Mobile grooming vans for Prince George and northern BC

What happens to a grooming van at −30 °C in Prince George?

At −30 °C, everything in a van that is not heated freezes. Water in an exposed line turns solid and can split a fitting. If the battery bank uses lithium cells, it must not be charged below 0 °C unless the cells are warmed first. Moist air from a bath condenses on any cold surface and turns to frost, then drips when the van warms up again.

A ProVanWorks van is built around those problems. A small diesel, gas or electric heater under the seat sends heat through in-floor and in-wall piping and heat exchangers around the insulated cargo area, so the walls and floor carry heat as well as the air. For Northern BC, ProVanWorks builds the insulation much thicker than the roughly 16 mm (5/8 inch) used on Lower Mainland vans. The water reservoir and auxiliary battery bank sit in the utility area at the back, inside the insulated, heated van, and the hot water system is built for very low winter temperatures. Read more on the cold-weather design page and in our guide to winter mobile grooming.

How do Prince George groomers work through short winter days?

In December the sun rises late and sets in mid-afternoon, so a lot of grooming happens under artificial light. A ProVanWorks van has lights about every 30 cm along the work area, which means no shadows on the dog when you are scissoring around the face or checking for mats in the dark.

A day might cover the Hart, College Heights and the Bowl, then head out to rural properties along the river roads, and a northern route can also take in smaller towns along Highway 16 or Highway 97. Because the van has its own heat, water and power, you don't need to run anything into the client's house, and the railing at the cargo door keeps a dog from bolting into a snowbank while you load the next one. Solar panels and side covers (awnings) are available as add-ons; solar helps most on long northern summer days, when routes stretch farthest from a plug.

How do northern groomers park a grooming van overnight?

Most drivers in Prince George plug in their vehicles on cold nights, and a grooming van raises a second question: how to keep the water system and batteries above freezing until morning. Ask us how to set up your van for overnight parking in deep cold when you request a quote, including what the base van (diesel, gas or electric) needs. Most Prince George groomers pick from four options: the heater left on the thermostat, shore power from a 120 V or RV outlet, a drained water system, or a heated garage.

How does a van get from Langley to Prince George?

The usual route is Highway 1 east and north to Cache Creek, then Highway 97 north through 100 Mile House, Williams Lake and Quesnel. It is close to 800 km, and the Cariboo plateau can be very cold and snowy in winter, so check DriveBC before the trip. The water system is protected for winter travel. You can pick up at the Langley shop, or ask about delivery when you request a quote and see delivery across Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Is Prince George too cold for a mobile grooming van?

No, if the van is built for it. Heat in the floor and walls, a thermostat, and water and batteries inside the insulated, heated van let a ProVanWorks van keep working through a northern cold snap.

Can I drive a new grooming van from Langley to Prince George in winter?

Yes, but treat it as a long winter road trip. Allow extra time for snow on Highway 97, carry winter gear, and check DriveBC before you leave the Lower Mainland.

Does a Prince George grooming van need air conditioning?

Yes. Prince George summers are short but warm, with long daylight. Air conditioning also lets you keep the windows shut on smoky days during wildfire season. The front fan in a ProVanWorks van also runs the A/C, on the same thermostat as the heat. See how van fans and A/C work.