Posted in cargo van, Commercial Van, van insulation

Van shelving ideas

Van shelving ideas
Van shelving ideas

Installing van shelving systems turns an empty van into a fully functioning service vehicle. By helping you accommodate your work tools and keeping your space organized and safe, a van shelving system makes your work day more professional and profitable.

A proper organization system facilitates intuitive handling and time saving. Shelving and storage bins are available in hundreds of different configurations of height, length and depth, giving you the chance to choose what fits both your vehicle and your workspace best.

Advantages Of Installing Van Shelving Systems

The advantages of a good van shelving system are time saving. Installing the proper system helps you be more efficient and productive by spending less time looking for tools and items.

Installing a good shelving system saves you money. The materials and features added to the car during installation are designed to protect both your work materials and your vehicle.

Customers will feel satisfied by your organization skills, giving your company a much more professional presence in the field.

The type of van shelving you choose will represent greater organization, structure and safety -making the workflow much more targeted and efficient. Every second you used to spend searching for tools can now be used to offer your customers a greater service, by helping employees structure their tasks in a more professional manner.

You can contribute to the environment and economy by choosing a lightweight racking system. This allows for an increased load capacity and lower fuel consumption, which reduces CO2 emissions.

Some manufacturers offer extended functionality by providing accessories that create a more efficient workspace. Van shelving goes further by making high quality materials that offer robust, durable and collision safe vehicle ranking conversions.

Van shelving systems are a great boost for your commercial vehicles and for your company’s image and efficiency. Consult the experts to discover more about the van shelving systems available for installation.

Posted in cargo van, Commercial Van

Commercial Vehicle Safety

Commercial Vehicle Safety
Commercial Vehicle Safety

As a mobile technician, what is your greatest asset? Some may say your commercial vehicle or high-quality tools, and these certainly would be important. However, YOU are your greatest asset! And with this in mind, it’s important to think ahead to ensure you’re doing all you can to stay safe. Here are a few examples of safety equipment such as partitions, Flattener vents and alurack ladder rack, that increase well being while driving or on the job:

1. Install a Partition for a Safe Ride:

With so many tools and heavy-duty materials in a commercial vehicle it’s imperative to guard yourself with effective safety equipment in the event of a crash. In a collision even a light object can become a missile, projecting forward at a speed of 20 mph. Being struck with that kind of force could easily be fatal which is why every cargo van needs to be upfitted with a partition. Contoured, sliding door or clear view, there’s a partition built to suit your every need.

2. Keep the Air Fresh in your Cargo Van with a Flettner vent:

Driving and working in your commercial vehicle all day can quickly heat up the air space in your van. Breathing stale air over a long period of time can prove unhealthy, especially if it’s mixed with other fumes such as gasoline or diesel. The product most used to keep the air fresh is the Flettner vent. Made to push toxic air out and fresh air in, it’s a simple solution to keep drivers healthy and awake on the road.

3. Get a Max Step for Easy Access to your Cargo Van:

To be constantly stepping up into your commercial vehicle all day long, especially a high roof, can create unnecessary back strain and medical issues. Also, there’s always the chance of slipping and falling when stepping down out of the van. To make access to the van easier and less hazardous, Ranger Design created the Max Step. A durable rear step for all cargo vans, this piece of safety equipment is designed to eliminate accidents and offer tradesmen easier access to their cargo area.

4. Eliminate Back Strain with a Max Rack:

The job of a mobile technician is generally physically demanding, so whenever possible it’s good to get the right safety equipment to help prevent injuries. For contractors working with tall ladders, getting them down from the roof of their commercial vehicle can be a challenge. It was for this reason that Ranger Design created the Max Rack, a drop-down ladder rack designed to make loading and unloading of the ladder an easy job. With one simple movement the Max Rack brings the ladder down to the right height with minimal effort.

5. Light up your Work space:

Lastly, there’s no telling what accidents can happen inside a dark van. Fumbling around blindly through sharp, metal equipment for your tools is only asking for trouble. Cuts and bruises, if not worse, are inevitable. To reduce that risk it’s only smart for tradesmen to install lights in the cargo space of their commercial vehicle. Ranger Design offers inexpensive and quickly upfitted LED light strips for all vans, illuminating your work space and increasing overall safety.

