lots of potential newby questions

[scullysmom]

ok, so I am possibly looking at a trailer. If you have some time and could answer some (probably horribly silly) questions I would be so appreciative. I would be buying one and storing it through the winter at least. So an inverter, how does it work, can it work in a trailer etc? I have a K-9III and a stand dryer, is this never going to work in a trailer (I have issues with tiny no powered drying equipment)??? I know it has shore line power and may or may not have a generator and inverter (long story). Also, grey tanks, how do they work and if it lacks one how much of a pain is it to put in, or is there some alternative arrangement besides letting soapy water drop (I don't really know if it lacks one)?? Basically it is an old aussie and too good of a deal to pass up I think. We have a jeep cherokee and honda CRV, am I dreaming that the jeep could pull it? Inquiring minds really want to know!! Thank you guys so much!! Basically, since I move every three years, this is insurance that I could perhaps do something part time while pursuing a degree. Also, I could use this to bathe my own dogs instead of inside of future rental homes. Also, we would use this to haul extra stuff left over after the Military moves us to new duty stations, so it would be multipurpose. Honestly it probably would collect dust up here until we move, but is a really good deal. Thanks again for advice

[scullysmom]

I forgot one more question, how do you drain and freeze proof a trailer without tainting the plumbing for next season? I imagine drain everything as well as possible and then RV antifreeze down the drains??? (that idea creeps me out)

[Starshan]

For the inverter you need to have space to put atleast 8 batteries, they aren't light either, you will probably want a few more if you will be running a stand dryer too. It all depends on how many amps you will be using. Will you have electric heat & electric hotwater? Those use alot. How about AC? I have propane heat & hotwater so that saves me a lot. During the summer I was using my AC alot & on some really hot days (high 80's - low 90's) I found I was running out of power, luckily it was at the end of the day last dog, just scissor finish & plenty of light from windows to see. It does take a little bit to get use to the inverter but so does the Gen.

As for the towing, find out how much the Jeep or other vehicle is rated to tow, then find out how much the trailer is rated at. There's your answer.

Moving every 3yrs might make it a little difficult to build a business, each business starts out slow. Some might have a few clients to start then it slows down before it gets to be a steady growth. Granted I haven't done a bunch of advertising etc so I really have grown slowly. Each yr is different. Like my Nov was really slow this yr which was odd. Made things really tight. My Dec looks pretty good so far. I am in my 3rd yr & I could still add 10-20 more clients onto each month if I could. The demand isn't strong here so that really doesn't help. Also alot are looking for deals & alot freak out over the prices. Although I still got a new one last Sat for a cattle dog & she didn't freak at the price. I do seem to get the 20 - 40lb dogs lately, anything smaller & they don't want to pay $50+ for a haircut.

As for winter, we don't just store our vehicles, we use them. I have propane heat & leave it on through the night. My hubby this yr is going to build a little box around the van, lower part & keep a light on for the pipes that are actually under the van. The box will be removeable so I can head out on a job. I do reschedule clients if there is snow or ice etc but I live in a hilly area & we don't tend to get a lot of snow, maybe a week or 2 total. Last yr was bad though for us around here, we had horrible cold for a week, then snow for a week, then it didn't melt for another week after that. That is rare around here. They are talking freezing cold next weekend so I get to put all this into play then. If I had a garage I would put it in there but I don't.

Shannon
The Soapy Puppy

[scullysmom]

Shannon thank you so much for the quick response. This all helps a bunch! I probably wouldn't be really using the stand dryer in the trailer, but I am pretty sure the K-9 pulls just short of 19 amps. I know when I used to live in NC, it would pop my house breakers, so I can't imagine straight shore power would be ok. I am so not knowledgeable about these things. Thanks so much!! I know in a perfect world, I would use this over the winter, but I live in a snow belt and I know it is coming, so I wouldn't use it until at least spring. So I was looking to find a way to drain it, I suppose I could put a heater in there. As far as I understand, this trailer has heat and AC, as well as a water heater. I know starting a business every three years is not ideal, which is why I was thinking about steering away from substantial investments. The way I see it, if I can make the basics work, so it is comfortable and manageable, I could stomach the amount for my own dogs alone. Anything above that would be gravy. Just trying to make sure I make some sort of informed decision and don't wreck the trailer due to ignorance. Basically, I don't want to deal with the drama of finding a part time position every time I move. I am pretty slow, and like to enjoy my grooming time etc. I know I don't want to open a commercial shop everywhere because that is nothing short of financial suicide. I really don't like the hair in my house, though I love the home environment (I am a clean freak and am going nutty) and a nice van is way out of my price range. I figured trailer would work, and it is low enough that I can stomach idea. Do you think it could handle the force dryer pulling that kind of power???

[Starshan]

As for the dryer you can use it if you have a Gen or Inverter. I have an inverter so I know kinda how that works. You have to make sure you have enough batteries to cover your needs & not bring the battiery power lower then 50%, once or twice is ok but too much & it will wear the batteries out fast. You can plug the dryer into the inverter or when you have the inverter system set up you do breakers & outlets. You want the breaker to be the next step higher then the standard outlet, so a 20amp breaker would be what you need.

If you do shoreline then you would need to plug into 30amp plug in. I've been told they are usually behind a clothes washer but not the clothes dryer.

Yes for winter & not using it I would drain it all & keep a heater in there that keeps it just above freezing, you don't need anything warmer then that.

Shannon
The Soapy Puppy

[scullysmom]

Shannon, you absolutely rock! thank you so much

[CurbsideCuties]

I have a K9 III dryer, and I was told I should not use it in my trailer as it pulls too many amps. I have 2 edemco force dryers in there and I can use both of them and AC no problem. I sure do miss my K9 dryer