Featured Van: Jim’s Dog Wash Ford Transit Grooming Conversion

When Jim’s Dog Wash approached Vanlifer, the goal was clear: deliver a professional mobile grooming van for one of their franchise clients, Jackie, based in Northcote. Jackie needed a Ford Transit high roof van transformed into a fully equipped mobile grooming station that met the high standards of the Jim’s Dog Wash brand.

The Ford Transit was the ideal choice. With its tall standing room, flat walls, and reliable driveline, it offered the perfect blank canvas for a commercial fit-out. For Jim’s Dog Wash, the Transit provides the consistency and durability their franchisees need to operate a busy mobile business.

Why Dog Grooming Vans Are on the Rise

Mobile dog grooming is booming in New Zealand and around the world. Pet owners are busier than ever, and many prefer services that come directly to their doorstep. For dogs, it’s less stressful than travelling to a salon filled with strange noises and other animals. For groomers, a van doubles as both a workspace and a mobile billboard, helping to grow their brand with every appointment.

Jim’s Dog Wash has recognised this shift, supporting franchisees like Jackie with professionally built vans that deliver convenience, efficiency and comfort for both dogs and their owners.

The Vision: A Professional Grooming Van on Wheels

Jackie’s brief, under the Jim’s Dog Wash brand, was clear:

• Create a hygienic, easy-to-clean workspace

• Integrate water storage, hot water, and a pressure system for a stainless steel dog bath
  

• Build a secure housing for a generator to run grooming equipment
  

• Deliver a safe, certified electrical setup ready for commercial use
  

This wasn’t just about making a van look good — it needed to work as hard as she does, day after day.

Standout Features of the Ford Transit Grooming Conversion

Custom Interior Fit-Out

The Transit’s shell was framed, insulated, and lined with a durable, water-resistant finish. Wheel arch boxes were built and sealed, while the ceiling and heavy-duty vinyl flooring were fitted to withstand constant cleaning and water exposure.

Power System

A 12V electrical system powers LED lighting and charges both while driving and through the generator. The setup was fully certified, giving Jackie peace of mind that her workspace is safe and compliant.

Generator Housing

At the rear of the van, a custom-built compartment securely houses a client-supplied generator. Designed for use only with the rear doors open, this feature ensures safety while giving Jackie the independence to operate anywhere.

Professional Water System

A 60L fresh water tank and 60L grey water tank were installed, both plumbed directly into the grooming bath. An electric pump delivers steady pressure, while a 240V hot water system ensures warm washes for every dog.

Stainless Steel Dog Bath

Jim’s Dog Wash supplied Jackie with a Premium Stainless Steel Bath Tub with stairs from All Groom, which Vanlifer installed securely in the van. The tub, combined with the hot water system, creates a professional-level setup that rivals any brick-and-mortar grooming salon.

The Design Process: From Consultation to CAD

Every Vanlifer build begins with a design consultation. For Jim’s Dog Wash and Jackie’s franchise van, we mapped out workflow, equipment needs, and compliance requirements before creating a full CAD model of the Transit.

By modelling appliances and fixtures in CAD, we were able to:

• Test clearances around the grooming bath, generator and tanks
  

• Optimise weight distribution for safety
  

• Plan plumbing and electrical runs with precision
  

• Generate realistic renders so Jackie could see her van before it was built
  

This process ensures no surprises during the build and speeds up certification and installation.

Key Features for Any Dog Grooming Van

This Jim’s Dog Wash build highlights the essentials every successful mobile grooming van should include:

• Spacious grooming area with easy-clean linings and vinyl flooring
  

• Durable stainless steel bath with stairs for larger breeds
  

• Efficient water system with fresh and grey tanks plus hot water
  

• Robust power supply via generator or inverter system
  

• Custom cabinetry for storage of grooming supplies and tools
  

• Professional branding options like wraps and signage to promote services on the road
  

Refinements & Efficiencies

Because every commercial conversion is different, this build allowed us to refine several design details:

• Tank placement was optimised to balance weight distribution
  

• Generator housing was prototyped for future grooming vans
  

• Material choices were tested specifically for easy cleaning and daily use
  

Future Jim’s Dog Wash franchise builds will benefit from these lessons, with faster turnarounds and even more efficient layouts.

Quick Spec Overview

The Result

The finished Ford Transit is now a fully mobile grooming salon that carries the Jim’s Dog Wash brand with pride. For Jackie, it’s a clean, practical, and professional workspace that allows her to deliver premium grooming services directly to her clients’ homes.

At Vanlifer, we’re more than campervan builders. From physio clinics to grooming vans, we’ve proven the Ford Transit can be transformed into a reliable, professional workspace on wheels.

If you’re looking at a dog grooming van conversion in New Zealand — whether as an independent operator or a franchisee like Jackie — Vanlifer are the specialists who can bring your vision to life.