Ranger Design Offers the Full Safety Solution for your Trade

The right safety equipment is key for all tradesman to have in their commercial vehicles. Take every precaution while driving or on the job, and treat yourself to a long and healthy life.

Posted in cargo van, wheelchair van

Wheelchair Van Uses

Wheelchair Van Uses
Wheelchair Van Uses

Buying a wheelchair van can seem like a complicated process. But it does not need to be. The expert has more combined experience than any other in the industry. This includes everything from picking out the base model of their vehicle purchase, to the custom conversion features they actually need (not just features that help a company’s bottom line, but ones that will fit their own unique needs for their vehicle), and ensuring a delivery that leaves the customer feeling like they know their vehicle inside and out. But more than all of this, we help our customers find the financing and funding options that will work for their budgetary needs, as well.

Finding the Right Van

Listings for used accessible vans for sale by individuals can be found virtually anywhere and are common at Disabled Dealer, which serves as a marketplace for all types of new and used equipment needed by the disability community. Some mobility equipment vendors host listings from private individuals on their websites.

Another option that alleviates most of the work and many of the concerns about buying a used accessible van from a private party is to purchase a certified pre-owned vehicle from a mobility equipment dealer.

These are vans that have either been taken in as trades on purchases of new vehicles or purchased outright by the dealership for the purpose of refurbishing and reselling them. Purchasing a used van from a dealer that specializes in mobility equipment sales and service has many advantages.

Specialized dealers are often staffed by savvy wheelchair users, like Jemal Mfundshi, a C6-7 quad, who knows the ins and outs of different models and options better than most.

He has been helping customers of Performance Mobility (now United Access) in Portland, Oregon, for almost 20 years and points out that each of the refurbished vans they offer for sale undergoes a thorough evaluation, is appraised to determine its value for possible financing, has new floor covering installed, and undergoes a thorough mechanical review with repairs completed wherever necessary.

That entire certification process can take about 20 days. Performance Mobility (now United Access) requires each wheelchair user who intends to drive or ride as a passenger in the van to take a needs assessment to ensure the van will work for them. Besides the height of the user and weight of the mobility device, a needs assessment will also determine if a buyer needs a driving evaluation due to changing hand controls or the method of driving the vehicle.

Many mobility equipment dealers are part of a network that specializes in a particular brand of vehicle or region of the country. Eddie Rivera, co-owner of Absolute Mobility Center in Woodinville, Washington, points out that his company is part of a nationwide network of BraunAbility dealers. That provides the dealership with advantages that may not be available to smaller, independent dealers.

Besides selling new vans, they receive pre-owned vans from BraunAbility after they have been repaired and refurbished. These vehicles are sold with a three year, 36,000-mile warranty on all conversion components. That warranty is then honored by all members of the BraunAbility dealer network, which can provide peace of mind when traveling at a great distance from the dealership that sold the vehicle.

The services provided by the companies listed above are just a few examples of the types of services available from mobility equipment dealers when shopping for a used accessible van. When you combine the inventories of such dealerships with the number of vans available from private sellers, there are a surprising number of used accessible vans out there. Now you know how to find them.

The Inspection

Once you’ve found the used van of your dreams, it’s critical to make sure it really is everything you thought it was. If you’re buying from a reputable dealer, there is a good chance they offer extensive inspections, guarantees and/or warranties.

As an example, Scott Andrews, the director of sales and marketing for Rollx Vans in Savage, Minnesota, says that each of the pre-owned vehicles Rollx offers for sale receives a 171-point inspection in order to allow the company to guarantee satisfaction and offer a 30-day warranty.

If you decide to buy from an unknown individual, it is even more important for you to do your due diligence. Make certain that the seller is legitimate. If the seller claims to be a business, is there an actual store or business location where the van can be inspected and repaired?

Personal ads placed online may not be accurate, as there is usually no requirement or process for the host website to verify the condition of a vehicle. Insisting on a first-hand inspection by you or your qualified representative is a must.

Posted in Uncategorized

Van Racking Ideas

Van Racking Ideas
Van Racking Ideas

It is necessary to have a especially when it comes to guaranteeing the safety of your drivers and other staff. Storage systems can make it much easier for tradespeople to find their equipment and have access to safety equipment when they needed. Custom van shelving provides safety for drivers as well as materials inside the van. 

