Compact when compared to sprinter or even its extended version.
In this first build I used metal tool storage, although it did last, the overall weight and the inevitable rust, due to its inexpensive build quality, made me think about other options in the future.
The LED lighting in this build was sufficient for this particular van, but It definitely would have been better with at least 2 more lights.
This was one of my favorite tables, made by Shoreline. The downside is the table top is similarly coated with Line-x and that is just to rough of a surface for dogs legs.
The Onan Gasoline generator size is small compared to their Diesel Generator.
This pic and the next are both about a year later, when I had to get a second dryer.
You can see some of the wear and the color difference after one year. Line-x on plywood.
The first van I built was a 2014 Ram Promaster 1500 with a short wheelbase and a V6 gasoline engine. The van had enough power, but the weight of the water tanks, generator, and accessories was too much for the leaf spring system. The gasoline engine was powerful, but the van only came in front-wheel drive. Going uphill on a rainy day with a lot of weight in the rear was challenging and scary. The build was made with thick plywood, making it heavier than expected. Coating the plywood with linex took a longer time due to its porous nature, to prevent bubbling and peeling.
Because this van was a gasoline engine, I also decided to install an Onan Commercial Gas 7500 watt Generator. As it could be hooked into the fuel line, which allowed you to only worry about filling up the one gas tank. Unfortunately I learned the hard way, this generator is absolutely terrible, not to mention expensive, running around $7k at the time of this build. If you got 2000 hours from this Gen, consider yourself lucky. I can guarantee this Gen is the reason many groomers hate the idea of a Gen build, many problems to mention, but a big one is having to rebuild the crankshaft and cylinders, which might run about half the price of a new one. But hey, if that gives you another 2000 hours, then once again, consider yourself lucky.
Knowing what I now know, Would I recommend buying a promaster?
Yes, as long as it’s a 2500 or 3500, with extended wheelbase and good tires.
When building, avoid plywood because it can easily get wet, stay wet, and then rot or grow mold. Fixing these issues will take a lot of time and money.
As far as powering everything else, either go full electric, or install a seperate fuel tank and an Onan Diesel Commercial Gen, Now that’s a good Gen.