HELP with travel trailer purchase (Evergreen)

As others have mentioned, a van or step van is a better choice for a pet salon. You can be using the heat of the engine to heat the interior space. In fact, if I was building this, I'd opt for a diesel van and use one of the purpose-built diesel-fed heating appliances. Some of them have a water heater function along with interior air heating.

From just looking through the Outdoors RV postings, it's clear to me that these "four season" packages are still not thought through (or the bean counters run the show). Outdoors RV probably has one of the better four season packages but that radiant foil does not add R-15 in the manner used. More like R-2. Extruded polystyrene instead of spun fiberglass would also increase the R value substantially but they opted for the batts.

I went through this insulation exercise when I rebuilt my Starcraft. There is just so much you can do with the limited dimensions of a travel trailer. One thing I did that is not done typically, was to install a thermal break between any exterior surface and the interior paneling. The floor joists and wall studs become conductors of cold in the Winter and it is an easy thing to add a layer of insulation and vapor barrier on the inside before sheeting the framing. Details like this are why I would choose a custom built unit rather than something off a dealer lot. Since dog grooming involves a lot of water and moisture, a pet grooming space would need to address those issues. A typical travel trailer would be destroyed by the moisture levels involved.

Good luck on whatever your choice becomes.

Evergreen very much still in business. Having owned one for 5 years trouble free . Wouldn't try to use a travel trailer for what you are doing, but Everlite is a superior travel trailer no wood to rot very strong construction

2012Coleman wrote:
So now the beans are spilled - your not only going to work in it, but you will need to tow it (in the winter) as well. Plus you will have to keep the water hot. As stated - why buy a travel trailer that has stuff your not going to use - bed, stove, fridge, dinette, etc.

I would Google "Mobile Pet Service"

You would be better off with something like these images:

2012Coleman, that is exactly what I pictured! I wasn’t sure as to what the called that type of service..

But I suspect cost of a “professional” unit like that is why the OP was wanting to use a travel trailer.

Considering that one place I looked ( HERE ) at was asking north of $60K for a used refurbished 2008 Sprinter van!

But those vans really look very professionally done.

They use Stainless steel tub/shower (RVs use plastic or fiberglass) with two hose/sprayer system. Most likely has a bigger tub drain along with holding tank which should handle the animal fur better than a RV.

Here is a list of details for the 2008 Sprinter van in the used section of the link above..

Generator/Hours: Onan 8000 QD Diesel Generator / 4,324 hours

Optional Equipment Included :

New 3 N 1 Electric Table (Standard)
2000W Inverter with 2-AGM Batteries (Standard)
Anti-Freeze System
Back Up Camera/7”Color LCD Monitor in Cab
Kool Dry Variable Speed (2nd Dryer)
Mini Clipper Vac

Items Serviced:

Van Chassis:

Oil system
Engine Flush
Brake Flush
Transmission Flush
Front End Alignment
Rear Differential Service

Grooming Conversion:

Full Onan Diesel Generator Service
Water heater
Air conditioner

Items Replaced:

Van Chassis :

Oil and oil filter – Diesel
Replace The Slider Door Lower Roller
Replace Both Sway Bar Bushings
Replace Both Serpintine Belts and Pullys and Tensioner
2 New Tires
Replace Front & Rear Brake Pads & Rotors
Fuel Filter

Grooming Conversion:

Onan 7000 generator

Body Shop-Buff Body, Remove Graphics, Minor Body Repair
Central vacuum hose
New K9 Dryer hose
2-New Sprayer Hose Assemblies
3-Sink Strainers
2 Water Filter Screens & Lens
Kool Dry Filter
1 Dryer Nozzles
New Anode Rod For Water Heater
Grey Water Drain Hose
New Table Top
Thermostat
Hold A Hose
Monitor Panel
New Flooring in Grooming Salon
Passenger Side Running Board
New Back up Camera
New K9 II Dryer
New Front Wheel Covers
Spare parts kit

Additional Items:

Full fuel tank
Full LP tank
Exterior wax and buff
Interior detail
Exterior detail

Same company also does make a trailer version if the OP has their heart set on a trailer but storing it at a campground in the winter is just not going to work.. It will most likely need heated indoor storage the same as a van unless you want the hassle of winterizing at the end of each day then reloading water at the beginning of the day.

Here is a search for “dog grooming van” which may prove helpful for the OP..

HERE

Personally if I called for a pet grooming service and they pulled up with a travel trailer or other make shift home brew looking vehicle I would have to tell them to pack up and leave..

If they don’t care about the image they present of their company then they most likely will not take good care of my pets if I had them.

So now the beans are spilled - your not only going to work in it, but you will need to tow it (in the winter) as well. Plus you will have to keep the water hot. As stated - why buy a travel trailer that has stuff your not going to use - bed, stove, fridge, dinette, etc.

I would Google "Mobile Pet Service"

You would be better off with something like these images:

nmilnes wrote:
Thank you so much for all of your help here. I am using it for a mobile pet grooming business (go to people's homes, take their pets outside for grooming, and return them within the hour). I need something in the 20-25' range for the set-ups I need (will also have resources for a vet to join me for special cases). I also need running water available.