Aluminum sheets used for van shelving are super light-weight, making it the number one choice for professional van interiors. But aluminum van shelving systems are somewhat expensive and not always the best option.

IDEA ONE: Clear Out Old Storage and Supplies in Your Van

Go through what you have and assess what you need to keep and remove anything old or unnecessary. Sort what you wish to keep into storage bins. 

IDEA TWO: Arrange your van storage area

Organize your tools and parts into storage that suits your needs such as the Fischer Stor-Pak, Spare Parts Trays or an Ezi-Pak Carry Case. Label your containers and tubs, so it is simple to find and put away your items. Ensure your area is clutter free by designating areas for specific items. You can code these areas by choosing different color storage bins for each particular need.

IDEA THREE: Clean and organize 

Look through your existing and new items, checking that they are still high quality. By ensuring the condition of your storage units are high quality from the start you will be able to identify any signs of early damage.

Shelving units are a fundamental component in any upfit. Designed to support and contain your tools and consumables, our shelving lines come in a variety of widths, depths and heights to make sure you get the right shelving to accommodate the tools and consumables you use everyday.

If the inside of your cargo van is getting too crowded, consider having a ladder rack installed. A ladder rack will free up space inside by allowing you to store big bulky items, like a ladder, on the outside. If your cargo van needs involve transporting large items like a ladder, you have every reason to have a ladder rack installed.

If you’re in an industry where paintbrushes need to be safely and cleanly transported, a magnetized paintbrush rack may be just the thing you need to make the most out of your cargo van. Magnetized paintbrush racks can easily store your brushes in a way that optimizes the space of your van.

Posted in cargo van, Commercial Van, Refrigerated Van

Factors to Consider When Picking Refrigerated Vehicles

Factors to Consider When Picking Refrigerated Vehicles
Factors to Consider When Picking Refrigerated Vehicles

During the summer, the world is a bit livelier. Temperatures are warmer, and businesses pick up the pace, trying to reach their customers. With that, demand for certain products also increases. This means that businesses are forced to transport more products to their stores or customers, and if their fleet is too small, this can be a problem.  

For those companies requiring refrigerated transportation solutions, purchasing extra vehicles can be quite costly. Fortunately, rentals are an option, ensuring that businesses can adapt quickly with refrigerated rental vehicles when demands increase, whether for the short or long term.

However, not every solution will satisfy a company, and individual factors out there will dictate what kind of solution is chosen. Are you interested in renting a refrigerated vehicle? Here are the considerations you will need to make to pick the right refrigerated transportation solution:

1. Plan

Starting a food truck business isn’t as simple as buying a truck and hitting the streets, but it can be a great way to achieve your entrepreneurial dreams and become a successful small business owner. “To start a food truck business you need a refrigerated van to carry food items as well as for storage beverages etc.“

To teach others about how to start a food truck business, I decided to reach out to our network and get advice directly from the men and women owners we talk to every day. Always take the time to plan, and plan as early as you can. Even in months where demand is not high, you will need to review what options are available to you.

From there, you should try to forecast the increase in demand and be prepared to rent accordingly. Other factors, such as the size of the products to be delivered, including any obstacles in the way should also be discussed to ensure the perfect solution is chosen.

2. Demand

Many factors determine demand, from seasons to trends. This will also mean that your need for refrigerated trucks can change, whether you need a hundred rented or just a handful. Knowing this, when you are looking to hire from a refrigerated vehicle provider, they must specialize in seasonal demand.

That is because they have all the knowledge you need to answer the questions you may have. For instance, they can offer you guidance in many ways to tackle different problems on short notice, such as a vehicle breakdown. Either way, working with a business that knows how to deal with seasonal demands can help you quickly grasp your vehicle needs and find a solution that fits.

3. Driver Requirements

With so many different vehicles to pick from, the drivers operating them must have the appropriate qualifications. Be sure to consider what qualifications your drivers possess before selecting the best refrigerated vehicle for you.

Other than that, other things you will have to consider are insurance options. This is an incredibly important consideration to make for many reasons, one being that you will have peace of mind knowing that any damage that occurs will be covered by your insurance company, given you have the right policy. By knowing your insurance policy in detail, not only do you save the headache of figuring out what to do during an accident but save time and money in the process as well.

