cargo van – Page 5 – Commercial Van Solutions

Five Ways To Upfit Your Forklift Service Van

Posted on July 13, 2021July 18, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

A practical forklift service van setup is crucial for a productive mobile workspace. When your van is upfitted, it ensures efficiency, employee safety, and quality customer service. Here are five ways to start upfitting your forklift service van.

1. Put Shelving Units In

Putting shelving units in your forklift service van maximizes cargo space. Shelving systems offer modular flexibility, meaning they’re easily customizable depending on the size and model of your van. Even if something happens with your work vehicle and you have to replace it with a new one, the shelves are easily transferable and can last up to two or three vehicle lifespans.

Ranger Design shelving options work in the following vehicles:

Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana
Mercedes Metris
Mercedes Sprinter (Aluminum Package)
Mercedes Sprinter (Steel Package)
RAM ProMaster
RAM ProMaster City
Ford Transit

2. Insert Parts Storage Cabinets

Parts storage cabinets keep all your equipment handy and accessible inside and outside the van. These heavy duty parts storage cabinets are modular and expandable for any piece of equipment; they come as convenient carrying cases so your workers can customize their case based on the project and bring the best parts for the job.

Parts storage cabinets are an efficient and productive way to organize and store small components and universally fit in any van; they can be mounted under shelves, inset into shelving, or stack as stand-alone units.

3. Apply Van Flooring

Van flooring is a good starting point for any efficient van upfit. When you get your van from the manufacturer, they generally come with a sheet metal floor or thin vinyl mat; these surfaces are not comfortable to walk on and can be hazardous if your shoes are wet or oily.

When it comes to a sufficient machinery service van setup, Aluminum Diamond plate and Stabil grip are the most suggested van floor coverings. Aluminum Diamond plate is thick yet lightweight and durable; it has superior impact sustainability and is puncture resistant, so it retains its appearance for an extended period. On the other hand, Stabil grip flooring is anti-slip and maximizes worker safety and efficiency. It can also endure all temperatures without buckling.

4. Install Liftgates or Ramps

Liftgates and cargo van ramps make work easier and minimizes physical strain on your employees. When you transport materials to and from the jobsite, assistance is often needed to move bulky items in and out of the service van. Liftgates and ramps reduce the effort needed for these tasks and prevent potentially costly and lasting injuries.

If you frequently move lightweight loads and wheeled equipment in and out of the van, a foldable ramp is your best solution. For heavier items such as pallets and machinery, a liftgate is the perfect tool for the job.

5. Introduce Interior Lighting

Introducing interior lighting in your van’s cargo space allows you to see what you’re doing after the sun goes down or before it comes up. It saves you and your workers’ frustration from hunting for a flashlight when you need to open the back doors; it saves time and allows you to do your job as efficiently as possible. In addition, interior lighting reduces the risk of injury because your workers are able to see where they’re walking to avoid tripping hazards.

Surface-Mount Interior Lighting and Recessed-Mount Interior Lighting are the recommended interior lighting options for commercial vans. These lighting fixtures do not eliminate any cargo headroom, and they have a 50,000 hour lifespan.

Take Advantage of Your Forklift Mechanic Van Setup

A proper forklift mechanic van setup allows you and your workers to complete projects efficiently and safely. At Advantage Outfitters, we know your time is valuable, which is why we’re here to help you upfit your on-the-go workspace.

KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

Not all vans are built the same, so it’s vital to understand your vehicle’s model along with its strengths. Before upfitting, it’s essential to consider the van’s size as well as its capabilities, such as weight capacity and balance. Implementing heavy equipment in the cargo may uneven the vehicle, which could cause significant maintenance damage down the road.

Commercial van upfits intend to satisfy the needs of your team. When upfitting your vehicle, listen to your employees to get their input on what they believe would be the most beneficial to implement in the van. All and all, your service crew will be utilizing the van most, so it’s important to keep their productivity and safety in mind.

6 PRO TIPS TO HELP YOU PICK THE RIGHT LADDER RACK FOR YOUR WORK TRUCK

Posted on July 13, 2021July 29, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

Here is everything you need to know about buying the right ladder rack for the van. Every business is unique, and the kind of customization or up-fitting you will require on your work van will also differ from case to case.

If you are overwhelmed by the plethora of options that are available in the market, we are here to make your ladder rack selection process a tad easier. Let us look at some tips that will come in handy and dispel any confusion about which ladder rack you should choose.

