Refrigerated vans are trucks equipped with cooling bodies to transport goods over long distances. It is very useful for the transportation of temperature sensitive goods to supermarkets or foods to festivals or even medical materials to hospitals. For a transportation firm, having refrigerated vans are a must to expand their business and generate more revenue.
Here are 5 benefits of using refrigerated vans:
Versatile: Refrigerated vans are not restricted to only one industry. The van can be utilized in many businesses from fish, dairy, meat industry to pharmaceutical and chemicals industry. This helps transportation firm in having worked throughout the year and so the business never goes through a dormant phase.
Protection: The refrigerated vans are capable of transporting perishable items over long distances. If one owns a refrigerated van then he doesn’t have to worry about the safety of perishable goods like flowers and vegetables while transporting it over long distances. Using refrigerated trucks also protects the freight from theft, spoilage, damage and harsh weather conditions.
Temperature can be regulated: In refrigerated vans, you can control the temperature according to the needs of the specific items. While products like meat and fish need to be kept frozen, flowers need to be kept only at a cool temperature to stop them from drying and wilting. The ability to regulate the temperature provides flexibility in carrying goods from one place to another.
Variety of sizes:Refrigerated vans are available in a variety of sizes. Hence if you only require the van to transport a certain product from time to time, then you can choose the size according to the needs of your items for transportation. Thus the investment is cost-effective.
Long distance travel: The greatest benefit of having a refrigerated van is its ability to transport almost any product over long distances. It can easily transport goods from one state to another or even one country to another due to the refrigeration facilities. If the roads are smooth and properly maintained then there’s none better than refrigerated vans for long distance transports.
Refrigerated vans need proper handling and specific knowledge about the operational techniques of this type of vans. Hiring a transportation agency that is well-equipped and experienced enough to deal with refrigerated vans and guarantee the safe transportation of your goods.
The popularity of transport vehicles with temperature-controlled features is growing every year. While the larger refrigerated trucks have been used by businesses for decades, many companies do not have a need for that volume or size vehicle.
Fortunately, the refrigerated vansserve the same purpose on a much smaller scale. Refrigerated vans are perfect for smaller businesses or temporary use when transporting anything from produce and perishable foods to pharmaceuticals and flowers. If you find your need for a refrigerated mode of transportation is becoming more common, then having immediate access to a refrigerated van for your business may be just what you are looking for.
The refrigerated vans fulfill the need of safely hauling sensitive goods and give you full control of your transportation needs regarding timing, schedule flexibility, temperature control and care of the goods. You will ultimately have full control of the delivery.
More Than Food Transportation
While refrigerated vans have always been used by caterers for food transport these temperature-controlled vans offer versatility for a variety of other businesses and products that require specific climates to prevent contamination or spoilage, ranging from pharmaceutical supplies and nutritional supplements to food, perfumes and cosmetics.
Protect Your Goods Yourself
When you have your own refrigerated van, it allows you to take control of the delivery and care of your products rather than hiring freight companies. This puts you in charge of knowing how products are handled, ensuring the protection from spoilage of produce, contamination of products or wilting of flowers, etc., whatever your business may be.
Flexibility of Time
In lieu of hiring a company for goods transport, a refrigerated van of your own allows you the flexibility of time to work with your schedule or that of your staff. Not only is this an advantage for you, but it enables you to provide better customer service to clients by accommodating their schedule.
Consistent Temperature is the Law
Due to FDA regulations on so many consumer products, safe transportation and consistent temperature is a must for staying in compliance. The refrigerated van gives the driver full control of the thermostat and it also has an overnight standby mode for maintaining climate control over long distances.
Versatility for Delivery Services
The refrigerated van offers versatility for multiple industries. With the ability to manually control the temperature in these vehicles, your business can deliver a variety of products and still meet FDA regulations.
Have you ever seen a cargo van that looks like the owner’s business exploded inside it? Imagine the impression a messy scene like that can make on a customer or potential customer. Plus, it’s not a fun or safe work environment. Don’t let this be your van!
