Most mobile groomers who come to our lot narrow their search to two sizes: a 6x12 and a 7x12 grooming trailer. Both are 12 feet long and both can carry a full bathing and grooming setup. The difference is one foot of width, and that foot changes how the trailer feels when you are working around a nervous doodle at 4 PM.
Here is how the two sizes compare and how to decide which one fits your business.
The Short Answer
A 6x12 grooming trailer suits a solo groomer who wants a compact, lighter rig that is easier to park on tight residential streets. A 7x12 gives you more room to move around the table and tub, which many groomers prefer if they handle large breeds or want extra storage. Both sizes on our lot carry a 7,000 lb GVWR on tandem axles.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| 6x12 grooming trailer | 7x12 grooming trailer | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 12 ft | 12 ft |
| Width | 6 ft | 7 ft |
| Listed empty weight (recent stock) | About 1,800 lb | About 2,000 lb |
| GVWR (recent stock) | 7,000 lb | 7,000 lb |
| Interior height (recent stock) | Varies by build | 7 ft, with some units at 7 ft 6 in |
| Typical package | 50-inch tub, high-velocity dryer, integrated vacuum | 50-inch tub, high-velocity dryer, integrated vacuum, with options such as a bathroom and upgraded water tanks |
Weights and features come from recent units on our lot and vary by build, so check the listing for the exact trailer you are looking at. You can see current units on our pet grooming trailers page.
Workspace: What One Extra Foot Gets You
In a grooming trailer, the tub, table, dryer, cabinets and water heater all compete for floor space. In a 6-foot-wide trailer, you typically work in a narrower aisle between the equipment and the opposite wall. That works well when your routine is efficient and your clients are small to medium dogs.
The 7-foot width adds room to step around the table, swing a large dog into the tub and open cabinet doors without bumping into the dryer. If you groom many large breeds, or you plan to bring a bather along on busy days, that space is worth a close look.
Weight and Towing
A loaded grooming trailer carries more than its listed empty weight. Water is heavy: fresh water weighs a little over 8 lb per gallon, so tanks, a water heater and grey water add up fast. Add shampoo stock, towels, a generator if you carry one and the dog on the table.
Both sizes on our lot are rated at 7,000 lb GVWR, so the question is less about the trailer and more about your tow vehicle. Check your vehicle's towing capacity and payload, and remember that a 7-foot-wide box catches more wind on the highway than a 6-foot one. Your owner's manual is the final word on what your vehicle can pull.
Parking and Your Route
Mobile grooming happens in driveways, cul-de-sacs and apartment lots. A 6x12 is a little easier to tuck into a narrow driveway or along a curb. A 7x12 still fits most residential spots, but think about the tightest stops on your route, and about where the trailer will park overnight. Some neighborhoods and HOAs limit trailer parking, so check before you buy.
Equipment and Layout
Recent 6x12 and 7x12 grooming trailers on our lot come with a 50-inch tub, a high-velocity dryer and an integrated vacuum system. Some 7x12 builds add a bathroom, upgraded water tanks and a propane tankless water heater. A 13,500 BTU A/C with heat strip is standard on our built-to-order grooming trailers.
When you compare layouts, picture a full appointment from start to finish:
- Where does the dog enter, and how far is it to the tub?
- Can you reach the dryer hose and vacuum from the table without stretching?
- Is there a safe place to hold a second dog, such as a built-in kennel?
- Where will towels, shampoo and blades live so nothing slides while you drive?
If an in-stock unit is close but not quite right, a grooming trailer can also be built to order. Built-to-order grooming trailers start at $13,100, include a live 3D design session so you can place the tub, table, kennels and storage yourself, and the final price depends on the size and options you choose. Our dog grooming trailer cost guide breaks down what drives the price.
Which Size Should You Choose?
Choose a 6x12 if you:
- Work alone and mostly groom small and medium dogs
- Want a lighter, more compact rig for tight streets
- Have a tow vehicle with a more modest towing capacity
Choose a 7x12 if you:
- Groom many large or giant breeds
- Want more storage or room for a helper
- Want options such as an on-board bathroom or larger water tanks
To see how a full grooming build comes together, visit our mobile dog grooming trailer page. For industry education and certification options as you build your business, the National Dog Groomers Association of America is a useful resource.
Walk Through Both Before You Decide
A reliable test is to stand inside each size, mime a full groom and see which one feels right. Bring the measurements of your biggest regular client if you can.
Grooming trailers can be paid over time three ways: traditional trailer financing, no credit check rent to own with 20% down for buyers in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, and lease-to-own through ClickLease, which starts with a soft credit pull and is available in all 50 states.
Need it brought to you? Delivery is available on specialty trailers such as grooming trailers for about $2.50 per mile. Payment is made in person, and all sales are final, so we encourage a thorough walk-through first.
Come walk through a grooming trailer at 8834 Tara Blvd, Jonesboro, GA 30236, just south of Atlanta. We are open Monday to Friday 9 AM to 5 PM and Saturday 9 AM to 4 PM. Call (770) 603-8511 or text (404) 383-8194 and tell us how you want your grooming day to run.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a 6x12 and a 7x12 grooming trailer?
Both are 12 feet long. The 7x12 is one foot wider, which adds working room around the tub and table. On our lot, recent 6x12 units list about 1,800 lb empty and 7x12 units about 2,000 lb, and both carry a 7,000 lb GVWR.
Is a 6x12 big enough for mobile dog grooming?
Yes, many solo groomers work from a 6x12, especially if most clients are small to medium dogs. Walk through one with your routine in mind before you decide.
What comes in a mobile dog grooming trailer?
Recent units on our lot include a 50-inch tub, a high-velocity dryer and an integrated vacuum system. Some 7x12 builds add a bathroom, upgraded water tanks and a propane tankless water heater. A 13,500 BTU A/C with heat strip is standard on built-to-order units.
How much does a dog grooming trailer cost?
Built-to-order grooming trailers start at $13,100, and fully loaded builds can reach $36,000 or more depending on size and options.
Can I rent to own a grooming trailer?
Yes. Grooming trailers can be rent to own with no credit check and 20% down for buyers in GA, FL, AL, TN, NC, MS, LA and TX. ClickLease lease-to-own, which uses a soft credit pull, is another option.