Understand the Different Types of Truck Ladder Rack

Drop-down racks, base racks, side-access rotation racks, lock-down racks, and aluminum cargo carriers are among the most popular types of ladder racks.

1. Utility Racks

A good-old utility rack is a versatile option that allows you the flexibility to stow and transport a wide variety of cargo and equipment. The good thing is that the rack is compact and fits most standard high-roof vans (full-size ones) like the Ford Sprinter, Nissan NV Cargo, Nissan NV200, Transit Connect, etc. The only downside to a utility rack is that it could be a little difficult to access.

2. Lock-Down Ladder Racks

The lock-down ladder rack fits perfectly on GM, Ford, Transit Connect, Nissan NV200, RAM CV, and other full-size vans. Like utility racks, theyare easy to use and quite adaptable for a range of items. However, they may not be able to accommodate too many things and can also be hard to access.

3. Drop-Down Ladder Racks

These happen to be our favorite, and for good reason. The easy-to-use handle of a drop-down ladder rack makes it simple for your ladder to pivot to the side of your vehicle. Safe, reliable, and efficient, the drop-down ladder rack also fits most full-size vans and pick-up trucks.

The only thing that might make you think twice about this type of ladder rack is its price. They can be costlier than the options mentioned above.

Pro Tips to Choose the Right Ladder Rack for Your Needs

1. Understand your requirement

What is good for someone else might not be the right accessory for you. Make sure you understand your unique business and transportation needs before you choose a specific rack. Start by considering the average and the maximum number of ladders you will need to carry. Also, consider the size of your ladders.

If you intend to accommodate other heavy equipment on the rack, ensure that the rack system you choose provides sufficient space for them to fit properly. While gauging your needs, it is important to look at what you need at the moment and also keep an eye on the future. You might feel like your requirements are limited right now, but what about when your business expands?

2. Consider your work truck type

Given the massive number of models in the market, most equipment manufacturers have started offering vehicle accessories and up-fitting options that are designed for specific work vans and trucks. Whether you have a Sprinter or a Transit, a Dodge van, or one from the Nissan NV Series, it is important to check whether the ladder rack system you chooseis compatible with your work truck.

3. Look at the safety features

While shopping around for ladder rack systems, considering the safety features is essential. After all, one of the key reasons why you need a ladder rack is because you want to keep your ladders, driver, vehicle, and other people safe. Modern-day ladder rack designs are enhanced with a variety of safety and security features – compare them and check which one suits your needs the best. Any ladder rack that you buy should have passed the necessary safety tests. An easy-to-use system that has high-quality fasteners or clasps are a must.

4. Material of construction

Heat, wind, moisture, water, and snow can have a detrimental impact on certain materials. Before you put down your money, make sure that the material used for constructing your ladder rack is extremely robust and resistant to harsh weather.

You will find that most manufacturers offer aluminum ladder racks today because aluminum is not only corrosion-resistant, it is immensely durable, and light in weight as well. You might also come across steel options, but steel ladder racks are generally heavier than their aluminum counterparts.

5. Compare models and designs

The market is replete with dynamic and good-looking ladder rack systems. Every product will have its own set of pros and cons ensure that you understand them before buying one.

6. Talk to an expert

The variety of styles, features, and construction material might make it hard for you to select the right ladder rack for your work truck. It is best to consult an expert in the industry and understand which ladder rack system is ideal for you. You can go to a truck accessory manufacturer, a retailer, or simply speak to one of our qualified experts at American Van.

cargo van, Refrigerated Van

Rent a Refrigerated Cargo Van

Posted on July 2, 2021July 2, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

Rent a refrigerated van — Rent a Refrigerated cargo van

Refrigerated van provide a great service to anyone that may need to transport food and other items that need to remain cold.

If a business or person needs a refrigerated van for a one-time use or only now and then, renting a truck is a lot more logical than purchasing a van that will never be used again or only used every now and then.

When renting a refrigerated van, there are various kinds of trucks that can be rented, different option to choose from when renting a van, various prices per truck, and important information that the business or person renting the van need to know prior to renting a refrigerated van.

A cargo van is a versatile vehicle that is used for transporting basically anything. However, if a business or person needs to transport items that need to remain cold, then renting a refrigerated cargo van is a great idea.

They are very similar to regular cargo van except that they have a refrigeration unit inside them that keeps the cargo area cold.

Depending on what type of cooling unit the truck has, they can keep items cold for quite a few days. They can transport many types of items as well.