Also, I live in a town, so I am unable to park it in town and don't have the room to build a garage or another space to store it. I've been trying to find heated, indoor storage for the winter, but am coming up empty. Someone suggested a campground, and I have found a few that are open in the winter, but I'm worried about timely snow removal.

I ended up leaning towards the Evergreen because of how easy it would be to tow and the eco-friendly components that are used. The one I am looking at also has solar panels that I thought would be helpful. I'm definitely feeling less sure about this now though!;-)

Somewhere I missed your post.. But I will address it now.

A travel trailer as they come factory equipped are completely unsuitable for your purpose.

You would have to completely gut the trailer, removing all appliances, beds, walls, toilet, sinks cabinets.. Everything.

You would need to setup a specific tub/wash down area with a good waterproof wall material (think FRP panels like many commercial bathrooms use).

You would need a separate drying area away from the wet area.

You would need lots of electrical power (A typical 30A 120V RV circuit is not going to cut it if you are planning to use more than one 1500W dryer).

You are going to need a lot of water AND a holding tank big enough to hold the waste water (you are not planning to "dump" the waste water on the ground I hope?). Using the customers water hose bib in the winter in PA is a risky and possibly a deal killer for many people. You will need to have a dump station to dump your waste water.

You will need to HEAT your rig 24/7 in the winter, your storage place would need to include electric and you will need to run a furnace 24/7 to prevent freezing water lines.. You don't want to have to thaw them each day..

None of the needs you have are found in a typical RV, you NEED a custom built rig to your needs.

Personally, sounds like a nice idea, but perhaps you should consider doing the work at the customers home or offer a ride service to and from your own store front?

I like the van idea. There's a mobile grooming service in our area that has a B+ type van.

Something no one has mentioned is that hair dryers generally have high energy draws. A generator might be required.

nmilnes wrote:
Thank you so much for all of your help here. I am using it for a mobile pet grooming business (go to people's homes, take their pets outside for grooming, and return them within the hour). I need something in the 20-25' range for the set-ups I need (will also have resources for a vet to join me for special cases). I also need running water available.

Also, I live in a town, so I am unable to park it in town and don't have the room to build a garage or another space to store it. I've been trying to find heated, indoor storage for the winter, but am coming up empty. Someone suggested a campground, and I have found a few that are open in the winter, but I'm worried about timely snow removal.

I ended up leaning towards the Evergreen because of how easy it would be to tow and the eco-friendly components that are used. The one I am looking at also has solar panels that I thought would be helpful. I'm definitely feeling less sure about this now though!;-)

Many neighborhoods and access to people's houses will not readily accommodate a trailer in tow. The trailer is designed for and built to use as an occasional recreational temporary living unit. It has a kitchen, living area, separate bathroom and bedroom. Expecting flowing hot water at all times in very cold temperatures is un-realistic. The on board fresh water tank is probably around 25 gallons. I use more than that bathing my Golden Retriever! And you want to bathe multiple dogs through out the day! How you gonna do that?

There are upfitters who convert vans for dog grooming. Use google.

nmilnes wrote:
Thank you for the feedback! I will not be living in the trailer, I will be using it for a business during the day and parking it at night. I was thinking of renting a space at a campground to store it and plug it in overnight, so I don't need to live comfortably, I just need to have it not freeze overnight.

You may not "need" to "live comfortable" but running a "business" from it will require you WORK "comfortable".

Living in NW PA I can tell you honestly that working comfortably in a travel trailer during PA winters just isn't gonna happen. You will be burning through a lot of propane even during the day.. a 30lb cylinder will go up in smoke in 3 days time easily and that is keeping it at a blistering 50 degrees..

Why a travel trailer?

Can't see the need for bedrooms, kitchens and such for most "honest" businesses..

I would suggest a small motor home or conversion van might work or as someone else mentioned a cargo trailer converted to office space.

A cargo trailer would give you a blank canvas and the chance to insulate the heck out of it, put in a few windows and do a body paint with your company logo..

Personally I too would not even think about towing a trailer around in PA winters.. It is hard enough to get to work driving just a vehicle on some days..

That's an interesting idea.

The 25RB has a shower and not a bathtub, doesn't it? Would that work size and height-wise?

Also, without an on-demand hot water system, you're likely to not have enough warm water. Regular water heaters do about 6 gallons at a time. Any idea what size the fresh water tank is on a 25RB?

With that much water use, you'll likely need a dehumidifier.

I really like your idea. I hope you'll let us know what you decide.

Good luck!

Thank you so much for all of your help here. I am using it for a mobile pet grooming business (go to people's homes, take their pets outside for grooming, and return them within the hour). I need something in the 20-25' range for the set-ups I need (will also have resources for a vet to join me for special cases). I also need running water available.

Also, I live in a town, so I am unable to park it in town and don't have the room to build a garage or another space to store it. I've been trying to find heated, indoor storage for the winter, but am coming up empty. Someone suggested a campground, and I have found a few that are open in the winter, but I'm worried about timely snow removal.

I ended up leaning towards the Evergreen because of how easy it would be to tow and the eco-friendly components that are used. The one I am looking at also has solar panels that I thought would be helpful. I'm definitely feeling less sure about this now though!;-)