What it Cost to Build the Grooming Van

Our series of videos on building up Sherry's Grooming Van has brought up questions from some of our viewers, they also showed some of how we put Bessy together. Yes the van is called Bessy, because she is white and a big cow to drive around. This video is where we answer some of those questions and talk about the cost of things and some of what we would have done different after looking back over the years.
How We Do It - Grooming Van - Part 5 - Plumbing System
• How We Do It - Groomin...
How We Do It - Grooming Van - Part 4 - Built In HV Dryer
• How We Do It - Groomin...
Playlist Building The Grooming Van
• Building the Grooming Van
The initial cost of Bessy is only the tip of the project cost ice berg. The truck that became a grooming van started life as a US Post Office delivery van. When we bought her 20 years later the purchase price was about $2300. Then we had to do the maintenance that had not been done for many years. The maintenance and repairs cost another $1500 for parts, and about 30 to 40 hours of my labor in the first year.
Now there are other recurring costs with a truck like this, for example California Registration for a commercial vehicle is based on GVW, in this case a 1988 van is over $450 a year. A less expensive option would have been a Class B motorhome for several reasons, that we'll go into later in this video.
The least expensive option for registration costs is a trailer, also in California the tow vehicle insurance covers the trailer. The tow vehicle would not need commercial tags if it was a large SUV.
You will notice we didn't even look at new vehicles, our goal was to do this project on a cash only basis. We didn't want any debt to hang over the business from the start. This has allowed Sherry to work at her own pace. This was also possible because I could do all of the maintenance and build up of the van.
The thing that has plagued us in using this delivery van is the fact it doesn't have AC in the cab area. Being a 6.2 diesel the engine needs special setup on the motor for AC, any of the other vehicle options would have had AC from the start. But on the positive side you can drive with the doors open at low speeds and then AC isn't as big an issue.
Storage solutions were a consideration, we thought of using a tool box or tool cart with drawers, but it worked out to be simpler to build a cabinet that fit the spot and would have locking drawers. This was built from scrap steel frame welded together, and plywood box drawers with sash latches to hold them during driving. The drawers have roller slides to make them easy to use. There is also a shelf unit I made from scrap aluminum and plastic. The cost to build these is hard to estimate, but it took about 20 hours for all of it.
Lighting is a combination of 120 volt florescent lights, and 12 volt LED strips. The 12 volt lights are a better option and when I get a chance, I will be replacing the florescent lights with LED strips. More light, less energy, safer around wet dogs, and other good reasons. Strip lights can be less expensive as well, 18 inch florescent fixtures are about $30 each, the 12 volt strip lights can be configured to produce more light for about $8 to $10. The time needed to put it together will be about 4 to 8 hours.
So If you are looking at building your own Mobile Grooming Salon this is just how we did it, your costs will be different. The big question for anyone looking at a project like this is how much time vs how much money do they have. The Mechanically Declined to Inclined rating for this entire project is an average of 8 to 10. with many parts in the 3 to 4 range, and others being a solid 10.
Grooming is a very wet occupation, you or the dog will spill water on the floor, splash it on the walls and ceiling, and wet fur will find places to collect that won't be easy to get to. You have to plan for this. Class B motorhomes are a good option but they may have issues if they have wood floors, or wood framed cabinets. Utility trailers are a good option because of the open floor plan to build it the way you want it, but often have wood floors. Camping trailers are also a good option but the wood structure of many will have issues. Bessy came to us with aluminum floors, walls and ceiling.
This is #HowWeDoIt to make videos and the tools we use:
Cameras:
#Samsung smart phones J7
#yi M1 mirrorless camera with 12 - 40 mm lens
Video Editing:
Software:
Open Office
#Filmora
GIMP 2
Hardware:
Dell Inspiron 5570, 16 GB RAM

[@socalcraigster]

Great video! Thank you.

[@tararaboomdere]

This is awesome. Thank you so much!

[@EvilScooterKitty-zq5wv]

great video! :) Thanks!

[@explicitinkz]

DOPE VIDEO

[@Helievents]

I love so much 💙💙💙💙

[@CaseyHavenor]

I'd recommend k-9dryers.com for the dryer part of the van.

[@shirstenpage8864]

Do you guys go to a Kingdom Hall ?

[@paulawhetzel5232]

CONTENT WAS VERY INFORMATIVE. VIDEO WAS EASY TO TO WATCH AND VERY CREATIVE.I ENJOYED THE WHOLE THING.NOW CAN YOU POST A LIST WITH CREATIVE HANDY MEN THAT ARE WILLING TO TAKE A PROJECT LIKE THIS?AND CAN THEY PLEASE BE SINGLE ? :)

[@renaej3796]

I know right. I could use one if those men too!..LOL!

[@joshream3180]

I hope you don't use Comic Sans in your vehicle.

[@frankyb702]

Looks dumpy

[@paulawhetzel5232]

BUT IT IS PAID FOR AND IT IT IS MAKING MONEY.