Supports: Required (depending on printer and orientation)

The model has been tested in PETG under real detailing conditions.

PLA has not been tested under load. While it may work, long-term durability and impact resistance could be reduced compared to PETG, especially in outdoor or high-temperature environments.

For maximum strength and moisture resistance, PETG is strongly recommended.

Required Hardware

VDolly3D requires caster wheels for mobility.

Recommended setup:

• 5× swivel caster wheels
• 40 mm diameter
• 8 mm stem mount (office chair type)

These caster wheels are widely available and inexpensive. They can be found on platforms such as AliExpress, but it is also worth checking your local market or hardware stores for faster delivery and potentially higher-quality options.

The mounting socket is designed for 8 mm stem wheels.

For a secure fit, the hole is intentionally modeled slightly undersized and can be carefully drilled to 8 mm using a standard drill bit, depending on your printer tolerances and material choice.

Only the caster wheels and mounting hardware need to be purchased separately — all structural components are fully 3D printable.

Update 03.04.2026:

Based on user feedback, some people reported limited availability of 8 mm stem caster wheels in their local markets.

To improve accessibility, I’ve created an additional wheel base variant with a 10.9 mm mounting hole, designed for more commonly available 11 mm stem caster wheels.

This allows users to:

- use widely available caster wheels

- fine-tune the fit by drilling to match their printer tolerances and material shrinkage

The updated base is provided as a separate model/print profile, so you can choose the version that best matches the hardware available in your region.

Bucket Compatibility

VDolly3D was designed and tested with a 20L Work Stuff detailing bucket.

The base is optimized for buckets with an outer bottom diameter of approximately 260 mm.

It may also fit other 20L detailing buckets with similar dimensions, but compatibility with significantly different sizes has not been tested.

For best results, measure the outer diameter of your bucket’s bottom section before printing.

Compatible Modules for VDolly3D

VDolly3D features a unified dovetail mounting system that allows users to expand the base with interchangeable accessories depending on their workflow.

🔹 Bucketnizer Module
Designed to hold wash mitts or sponges during use.
Includes a drainage pattern to prevent water buildup and allows easy access while washing.

🔹 Brush Add-On Modules for Bucketnizer
Optional side-mounted extensions designed to attach directly to the Bucketnizer module.
Allow secure storage of detailing brushes while maintaining a compact and modular setup.

🔹 Wheel Brush Holder Module
A cylindrical holder for wet wheel brushes.
Features a hex-pattern drainage bottom and secure dovetail mounting for stability during movement.

🔹 Bottle Holder Module (100 mm)
Designed for standard 1L detailing bottles or pump sprayers.
Optimized diameter for common detailing brands and includes a drainage bottom.

🔹 Dual Bucket Link Module
Connects two VDolly3D bases together for stable two-bucket wash setups.
Allows synchronized movement and improved control during washing.

Additional Compatible Accessories

To further expand your detailing setup, you may also want to check out other bucket-mounted accessories published under the VDetail3D tag:

• Detailing Bucket Brush Holder
• Bucket Mount Holder for Wheel Brushes
• Bucket Mount Holder for Foam Cannon
• Bucket Mount Holder for Pressure Washer Gun

Combining VDolly3D with these bucket-mounted accessories can help you build an even more organized and efficient mobile detailing station.

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