Researching the true dog grooming van price before you commit? This guide slices through dealer ads and builder hype to reveal what new, used, and trailer-based grooming units really cost in 2025—plus the hidden equipment expenses most first-time buyers miss. If sticker shock hits, our Grooming Van Financing guide shows you how to afford your dream rig without draining savings.
| Vehicle Type | Average Price (Low) | Average Price (High) | Typical Buyer Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Grooming Van (Turnkey) | $85,000 | $130,000 | Growing businesses needing ready-to-work rigs |
| Used Grooming Van (Retrofitted) | $55,000 | $85,000 | Start-ups hunting value; DIY tinkerers |
| Cargo Van + DIY Build-Out | $25,000 (van) + $25,000 build = $50,000 total | $70,000 total | Handy entrepreneurs with time to spare |
| Dog Grooming Trailer (14′–18′) | $40,000 | $70,000 | Budget launches; rural groomers with tow vehicles |
| Box Truck / Shuttle Bus Conversion | $90,000 | $150,000 | High-volume, multi-groomer salons |
Cost sources: 2024–2025 builder price sheets (Wag’n Tails, Gryphon Trucks, GroomElite) plus 200+ private-party listings on Facebook Marketplace & CommercialTruckTrader.
Want the full feature breakdown? Compare every rig type in our Mobile Grooming Vehicles Explained guide.
| Item | Budget Range | Notes |
| Hydraulic grooming table | $1,000 – $2,500 | Electric lift adds $1k |
| Stainless steel tub | $1,200 – $2,000 | Ramp saves your back |
| Clipper-vac system | $900 – $1,400 | Cuts groom time by 20 % |
| High-velocity dryer | $300 – $700 | Dual-motor preferred |
| On-board generator | $3,500 – $7,000 | Gas vs diesel affects maintenance |
| Water tanks & pump | $1,500 – $3,000 | Larger vans need 75 + gal |
| Electric & plumbing install | $6,000 – $12,000 | Biggest variable in DIY builds |
Rule of thumb: Equipment + utilities generally equal 25–35 % of your total grooming van price.
Pros – Warranty on chassis and conversion • Brand-new equipment = lower downtime • Finance up to 100 % of cost
Cons – $20k–$40k higher upfront • Depreciates ~15 % in year one
Pros – Lower monthly payment • Faster ROI if mileage is reasonable
Cons – Shorter generator life • May need $5k–$8k refurb budget in year two
Payback snapshot (one groomer, $85 avg ticket):
• New van @ $110k, 72-mo term: break-even ≈ 13 months
• Used van @ $70k, 60-mo term: break-even ≈ 9 months
| Factor | Trailer | Van |
| Upfront cost | $40k–$70k | $55k–$130k |
| Tow vehicle needed | Yes | No |
| Parking flexibility | Low in suburbs | High |
| Climate control | Harder to regulate | Better insulation |
| Resale demand | Moderate | Strong |
Already own a capable truck and serve rural routes? A trailer can save $30k+. If you work tight urban loops, a van wins every time. See more trailer specs in our vehicle comparison hub.
Most lenders let you roll the equipment cost and vinyl wrap into the same note as the van, giving you one simple payment and preserving cash for marketing. Check details in our How to Finance a Grooming Van tutorial.
How much does a turnkey grooming van cost in 2025?
Most new, fully equipped vans land between $85,000 and $130,000, depending on chassis and add-ons.
Can I build a grooming trailer for under $40 k?
Yes—if you pick up a used cargo trailer and handle some labor yourself, plan on $35k–$40k all-in.
Will banks finance used grooming trailers or vans?
Specialized equipment lenders will, provided the unit is less than 10 years old and priced above $25,000.
Does a vinyl wrap affect financing?
Wrap costs can be rolled into the loan if they’re on the builder invoice; they don’t impact approval odds.
What ongoing maintenance costs should I budget?
Set aside $2,500–$3,000 per year for routine service—oil changes, generator upkeep, tires, and minor repairs.
At TruckLenders USA we finance grooming vans, trucks, and trailers up to $150,000 with soft-pull pre-quals and 24–48 hr answers.
Compare prices, factor in equipment, and line up financing—before someone else drives off with your perfect grooming van.