Now picture a perfectly organized van with every tool and piece of equipment in its own designated space and plenty of room to get things done. Van customization and organization can keep you focused and help you avoid losing equipment or running late trying to find it. There are many ways to improve organization, but installing shelves is a great place to start. With the right shelving, your van will not only be more organized, but more professional-looking, enjoyable and safe.
AN INTRODUCTION TO VAN SHELVING
One of the primary reasons businesses choose vans over trucks is the ease of creating a custom, enclosed and mobile workstation to conveniently get work done on-site and keep employees and equipment protected from the elements. Van interiors can be customized to meet the needs of many specific industries and professions, from plumbers to electricians and many more. Perhaps that’s why full-sized vans are one of the fastest-growing and most-lucrative vehicle types.
No matter what industry you’re in, you’ll likely require shelving and storage in your van interior, and there are a wide variety of options to consider. Adjustable metal shelving is a great option, and comes in a wide variety of sizes to meet your storage needs. Open shelving is ideal for storing tools or materials that you need to access regularly and easily. For more protected storage, there are plenty of storage modules available that combine drawers, cabinets and shelving to keep everything you need secure and organized.
BENEFITS OF COMMERCIAL SHELVING FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Shelving may seem like a simple addition to your van, but it can make a world of difference for your business and your day-to-day tasks. Van shelving is popular for many reasons, including the following benefits:
A well thought-out and organized workstation can improve your efficiency and productivity. By getting more done more quickly, you can thereby increase your revenue and profitability.
With all your tools and equipment in their designated spots, you’ll have more open space to work with.
An organized van looks more professional and reflects positively on your business and brand image. Each passerby is a potential customer, so you want your van to be neat and organized at all times.
Loose tools and equipment present risks and hazards. Storing everything properly and securely will improve safety while on the road and on the job.
Knowing exactly where everything is kept in your van will allow you to keep a more accurate inventory.
Having all your equipment and tools secured can reduce noise and damage while you drive.
Studies show that visible clutter can cause mental clutter. A clean and organized work space can lead to a more enjoyable and fulfilling work life.
If you want to own a business and doing the needed planning for it, then you must add the van racking system to your plan. You are going to own hundreds of products, and you will need a proper arrangement for that. So, look at these advantages of the van racking.
Boost Safety
One reason to choose van shelving has to do with road security. If there are products and goods in a van and they are not rightly placed, then this can become a hindrance for you and the van. Occasionally, small items can fall on the floor. These barriers could, for example, end up underneath a driver’s feet. To avoid costly mishaps, it’s just common sense to properly store all products and materials in defined shelf space.
The optimum environment inside the van
Many products are extremely susceptible to sanitation and other environmental factors. If you pile far too much fruit around, for example, the lack of sufficient air circulation accelerates the rate where there is a chance of fruits getting spoiled. When it comes to flowers as well as other food stuffs, the same effect occurs. Once you have a proper racking system, you won’t have to fear the fruits getting spoiled before their time due to a shortage of sufficient air circulation.
Dangerous germs and diseases flourish in the cramped environment inside the van. For example, suppose you’re transporting fruit as well as vegetables in your vehicle. Mold, eczema, and some other forms of fungi will have more possibility to form, interfering with the quality of the fruit at all times. So, the racks can keep the things in place.
Excellent Planning and Organization
Sliding gear is basically not suitable for the van. Throughout the rear of the van, industrial equipment plus cutting objects should not be permitted to roll around. Racking is a quick fix for this problem. Once you return, each of your belongings will be exactly where you put them. Even more, you’ll get a lot more room to store additional equipment.
Reliable.
Many professionals used to make their own van racks during old times. Plywood would be used to construct racks. It also served a useful purpose. It wouldn’t survive long or might need to be replaced quickly, but it was sometimes the only alternative. It’s a completely different situation now. Van racking systems are accessible in a variety of sizes and configurations to meet your specific requirements. They’re also comprised of light yet incredibly robust steel. This gives the racking or storing a lot more strength and durability than plywood. You can have whatever arrangement of van racking you require with a selection of storage options.
Image as professional
Your company’s image is reflected in your van. Van racking organization will let you project a professional appearance after you realize the benefits of eye-catching van organizations. Clients won’t be hanging in your van, but someone looking within will see a neat and well-organized vehicle. This can become beneficial to your company’s image.