Conclusion

Considering all the three factors above, you have a much higher chance of picking the perfect refrigerated transport solution for your business. With the right solution in your hands, you will be able to meet the increased demands that the summer has brought, ensuring the products you send to your stores, customers, and more reach them safely.

Posted in cargo van, Commercial Van, van insulation

Looking into van insulation

Gruau van insulation is supposed to stop or slow down the flow of heat or noise. An empty Sprinter is a big metal oven in the summer, trapping and amplifying the heat of the sun. During the winter it loses its heat quickly to the outside. The climate control in the dash can’t keep up with the massive area of the van.
Looking into van insulation

Everybody has varying requirements when it comes to camper vans insulation. Maybe you want a van that can accommodate two or three people or you need special amenities like customized cooling.

Evaluate your demands carefully before you build your own camper van insulation. Will you have to load stuff into the van regularly? Is the van for daily use? Such considerations are critical. A camper van insulation is a valuable asset, especially for a person who travels a lot.

Consider your Budget

The extent of the refurbishments that you can do when building a camper van will depend on your spending power. Every alteration from the insulation to the ventilation costs money. Set aside a budget so that you can design the camper van affordably.

Readymade kits offer cost savings because the refurbishments involve less work compared to handling everything from scratch. Remember to track expenses during the project. Don’t fit a stove that will take up a lot of space in the van. Pick the fuel that suits your budget, needs, and environment.

  • Conduction is where the heat moves through a substance. The van’s metal body is a very good heat conductor. Heat in one part of the body spreads to other places fast. 
  • The heat from the sun gets spread from the outside to the inside of the metal van walls by conduction. You stop conduction by making a thermal barrier. In other words, you use a substance that does not conduct heat well (some foams, for instance) to block the transfer of heat.
  • Radiation is where the heat is given off by a surface. You can put your hand near the inside van walls on a hot day and feel the heat being given off radiated even without touching them. 
  • The sun heated up the metal and now that heat is being re-radiated inside the van. Again, anything that blocks the heat from being radiated will be a good insulator.
  • Convection is where the heat is transported through the air. Once the sun’s heat gets radiated inside the van, it heats up the air in the van. Warm air is lighter, so it rises and pushes cold air down. 
  • That creates air currents to move the heat around inside the van. You stop convection by filling gaps so the air can’t be transported. If you stop air from moving close to the hot metal on the inside of the van, it won’t be able to warm up from the radiated heat and then move that heat inside through convection.
  • Insulation is measured by how good it is at preventing heat from getting through. The unit of measurement most people use is the R value. The R value measures how well a material stops heat from being conducted through it, but not how well it prevents convection or radiation.

How does noise move?

Sound waves hit the metal walls of your van. The walls flex. The flexing recreates the same sound on the other side. You also get some noise transferred from the road through the suspension and into the vehicle frame. That makes the wall panels flex (resonate) and create the same noise inside the van.

So to stop the sound, you need to stop the panels flexing as much as you can (“dampen” them), and then muffle any remaining sound energy they produce. The dampening is done by sticking relatively heavy butyl rubber and foil pads on any flexy metal surfaces. The muffling is done by using a layer of closed cell foam and if necessary a layer of free-floating heavyweight material such as mass loaded vinyl.

Just remember, you aren’t necessarily going for the same level of soundproofing as their products will offer. Also, some of your heat insulation products will help with noise insulation too, whereas others will not.

Posted in cargo van, Commercial Van

Home Delivery Van

Home Delivery Van
Home Delivery Van

One of the most recognizable and efficient home delivery van styles in the market today is the step van. It is far more than just a package or parcel delivery system. Step vans feature an open driving area, and more than enough room for packages, linens, and even foodservice packaging within their spacious cargo hold. Though originally built to serve package delivery operations, the step van now succeeds in serving markets both within and beyond the package delivery sectors.

Chassis

When researching step vans, your first vehicle considerations should include the size and volume of your delivery operation, as well as how the walk-in van will support those qualities. Most step vans come in half to one-ton configurations, and often feature increases in payload capacity, with respect to increases in chassis size. Material weight, coupled with your delivery frequency, is a deciding factor in choosing the proper walk-in van for your business, as well as in your team members supporting it.