Types of cooling systems in cargo vans and trucks

There are three main types of cooling systems that are installed in cargo vans and trucks. The first one is the most basic and is simply a ventilation system that moves air through the cargo area.

It is not really a refrigerated vehicle, but is perfect for transporting some items that do not require very cold air.

The next type of van uses carbon dioxide and ice to keep the truck cool. This type of vehicle is just right for short trips with items that do not require items to be at a set temperature during transport. The most advanced cooling system uses a diesel generator to power a complete mechanical refrigeration unit.

It is not cheap to rent this vehicle, but they are ideal for long distance transports and/or for transporting items that have to be at a set temperature the whole time that they are in the truck.

Along with not having to purchase a refrigerated that may or not be used on a regular basis, renting a refrigerated truck has other benefits. Renting a cargo van means that the business or person that rents them does not have to pay for vehicle maintenance and the fuel. They can also be rented for a day, a week, or however long the vehicles are needed. For these reasons, renting a refrigerated truck definitely makes transporting cooler.

A refrigerated cargo can transport anything that requires refrigeration, as long as it fits in the space available in the truck.

They can transport a lot of fresh food items, frozen products, flowers, medical specimens, hazardous and/or volatile materials, and anything else that needs to remain while it is being transported from one place to another.

cargo van

Van Insulation

Posted on June 21, 2021August 10, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

If you want to stay comfortable in your van no matter the weather, there is need of van insulation. van insulation is one of the most important steps of any van build, and it pays to take the time to do it right.

There’s also a lot of confusion and debate over the best way to insulate a campervan, and it can be tough to wade through all the opinions and figure out what to do.

Insulating inside your van’s hollow frame can help reduce the effect of thermal bridging. If you spend a lot of time in very cold weather.

It might be a good idea to put up thermal breaks, which are basically non-conductive materials (i.e. insulation) placed in the pathway of a thermal bridge to block the flow of heat. If you put up additional insulation on top of your van’s ribs, that would be a thermal break.

Another way to ensure proper insulation is by creating insulated window covers. This is the area where warm or cold air will most likely infiltrate your van.

One of the easiest ways to create DIY window covers is by using reflectix as the form of internal insulation. It can be easily glued or sewn between materials. Consider using a heavier material for the outside, such as canvas or water-resistant duck cloth.

Inevitably, once you are done insulating your van, there will be areas too small for the larger forms of insulation.

One of the best options for filling in small details and tiny cracks is “Great Stuff,” an insulating foam sealant. It’s easy to apply and is especially useful for filling in the tight areas around door and window frames. Keep in mind – it will likely require many, many cans.

You want to make sure the van is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. You want to reduce the risk of condensation forming in the van, and on metal surfaces which could lead to rust. You will also want to reduce sound transmission and road noise.

he most common insulating materials available are normal insulation. Rigid foam (PIR Insulation), or wool insulation (glasswool, rockwool or sheepswool), rubber foam (like thick swimming float), but my personal favourite is Low-E Insulation, a high-spec reflective foil with a recycled closed cell foam core.

cargo van, Commercial Van

Pick the Right Cargo Van

Posted on June 21, 2021July 20, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

Cargo vans shekving ideas — Cargo vans shelving

Cargo Space

The criteria you’ll want to look at is the amount of cargo space in the back of the van. This will depend on the number of tools, supplies or products you need to transport. More isn’t necessarily better, especially if having extra cargo space means less gas mileage.

Take a close look at what you need. Going back to that Ford Transit, the classic cargo van can carry a payload of 4,650 pounds and has 487.3 cubic feet of cargo space.

Storage

Some cargo vans may come equipped with different storage options, but you’ll need to take a closer look to see what will work best for your business. Once you determine your needs, you can easily narrow down your selections.

For example, a plumber would need tool racks that attach to the sides of the cargo area, while a florist might need extra space designed to secure fragile vases and flowers.

Technology

Modern cargo vans come with a variety of technological advances that make it easier to maintain and monitor your fleet. This won’t be the kind of high-tech infotainment system that you might see in a passenger vehicle.

Safety

Safety should be your No. 1 priority when choosing a cargo van or other fleet vehicle. You can have the best drivers in the world on your payroll, but you don’t have any control over other drivers on the road. With that in mind, accidents will happen. The best way to protect your fleet drivers is to invest in a cargo van that has a high safety rating.

Performance

Take a closer look at the performance options that are available for the cargo vans shelving ideas you’re considering. If you’re going to be hauling a lot of items, you’ll need something that has plenty of torque and horsepower.