Different customers sometimes receive unique advantages by choosing customized van shelving. Yet certain benefits apply in virtually every case. Consider some excellent general reasons to request this service:
1. Improve Efficiency
Customized van shelving helps many companies increase efficiency. By labeling essential tools and supplies (such as electrical components, plumbing parts, keys, nails, cleaning products, or other loose materials), a tradesman ensures the correct widely used items accompany the van to every work location. Check this inventory easily before leaving the office.
2. Look Better Organized
Most van owners value customized shelving for a slightly egotistical reason, too. It makes them look extremely well organized and capable! Customers feel more confident patronizing companies that don’t appear cluttered and messy. Van shelving promotes streamlining goals.
3. Travel More Comfortably
Using shelves in a van also enhances employee comfort. Workers arrive relaxed and fully prepared at every job site. They don’t need to travel with essential tools and supplies jostling around noisily in the cargo area.
4. Optimize Productivity
The simple process of organizing shelving in a van greatly augments productivity for most businesses, too. Skilled personnel focus on each project more effectively. The long term benefits of this process help make shelving a very smart investment.
5. Enhance Safety
Yet another reason to request customized van shelving relates to safety over the road. Loose supplies or tools in a work van all too easily pose an impediment to defensive driving. Small objects sometimes drop onto the floor. These obstructions might wind up beneath a driver’s feet, for example. To prevent expensive accidents, it simply makes sense to stow all supplies and tools correctly in a designated shelving area.
6. Reinforce Branding
For the same reasons some fast food chains always construct identical facilities, maintaining a fleet of uniformly customized vans with shelving makes sense. It promotes branding goals. Managers will appreciate the fact every work van in the firm maintains a recognizable, efficient appearance. If personnel ever change vehicles between assignments, they can still readily locate the items they require swiftly when they reach the job site.
An RV awning increases your RV’s usefulness and versatility, allowing you to use it for multiple purposes. Here are some reasons why you should buy and install an RV awning.
It provides shade in the hot summer days. When the weather is too hot, spending time inside the RV can be extremely uncomfortable, but sitting out in the direct sunlight might not be the best alternative. The awning provides some shade, so you can read, relax, or prepare a BBQ dinner without being too hot.
➢ Even if you’re fond of the sun, spending too much in the sun without protection will leave your skin subject to the harmful ultraviolet rays. Ultraviolet rays can cause skin damage and also increase the risk of skin cancer.
If you’re spending time inside your RV, the awning can also protect you from the annoying sun rays when you’re trying to relax or sleep. Moreover, the sun can cause the fading of your carpets and furniture, so the awning will provide the needed shade.
➢ An awning can also keep the rain away from the interior of your RV. The rain will slide away from your windows, so you can spend some peaceful time inside, without having everything getting wet or having to lock your windows.
➢ With some modifications, the awning can add an extra outdoor room. If it has walls, this outdoor sun room will be bug-free, so you can chill outside without having to deal with nasty mosquito bites.
So you’re halfway through your van conversion, and you’ve just got to the point where you’ve realized that you’re going to need a way to power all your tech. One of the perks of van life is being able to live off the grid for short or long periods of time, and in order to do this you’ll most likely need to generate your own power.
Drawing power from the sun is a clean, free energy resource than can be used to top your batteries up and power your appliances, but to do this you’re going to need to install a solar panel, or maybe even a few.
So we’ve compiled a guide to the best solar panels and charging accessories you can buy for your van conversion to help you make a decision that’s right for you.
This guide is simply a breakdown of the best solar panels and solar charge controllers you can buy for your van conversion based on your needs, preferences and budget. If you want to learn how to work out how much power you’ll need, how big a solar panel to buy or how to install one in your van then check out this guide to Van Solar Panels & Electrical Systems.
Rigid solar panels
Rigid camper van solar power is a classic, sturdy choice that is usually mounted to a van’s roof via mounting brackets.
Flexible solar panels
Flexible solar panels are quickly becoming a favorite amongst the van community for their easy no-tools-required installation and the ability to place them just about anywhere wherever it be a curved surface or a streamlined rooftop. Great for uniquely shaped vans.