Partition

The walk-in van cargo area delivers ample space for a variety of product and packaging types, but also provides the driver with the useful ability to access cargo from multiple entry points. Rather than repeatedly taking trips around the vehicle to access, the driver can now easily unbuckle, and enter the cargo hold through a sliding partition, effectively decreasing delivery time while increasing output. This value-laden accessory serves a dual-purpose in providing access to the cargo hold, while also serving as a protective barrier for the driver.

And while the product delivery aspects of your organization need to be fast, they also need to be safe. Once installed, the steel or aluminum partition ensures that any packages that happen to shift in transport will not harm the driver in any capacity.

Body Length

Often ordered in lengths ranging from 12 to 24 feet, the step van can accommodate a variety of product and material types within its roomy cargo area. Although it is extremely spacious and accessible, it’s also important to think about the unused space in your walk-in van, as much as the space that you do use.

Too much space can open your operation up to shifting products, and can actually damage your goods further than if all the products and packages were snugly-packed. On the other hand, too tight of a space can limit your operation and reduce efficiency in your deliveries. Be sure to identify your delivery needs, in order to maximize the output and final presentation of your delivered products.

Body Height

In addition to body length, interior height is a key dimension to consider when acquiring your operation’s ideal step van. The average step van features an interior height of around 80-85 inches and allows most operators to freely stand and walk about the cargo area without the risk of head or back injury. This increased height helps to keep your team healthy, efficient, and ready to deliver packages as you see fit.

Rear Door Type

When delivering with a step van, time (as always) means money, and finagling with inefficient door designs slows down even the most efficient of delivery operations. Most step vans are upfit with efficient rear swinging or roll-up style doors, and for good reason.

For one, both rear door styles feature designs that don’t interfere with accessing the cargo area. In cases where dollies of heavy boxes or bags of laundry may be delivered, this aspect of the step van proves instrumental in minimizing head and back injuries. Add a low-step bumper, coupled with a metal grab-bar for three-contact support, and your deliveries will continue to become safer, faster, and more reliable.

Cab Type

The walk-in van adds an even deeper focus on efficiency within the stand-or-sit cab style. This increased cab height allows your operator to choose between standing and sitting during operation and lends itself to the quick-access nature of the vehicle as a whole. When fast deliveries are required – and when aren’t they? – the ability to be ready to hop out of the cab as soon as the vehicle comes to a stop is largely untouched, in other delivery systems.

Posted in cargo van, Commercial Van, van insulation

CARGO VAN SHELVING IDEAS

CARGO VAN SHELVING IDEAS
CARGO VAN SHELVING IDEAS

Metal shelving systems come in many sizes and are often adjustable, so they can easily fit into a wide variety of vans. They are also more durable and easy to maintain than other types of shelving, such as wood, for example. That’s why the vast majority of cargo vans incorporate this first type of shelving.

Different materials can be used for metal shelving; these are most commonly steel, aluminum or composites. Traditional steel shelves tend to be more cost-effective up front and are very durable. Steel is the preferred choice for those carrying lots of heavy-duty equipment. 

For those who frequently drive on roads that aren’t in such great shape, it will keep your equipment and drivers protected. On the other hand, aluminum is lighter-weight and can help improve gas mileage and fuel efficiency. If you require lots of drawers and shelving to carry small parts, keeping the load light with aluminum or composites may be best.

Composites are sometimes favored because of their noise-reduction capabilities. Metal shelving can either be closed or open. While closed shelving units prevent items from falling and breaking, opened shelves allow you to quickly grab what you need. Custom van shelving systems for your cargo van provide an organization system tailored exactly to your needs. You get to create your own idea about what you want and then leave it up to the professionals to put together, to save you time and hassle.

Custom shelving is great for those working in more specific industries, such as electricians, plumbers, or pest-control workers, with unique equipment and needs. Deciding to make your own shelves will require more of your time and may appear less professional, but can save you money.

If you have the time and know how to build shelves in a cargo van, you can use plywood to make DIY custom shelving. One neat idea to try: build cabinets into the shelving for stuff you want to keep covered while you drive. Once you learn how to build van shelves yourself, you open the door to all sorts of conveniences.