Cargo vans aren’t going to have the power of a racecar. That’s not what they’re designed for. However, you don’t need to motor around in a big van with a tiny engine if it’s not going to serve your needs.

Choose What Will Work Best

When it comes down to it, choosing a cargo van or a fleet of them for your business is a very personal choice.

That’s why there are so many options out there. It makes it easier for everyone to find or create the van that will work best for their individual needs.

cargo van, Commercial Van, Refrigerated Van

REFRIGERATED DELIVERY TRUCK

Posted on June 16, 2021July 15, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

Refrigerated trucks have been such an integral part of the supply chain, that it’s impossible to imagine life without the products they transport. In 1938 Frederick McKinley Jones invented the Refrigeration unit. Later with the creation of the interstate highway system, refrigerated transportation of goods became and continues to be an important aspect of perishable and temperature-sensitive products.

The cold chain as it is known is the method and process of transporting products while ensuring they remain fresh, kept from deterioration and losing their value. The global trade of perishable items has increased in the past years causing a larger demand for quick transportation. This is not only true for food, such as produce, meat, and dairy, but also for other sensitive items such as medical products and pharmaceuticals.

The development of temperature-controlled products is growing at a rate that is more than double the rate of growth in non-temperature controlled products. Since its inception, mobile refrigeration has continued to improve as the demand has increased. Delivering temperature and time-sensitive goods like flowers, bakery, and dairy products, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals and even goods that require dual temperature settings during transport.

TODAY’S REFRIGERATED DELIVERY TRUCKS

Many businesses are looking to add more fuel-efficient vehicles to their urban delivery fleet and auto manufacturers provide a wide range of options for the growing van market. Reefers, as they are called, were initially used on straight trucks, semi or tractor trailers. Today, vans built as an alternative to traditional straight trucks provide a cost-effective and efficient design.

It’s easy to see how our refrigeration solutions make facing expenses less of a hassle. We have readily available electrical distribution components and an expansive dealer network. These options alone provide excellent convenience while saving you money on ownership, operation, and maintenance.

cargo van, Commercial Van

Tips for Better Affording a Wheelchair Van

Posted on June 16, 2021July 15, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

Purchasing wheelchair vans can be daunting. Planning and taking the buying process one step at a time helps, so I gathered information regarding making Wheelchair vans.

Knowing what best fits you is key. To determine Which Van is Right for You tool walks you through your needs and explains the options available.

To setup wheelchair van need tools and accessories required to build and as well as research work needed for same.

Build a realistic budget

The cost of an accessible vehicle, or any vehicle, doesn’t end with the sticker price at the dealership. is a great tool for visualizing the cost of ownership over a five-year period. Plan on spending or saving enough money to cover the items below.

Fuel

For now, the average fuel cost for a 26-mpg vehicle a wheelchair-accessible van average is $1,267 a year. This is down nearly 25 percent compared to last year, but isn’t a variable under your control, so padding this number a bit will keep your budget healthy.

Maintenance & Repairs

A well-maintained vehicle equals lower out-of-pocket expenses and fewer unexpected repairs. Investing in low-cost checkups like oil changes, tire rotations, and proper fluid levels can help prevent emergency and potentially high-cost repairs. (In 2016, estimated maintenance costs were three percent higher than 2015, which totaled about $792 per year.)

Insurance

Insurance costs are tricky to predict. Nationwide, prices average $1,222 per year, but rates depend on what type of driver you are, and your state’s rules on what’s required. The only foolproof option is calling your current insurance company and discussing your needs and the wheelchair van you’re considering.

Finance Charges

If you’re paying for your wheelchair van with financial help, you’ll need to deal with finance and interest charges. Fees and rates greatly depend on your personal credit and financial history, and what type of help you take (credit line, secured loan, unsecured loan, etc.). Sit down with someone at your bank, and talk through your situation. There may be steps you can take to improve your standing.

License, Registration and Taxes

Paperwork is expensive these days — the average cost of getting your vehicle legal is approximately $687 per year. License, registration and taxes are affected by vehicle sales prices as well as state and local tax rates.

cargo van, Commercial Van, sprinter commercial van, sprinter work van

Choose the Right Commercial Van

Posted on June 14, 2021July 20, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

The basic rule of thumb

There are two basic rules that you’ll find most people use, both of which you do by counting the number of rooms you’re trying to move.

The first is pretty straightforward: try to get 250 cubic feet of truck per fully furnished room.