Portable solar panels
If you’re not ready to commit to drilling holes through your van’s roof, or maybe you’re just a weekend adventurer, then a portable solar panel is a wonderfully flexible option that allows for easy on-the-go charging anywhere.
Solar charge controllers
A solar charge controller is the middle man delivering power between your solar panel and your batteries and it’s absolutely essential to ensure a good charge. Think of it like a brain deciding when your batteries need a quick top up, a full recharge or just enough power to maintain their charge.
Best Awnings for Camper Vans, Truck Campers, & Sprinters
When planning your van conversion the addition of awnings for vans is something you’ll want to consider. It’s a great way to add extra floor space to your van, as well as providing outdoor space for activities, shelter from the weather, storage, or even an extra sleeping area for guests.
There are different types of awnings to consider, depending on whether you’ll be staying at campsites and want something you can detach while you take your van out for the day, or whether you plan to wild camp a lot and just want a simple sun shade. The good news is though, unlike a roof vent fan or interior lighting, an awning is something you can add in as an afterthought, so it’s never too late to install one.
I’ve compiled a breakdown of the different types of awnings, their advantages and disadvantages, and we’ve provided the best awnings currently available on the market.
Canopy Awnings
Canopy awnings are different to drive away awnings in that they are permanently attached to your van, making them a much more portable and lightweight option. They are extremely easy to set up, usually working as a manual roll out awning for your van, although some can even be deployed electronically. They offer basic protection from sunlight or rain although extra sides and rooms can be purchased separately to make them weatherproof, but even without these they create the illusion of having an extra space and make eating and cooking outdoors much more enjoyable.
It’s important to note that there are two different types of canopy awning: roof-mounted ones and wall-mounted ones. Most of the time roof-mounted awnings attach to the van’s roof rack or bars, so without these your best option would be a wall-mounted awning, however this will involve putting holes in the side of your van, so what kind you’ll need depends largely on how well it will fit onto your camper van.
Drive away awnings
Drive away awnings are much like tents. They can be erected with either steel or fiberglass poles or inflatable ones and attached temporarily to your van to create an enclosed, waterproof outdoor space, making them perfect for rainy days but also for escaping the sun. They are great for adding some precious floor space to your van, which we all know is a premium, and can be used for anything from lounging to cooking to sleeping extra friends or family. When you want to go out for the day the awning can be detached and left on site to provide extra storage for items you may not want to haul around in your van all day, and they are usually zippable to secure your stuff.
For this reason, they are only really useful on campsites, primarily for reserving your pitch, although they can also be great for festivals. For wild camping, erecting a huge extension onto the side of your van is likely to draw unwanted attention, so you’ll want to weigh whether this kind of awning is suitable for you based on what style of camping you generally do.
It’s important to note that there are left-hand drive and right-hand drive awnings available, and that not all awnings will be the right height to fit your camper, so it’s best to check these things first before committing to a purchase.
There are all sorts of accessories available for drive away awnings, everything from windows, solid or mesh doors, porches, inner tents, rugs and carpets. There’s also a choice between the traditional fiberglass or steel tent pole or the more practical and modern inflatable version; we’ve included a selection of both in our list to help you decide.
Tailgate awnings
Tailgate awnings aren’t technically a type of awning- they’re actually considered more of an accessory, but they serve exactly the same purpose as a drive away or canopy awning: to create shade and shelter, or an extra room but at the rear of your camper instead of the side. They can be used as a standalone awning if your main entrance is at the rear of your camper, or they can be used in conjunction with other awnings to expand your outdoor space even further.
These aren’t suitable for every kind of van due to their smaller size, but they are ideal for small vans with tailgates and particularly truck campers and 4x4s who often rely on having that extra bit of outdoor space out on the trails.
Tailgate awnings are generally far easier to assemble than other kinds, as they simply slide over the back of your vehicle, or work very much like a roof-mounted roll-out awning for vans. They don’t offer heaps of space but having an extra room at the rear of your camper could be handy for creating a washroom, adding storage space or a private toilet area, or even sleeping extra people and pets.
Conclusion
There is so much choice when it comes to choosing an awning for your van or camping vehicle, and many things to consider before you buy, from style and design to size and weight.
