Recreational Vans
A mobile grooming salon succeeds when its space feels calm, clean, and predictable for both groomer and pet. The build should begin with the right platform, typically a high roof cargo van for full stand up height and smooth workflow. Common choices include Sprinter, Transit, and ProMaster, each with different wheelbases, roof heights, and payload ratings. High roof and extended wheelbase increase interior volume for a full tub, table, storage, and utilities while maintaining a stable ride and room for insulation and sound control.
Wheelbase governs turning radius and parking, while roof height governs comfort and cabinet design. Confirm payload after conversion because water, batteries, AC, and cabinetry add significant weight. A typical setup with 50 to 100 gallons of fresh water, 400 to 800 amp hours of lithium, roof AC, and built cabinetry can add 1200 to 1800 pounds.
Plan a clockwise or counterclockwise path from intake to tub to drying to finish work, with minimal backtracking. Place the entry near the table and keep shampoo, tools, and towels in easy reach. Use anti fatigue flooring and proper task lighting with warm and cool zones to reduce glare on shiny coats.
Install tie points at the tub and table, plus nonslip flooring and a ramp or short stairs for larger dogs. Keep a first aid kit, an ABC fire extinguisher, and GFCI protected outlets near water. Round cabinet corners, protected edge trim, and secure latches keep both pets and gear in place while driving.
Utilities make or break a mobile grooming operation. Dryers and water heaters demand robust power while dogs need steady ventilation and temperature control. A balanced system mixes battery storage, solar assistance, shore power readiness, and in some cases a quiet generator if routing includes long park sessions without plug in options.
Dryers can draw 12 to 20 amps each, clippers and vacuums add more, and lights plus AC push total loads even higher. Many builders target a 3000 to 5000 watt inverter with 400 to 800 amp hours of lithium to run a heavy dryer cycle without tripping. Solar of 400 to 800 watts helps offset daytime loads but is a supplement, not the primary source. Shore power inlet with an automatic transfer switch simplifies charging at home or at trusted client locations. Use labeled breakers, GFCI protection near the tub, and tidy cable raceways for serviceability.
Fresh water tanks of 50 to 100 gallons support full days of appointments, with a matched grey tank using a hair trap and easy drain access. On demand hot water raises temperature to a comfortable 100 to 110 F for bathing. Use PEX with stainless fittings, ball valves for quick isolation, and a winterization port if routes extend into cold climates. A washable inline filter protects pumps and the heater from hair and debris.
Dogs relax in stable temperatures and low noise. A roof AC sized around 13.5k BTU will handle warm days, while a compact diesel heater or heat pump keeps mornings comfortable. Add sound deadening in doors and walls, then insulation to control heat and road noise. A powered roof vent near the tub pulls moisture out and clears steam quickly.
A grooming van lives or dies by cleanable surfaces and smart storage. Moisture, hair, shampoo, and constant movement require materials that shrug off water, resist scratches, and sanitize quickly between appointments. Compliance and insurance considerations also influence layout, drains, ventilation, and electrical choices.
Use marine grade vinyl or coin rubber flooring with sealed seams and a center drain. FRP wall panels or antimicrobial laminates wipe down fast and resist swelling. Place a tall cabinet for clean towels and a separate sealed bin for used linens. Magnetic strips for shears and guarded slots for clippers protect tools in transit. Choose light colors to reveal hair and help confirm cleanliness.
A dedicated vent near the tub and a second fan near the table keep air moving. Seal the tub surround, add a detachable sprayer, and include a hair catchment basket that removes without tools. Use mildew resistant sealants and allow a dry down period between appointments when possible.
Local rules may govern grey water handling, parking, signage, and generator use. Many operators document grey water disposal at approved sites and keep invoices on hand. Business policies often require proof of electrical safety, fire suppression, and first aid. Budget ranges vary with platform and systems, commonly 45k to 120k for a professional build. Estimate revenue per day by route density, upsell services, and no show rates, then select power and water capacity that supports your target appointment blocks without mid day resupply.
From here, plan for connectivity to keep calendars tight. A cellular router enables point of sale, scheduling, and client messaging even in low signal neighborhoods. Exterior scene lighting and a backup camera make evening parking safer. With thoughtful engineering, the result is a quiet, sanitary mobile salon that feels welcoming the moment the door opens.
OZK Customs builds mobile interiors that prioritize workflow, quiet operation, and easy sanitation while integrating reliable power, water, and climate systems suited to the grooming trade. If you want a build that balances payload, runtime, and comfort for both groomer and pet, our team can translate your route plan and breed mix into a purpose built interior that is ready to work.
Strong planning turns a good idea into a profitable route. Bring your appointment model, target neighborhoods, and must have features, and we will help you turn them into a dependable grooming van that feels like a boutique salon on wheels.
Tell us how you groom, we will build around it. From quiet power to wash down surfaces and airtight storage, OZK Customs designs and builds mobile grooming vans that work hard and clean up fast. Submit your build goals and get a tailored plan today.
Ready for a quiet, sanitary, and efficient grooming van that books solid from day one? Tell us your workflow and we will engineer the power, water, ventilation, and interior to fit your routes and breed mix. Start your custom build consultation now.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com