The other rule, which is roughly the same, breaks it down like this:

Studio apartment: 10-foot truck
1-2 bedrooms: 15-foot truck
2-3 bedrooms: 20-foot truck
4+ bedrooms: 26-foot truck

These are pretty good as starting points, but as always, the actual answer is more complicated with that.

More size considerations

The fault with the rules of thumb should be obvious. The sprinter commercial van doesn’t carry rooms, but the stuff in the rooms. If you have many rooms with relatively spartan furnishings, you might not need as large of a truck as someone with fewer rooms crammed with more stuff.

To get a better idea of what you’re going to need, you’re going to need to measure stuff. How large are your moving boxes, and how many of them do you have? Measure every piece of furniture you have, too. Adding those up gives you an absolute minimum for the truck – you might have missed a lot of smaller things that will take up space. You’re also unlikely to pack the truck perfectly, so unless everything can fit perfectly together and you’re a Tetris master, expect that there’s going to be some empty space in the truck.

In fact, you should plan for there being more space. Error on the side of buying a larger truck than you think you need. The laws of physics are a lot more forgiving of you having extra room than trying to fit 600 cubic feet into 500.

Choosing the rental company

It’s a good idea to get a few quotes from companies near you. Choose truck rental companies which have been in business for a length of time.

Most budget truck rental companies stock trucks that a renter can drive with a general driver’s license, but don’t assume that’s the case with your rental. Confirm that a special license isn’t required before you make the reservation. Also, know whether you’ll be renting a manual or automatic transmission truck.

cargo van, Commercial Van

Customize Commercial Van

Posted on June 14, 2021June 16, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

A professional, well-equipped alurack ladder rack for the van increases job efficiency and lets your clients know you take your business and their needs seriously. It shows them you care about what you do, and you’re good at it.

Interior Van Components

Bulkheads keep the cab area quiet, so your drivers can concentrate on the road. They provide better climate control, and they offer increased driver safety in the case of unexpected hard stops. Bulkheads aren’t a luxury.

Shelves/Drawers

Nothing increases storage in your commercial van like well-designed, professionally installed shelves and drawers.

Floors

Not all floors are created equal, and you should give your floor just as much attention as the rest of your van.

Exterior Van Components

Regardless of the type of business you’re in, a good quality ladder is likely an essential piece of your equipment and an investment you’ll want to protect. Ladder racks can be designed to fit any van and not only do they keep your ladder stored properly.

Your Vision Our Quality Construction

When it comes to customizing your commercial van, the options available can sometimes seem overwhelming. To make the process easier, we’ve designed standard packages you can use a launching point for your ideas. These include build-outs for HVAC, telecommunications, plumbing, electrical and more. And quality is our top priority! We’ve chosen only the most reputable manufacturers in the industry to supply our products.

cargo van, Commercial Van

Insulating a Campervan

Posted on June 14, 2021June 16, 2021 by commercialvansolutions

Insulating a campervan is step for van conversion

Once you’ve purchased the best van for your conversion project, insulating is the first big job.

Insulation for Campervan can be a bit tedious because it involves some expense and hard labor and it’s not cosmetic; most of your hard insulating work will be covered up in future steps.

So while you’re planning for van insulation, it can help to keep your eyes on the prize: A comfortable traveling and living environment that will last for many years of exciting adventure.

Do you need to insulate a campervan?

The obvious answer is yes. But the bigger question is, what are we’re insulating against?

Consider insulation systems in houses. Builders and engineers have a long list of factors to consider. They draw from decades of hard earned experience, often based on issues specific to region.

But since you’ll be traveling to many different areas (I hope), the work of insulation for campervan build success goes beyond region.

For example I live in Washington state where I can spend a week in the dry desert, then some days in snowy mountains, head to the coast for a few days at the beach.

In this short time my van could be exposed to direct sunlight, wind, dust, snowfall, driving rain, ocean mist (full of corrosive salt) and more sun.

What is the best insulation for a Campervan?

Our recommendation for the best insulation for campervan builds isn’t just one type of material, but several in combination. While we’d love to be able to suggest one material, it takes some thought and planning to get insulation for your camper van right.

I recommend a combination of materials and gear for campervan insulation:

Sound deadening mat for rattle and other noise reduction
Mass Loaded Vinyl for stopping cold and heat transfer through steel from outside.
Thinsulate blanket insulation for filling large and small voids and most wall insulation.
Recycled Denim blanket insulation for large and small voids.
Foam Panel for floors and filling some small voids.
Reflectix for reducing light and some R value and vapor barrier.