As with all things when converting your van, your choice of awning is totally personal to you, based on your preferred camping style, your size van and of course your budget. They can be as basic as a roll-out sun shade, or as technical as a motorized van awning canopy. They can be used for storage, to save your spot at a campsite, to create a guest room or an extra outdoor cooking space. Just make sure you do your research and note the measurements to make sure whichever awning you choose will be the right size for your van.
Camper awnings come in all shapes and sizes so the decision is purely personal to you and your needs, whether you have a minivan, a truck camper or a full-sized RV, and I hope this guide will provide you with all the information you need to help you to narrow down your choices.
Retractable Awning-Tent Adds Extra Roof And Views To Your Camper Van
The new SheltaPod is designed to give campers more versatility in staying protected from the elements. Part awning and part dome tent, the multipurpose pod extends protection off the side of a camper van, putting fabric between campers and the sky above and wind around. It also works as a fully enclosed overnight shelter and, with its large windows and integrated retraction system, offers a great view of the wide open spaces outside.
There are already a wide variety of awnings and vehicle-mounted tents available on the market, but SheltaPod designer Julie Ritson believes there’s room for something a little different. The SheltaPod debuts as more of a casual awning/tent than the heavy-duty offerings of the off-road/overland market and a more flexible alternative to existing camper van awnings, such as Vango’s AirAway awnings.
The SheltaPod rides to camp in a bag, an 18.3-lb, 39 x 9 x 7.5-in (8.3-kg, 100 x 23 x 19-cm) package, and attaches to the side of the vehicle upon arrival. It’s designed with camper vans in mind, but can also work with other styles of vehicle and comes with several options for attachment.
In about 10 to 15 minutes a single person can set the whole thing up. A wall-less awning provides a roof just outside the vehicle door, and the attached half-dome shelter provides fuller coverage, a place to dine or relax out of the wind, sun and precipitation.
Possibly the coolest feature of the SheltaPod is its retractable design. Using rollable fabric and a hoop-pole mechanism similar to the one we saw last year on the Mollusc tent, the half-dome shelter’s fabric retracts into several configurations, going from fully closed, to partially open, to a fully open entry arch – four configurations altogether, as shown above.
The SheltaPod’s half dome could serve as an open overnight shelter – roof and walls surrounding campers – but many a camper would prefer fuller protection from critters, insects and weather. That’s why the SheltaPod includes an attachable polyester inner tent, which includes a mesh window and door and a tub floor, relying on the half-dome awning as a rain fly.
A waterproof outer door panel zips closed to provide wind/water protection on front of the tent, where the half-dome canopy is open. Clip-in curtains can be secured over the large half-dome windows to keep the light out. The tent sleeps a family of four.
Since campers may want to leave camp without completely packing up the awning and tent, the SheltaPod can also be quickly detached from the vehicle. The awning roof panel removes and secures to the main poles via Velcro, and extra support guy lines keep the structure steady in the absence of the anchor vehicle. In this way, the SheltaPod can also be used as a freestanding tent.
We narrowed it down to 5 roof rack awnings. Find out which one wins the title as the best camper van awning (or car awning if you’re into that)!
We all understand that van life means occupying a small space that allows you to see the world in a new and exciting manner.
For many, this means doubling down and trading possessions for experiences and new adventures. There’s excitement to the notion of traveling the world living out of a campervan and seeing new places. There’s also the reality that your home is now limited to the space inside your vehicle.
A van awning can allow you to utilize your camper van’s space to its fullest potential and maximize your enjoyment of van life. Van awnings are perfect for both those who are setting up to camp for a week or a night—they are quick and simple to set up and stow away on the outside of your vehicle maintaining a low profile.
Many companies produce awnings for overland or 4×4 use and these translate well to van life whether you’re a serious off roader or a weekend camper.
These are all excellent reasons to buy a van awning, but some van lifers may find that it just isn’t for them. If you’re planning on mostly stealth camping in urban areas or getting into van life on a strict budget you may want to hold off on buying a camper van awning.
If you’re ready to expand your van’s capabilities then dive in, we’re going to check out a few popular roof rack awning choices for all budgets and needs and help you decide which one is the best van awning.
