Mobile dog grooming vans, built for winter

What comes in a ProVanWorks grooming van?

Every ProVanWorks grooming van is built around the same core systems, and add-ons such as solar panels, side covers (awnings), a generator and high-amp inverters and chargers are available on top: insulation (which also cuts road noise), in-floor and in-wall heat, hot water, a water reservoir and grey water tank, an auxiliary battery bank that charges at EV stations, two fans with air conditioning, shadow-free lighting, cabinets, a waterproof floor and a railing at the cargo door. Tub, table and cabinet placement are set around how you groom.

Can a grooming van be customized?

Yes. Every ProVanWorks grooming van is customized for the groomer who orders it; there is no standard off-the-shelf model. The layout, tub and table placement, cabinets, heater type, tank sizes, battery bank, insulation thickness and add-ons such as solar panels and side covers (awnings) are all chosen around how you groom and where. A groomer doing large breeds in Edmonton gets a different van from one doing small dogs in Victoria.

How is a ProVanWorks grooming van laid out?

A typical layout runs from a utility area at the back to the cab at the front, and we adjust it for each customer.

1. Utility area at the back. The auxiliary battery bank and the water reservoir sit here, inside the insulated, heated shell. Keeping them warm protects the water from freezing and keeps the batteries in a temperature range where they charge properly.
2. Tub. The hot water tub sits next to the utility area, close to the water supply. A grey water tank under the floor collects the bath water.
3. Grooming table. The table sits in the middle of the work area, under the ceiling lights and between the two fans.
4. Cargo door. A railing at the door keeps dogs inside when you open it to load the next dog.
5. Heater under the seat. The small diesel, gas or electric heater sits under the seat and sends heat back through pipes in the floor and walls.

Cabinets run along the walls for shampoo, tools and towels. Optional windows over the work area add daylight and open for fresh air.

How does the van stay warm in a Canadian winter?

A ProVanWorks grooming van stays warm with an insulated cargo area and heat that comes through the floor and the walls. A small diesel, gas or electric heater under the seat warms fluid that runs through pipes in the floor and walls, and heat exchangers around the cargo area push warm air into the work area. A thermostat holds the temperature you set. The heater runs with the engine off, so the van stays warm while you're parked at an appointment. The cold-weather design page covers each part and how to choose between diesel, gas and electric heat.

How much water does a grooming van carry?

A ProVanWorks van carries a large fresh water reservoir in the rear utility area and a separate grey water tank under the floor. Tank sizes are custom: we size them to how many dogs you groom in a day, how often you can refill, and how much weight the van can carry. The grey tank is the same size as the reservoir or larger. Hot water reaches the tub even in deep cold, and the reservoir stays inside the insulated, heated van. Details are on the water system page.

How is the grooming van powered?

An auxiliary battery bank in the utility area runs the grooming equipment, lights and fans. It charges from Level 2 EV chargers, the same public chargers electric cars use, so you can top up on a lunch break. The power and EV charging page explains charging and battery sizing.

Can a grooming van keep cool in summer?

Yes. Two fans move air through the cargo area, one at the front and one at the back, and the front fan also runs the air conditioning. The same thermostat that controls the heat in winter controls the A/C in summer. Optional opening windows add fresh air on mild days.

Why lights every 30 cm?

Lights spaced about every 30 cm (1 ft) along the ceiling light the dog evenly from above. With fewer, brighter lights, your hands and the clippers throw shadows on the coat, which makes it harder to see an even finish. Even lighting matters most in winter, when many appointments end after dark.

Should I choose a grooming van or a grooming trailer?

It depends on your routes and the vehicle you have. A grooming van is one vehicle on winter tires that fits a driveway or a single street spot, which suits house calls on tight residential streets. A grooming trailer suits groomers who already own a truck that can tow it, or who want to unhitch at one site for the day. ProVanWorks builds both, with the same features available in each; see mobile grooming trailers. A storefront salon avoids driving but adds rent and asks clients to come to you. The table below compares the three.

Which base vans does ProVanWorks build on?

ProVanWorks builds grooming vans on diesel, gas and electric vans. Diesel and gas vans can run a heater on the same fuel as the engine. An electric van uses an electric heater, so the battery bank is sized with heat in mind. We build on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster, or on any van you choose, new or used, including one you already own.

How do I get a price for a grooming van?

Email info@provanworks.com. Tell us where you groom, the breeds you see most, how many appointments you fit in a day, and whether you want a diesel, gas or electric van. We reply with layout options and a price. Groomers near Langley can book a time to see a van in the shop. Read how we build for what happens after you order.