A good design needs good requirements.  This project started with different concepts, or requirements, one from the person building the system, the other from the person that would be driving and working in it.

These concepts agreed on key items such as:

• The system would be completely self contained for at least one full business day.  No connections to the customer's house/utilities would be required.  The shortest lived resource, water, would be adequate for at least one day.

• The system would maintain full functionality through all weather.  The operator would be comfortable in climate controlled work space.  All systems would be functional within a temperature range of -20 degrees to +110 degrees Fahrenheit.

• The system would be easy to operate.

• Required maintenance should be minimized.

• Systems should be easily serviced, and serviceable by technicians from a limited range of expertise, namely truck and RV mechanics.

Design concepts differed initially in "cosmetic" matters.  The driver/operator had reservations about driving a large truck from both size and appearance perspectives.  The builder wanted to work with a "square" body design to facilitate structural strength and ease of construction.

In Barb's first mobile grooming vehicle, built in 1980, "truck paranoia" was greater and the vehicle chosen was a standard, short wheelbase, Dodge van with no roof extension.  This system, though functional presented challenges for both builder and operator.  Version 2 was to be nearly uncompromised in both respects.

It's a Truck!

Get over it...  Barb had  a very hard time coming to the conclusion the ultimate grooming vehicle would be based on a TRUCK.  With earlier experience building grooming facilities into a van body, Trey had a strong belief this version should be based on a box.  Yes, an ugly, square, sturdy, easy-to-build-in, box.  More about body selection.

Check the links at the left for additional information about the various systems that make up the finished system.