Tuff Stuff Overland Rooftop Awning – 4.5’ x 6’ and 6.5′ x 8′
Pros:
Inexpensive
Simple use and installation
UV Protection
Shade wall and other upgrades
Cons:
The (4.5′ x 6′) size is small, good for only 1-2 people
Can pool water in the rain
Tuff Stuff specializes in overland equipment from roof racks to winches and offers this simple roof rack awning at a budget price.
Like most of the awnings we’re looking at, the Tuff Stuff Rooftop Awning mounts to your existing roof rack with the provided L-brackets. This allows for a simple and quick installation and doesn’t require you to have anything but whatever roof rack you’re already rolling with.
The 4.5′ x 6′ sized awning provides nice shade coverage for one or two people and a small table around the doorway that you’re mounting it over. The advantage of having a smaller awning like this is that you can mount it either over the side door of your van or over the tailgate. You could even combine this smaller tailgate sized awning with an addition awning mounted on the side of your vehicle.
Smittybilt Awning – 6.5’ x 6.5’
Pros:
Inexpensive
Simple use and installation
UV Protection
Cons:
Small size, good for 1-2 people
Pools water in the rain
No shade wall
Smittybilt has been producing off-road products geared for Jeep drivers for over 50 years. It offers another choice when it comes to a simple roof rack awning for a lower price.
This awning is very similar to the Tuff Stuff Overland awning in that it’s made of the same 280g polycotton and uses four aluminum poles to extend and support itself. It also mounts to most roof racks and is solid as a camper van awning.
After checking out the Tuff Stuff awning we found that this awning doesn’t differ much except for it’s size. You can expect the same easy set up and breakdown as well as enough shade for a couple of people, though of course the larger size of the Smittybilt provides more a bit more room. It’s got UV protection, and is durable enough for all but the most extreme off roaders.
Thule Hideaway Awning – 10.7’ x 8’
Pros:
Rain runs off awning
Telescoping legs and crank winder
Highly durable construction
Large coverage
Many options for upgrades
Cons:
Expensive
Heavier than other options
Now we’re getting into the world of big and expensive camper van awnings.
These are the awnings you see on the $100,000 4×4 Sprinters, the awnings that make you envy not only the van they’re attached to but also the shade they provide.
But why would you want to spend five times more for a Thule Hideaway?
Thule has been making vehicle accessory and storage products since WWII and is regarded as one of the most rugged and reliable brands on the planet. If you haven’t heard of them or seen their products then you haven’t been paying attention on any major road. The popularity of Thule is due to the reliability and build quality of their products.
Rhino-Rack Batwing Awning – 118 sq ft of coverage
Pros:
The largest awning available
Durable construction
Comes with stakes and guys ropes for wind
High quality material
Options to mount on left or right side of vehicle
Cons:
More complex set up and break down
Only fits on Rhino-Rack roof racks
Do you want your camper van awning to provide the most shade and outdoor space possible? Then invest in a Rhino-Rack system.
Rhino-Rack’s Batwing Awning only comes with mounts that will attach it to an already installed Rhino-Rack roof rack so be aware that if you want the coverage the Batwing provides you’ll need to buy into Rhino-Rack’s proprietary system. If you do though, you’ll be blessed by a massive amount of shelter outside of your vehicle.
The awning unfolds not only along the side of your vehicle, but around the rear where it reattaches to the Rhino-Rack roof rack. This set up is solid and well thought out.
ARB Awning – 8.2’ x 8.2’ (other sizes offered as well)
Pros:
Great value
Telescoping legs
High quality material
Large covering
Cons:
Some complain of mounting issues
The awning functions wonderfully and provides a large shaded area for an affordable price range price.
The advantage of using the ARB system is the telescoping legs that allow for height adjustments to prevent rain from pooling. This feature sets it apart from the Tuff Stuff and Smittybuilt awnings, despite its similar appearance to these two awnings.
This camper van awning comes with pegs and guy ropes to secure the legs and provides the same UV protection.
ARB also provides optional LED lights with the awning and offers upgrades such as shade walls. If you’re looking for a simple and affordable awning for your camper van life and live or travel in a rainy climate, this is the perfect awning for you.
Commercial Van Solutions 