Another convenient shelving trick is to build a shelf that runs the length of the van, like a false floor. This works for organizing large amounts of carpet, siding, or other long materials, that you do not want to stack. If you aren’t 100% confident in your skills or want to ensure optimal results, you may want to leave the van shelving installation to the professionals.

Posted in cargo van, Refrigerated Van, wheelchair van

5 Key Benefits of Owning a Wheelchair Accessible Van

5 Key Benefits of Owning a Wheelchair Accessible Van
5 Key Benefits of Owning a Wheelchair Accessible Van

When you have a disabled or special needs family member, simply getting around can be a challenge. Trips to the doctor or store in a car involve folding and unfolding the wheelchair can be difficult and uncomfortable for wheelchair passengers. Fortunately, these types of mobility problems can be avoided with the use of a wheelchair van.

Easier to Get in and Out of the Van

Smaller cars, trucks, and even minivans can make getting in and out very difficult for someone in a wheelchair. No more folding, unfolding, or cumbersome seat transfers – wheelchair vans make the process so much easier, with ramps and lifts that enable wheelchair passengers to safely and easily enter and exit the vehicle. Lowered floors and raised roofs and doors make getting in easy without bending over or tilting the wheelchair.

It’s also easier for drivers and caregivers to get around inside. A high roof conversion van makes it simple to check on passengers, tie down wheelchairs, and adjust equipment.

More Comfortable

Transferring a wheelchair passenger into a vehicle that is not wheelchair accessible can be painful and exhausting for both passenger and caregiver. It can put pressure on the shoulders, back, or both, depending on how the transfer is performed. A wheelchair van eliminates these issues with ramps and lifts for easy access. Tie-downs keep the wheelchair in place. And since disabled passengers can remain in their wheelchairs, the ride is more comfortable.

Wheelchair Ramps or Lifts

A wheelchair ramp or lift makes it easy for wheelchair users to safely enter and exit the vehicle. There is no need to transfer to a passenger seat or fold and stow the wheelchair. Depending on the vehicle, manual spring assisted ramp or power lift are available to accommodate the needs of passengers. 

Increased Safety

FR Conversions’ wheelchair passenger vans are also built for ultimate safety. A secure Q’straint wheelchair locking system keeps wheelchair passengers secure while riding in the van. They include a stable tub floor and tie-downs, so your wheelchair-bound passengers will experience a safe ride. 

Also, our conversion vans are subjected to rigorous safety tests. They are crash-tested in five locations: front, rear, driver’s side, interior, and undercarriage. Each of the requirements set by the federal government and insurance industry are exceeded. Taking trips outside the house doesn’t have to be a struggle. They are easy to get in and out of, comfortable, versatile, safe, and durable.

Commercial wheelchair vans are widely used to transport wheelchair passengers of large numbers comfortably and safely to their destination. Lifting, transporting, and then dropping the wheelchair user’s safety comes with huge responsibility hence when purchasing your commercial wheelchair accessible vans, paratransit conversions, buses or ambulate choose a vehicle with all the latest features and accessories and have peace of mind.

Posted in cargo van, van insulation

Van insulation

Van insulation
Van insulation

Building out your van conversion is a complex process with lots of moving parts. While it’s fun to choose paint colors and flooring, one of the most important elements is actually something you never see: insulation. Ok, insulation might not be all that exciting but it’s a key player for year-round comfort. Whether you’re spending time in cold weather or beating the heat in the summer, choosing the right van insulation is critical.

There are lots of different ways to insulate your van, ranging in price and effectiveness. With so many different options, searching for the best type of insulation can be confusing, so we’ve done the work for you. With lots of research under our belts, we’ve put together this camper van insulation guide to summarize our findings and explain what worked best in our van build. 

Insulation or 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.

Van life is commonly associated with willy-nilly travel and glamorous images on social media, but the reality of this lifestyle is often far different than it is portrayed. Van life is the process of taking control of your life. It’s about leaning into your fear of the unknown in order to pursue what makes you feel alive.

It’s about meeting strangers from all over the world and accepting them for their differences, while openly seeing the commonalities we all share with each other. There are many reasons why people choose this lifestyle. Some do this part time, some for a temporary road trip. Still others sell off their belongings and commit to van life full time.