A proper van upfit requires planning for unexpected problems, as well as future-proofing your vehicle. Making sure that your van is properly equipped to handle any job can be daunting. Our team of experts developed this upfitting guide to help you figure out your future upfit to help optimize your mobile workspace. So let's break it down, and get your van ready to handle anything!
A commercial van upfit involves equipping your work van with commercial-grade organization equipment such as shelving, ladder racks, and partitions. With thousands of accessories to choose from, it can be hard to know what to look for. The key to a successful upfit is choosing the right equipment for your specific needs.
Consider your occupation – for example, an electrician may need plenty of hooks, wire reel holders, and steel shelving; but a delivery van upfit would most likely choose folding aluminum shelves, grab handles, and side steps since the driver will be hopping in and out of the vehicle constantly. Below we'll go over what goes into trade-specific upfit packages, and what you'll need for a useful upfit.
CT Truck & Van offers commercial van shelving systems and upfits that were designed with your trade in mind. We install commercial van interiors for Electricians, HVAC Technicians, General Contractors, and more!
Electricians carry a huge number of tools, equipment, and parts – which all need to be kept organized and within reach. Electrician packages typically include wire reel holders for easy organization and access to your wire, hooks to hang manifolds, or portable parts cases to easily transport small parts to and from the job site. A ladder rack for step and extension ladders can be added to complete your upfit.
Our HVAC upfit solutions make your job easier. We offer many different van accessories tailored to HVAC professionals. Our HVAC upfit packages are designed to be a great starting point and can be fully customized to your liking depending on your business needs. They prioritize tank racks, dividers, and locking doors to maximize the shelf space.
Delivery businesses keep the world running. Last mile employees deliver hundreds of packages a day, walking mile after mile while climbing in and out of their van with packages at every stop. The right delivery van upfit includes extra accessories to assist the driver with getting in and out of their van. Folding shelves can help maximize storage flexibility for the large variety of packages you'll have in your van.
While the upfit packages above are our most popular, we also have predesigned upfit designs for the following trades:
If you decide to not go with a predesigned package, we can build you a custom upfit from scratch. Before adding shelves and other gear, consider adding a partition, rubber floor, and wall liners, as they help protect your van's interior and can ensure its longevity. A partition separates the cab from the back of your van and protects the driver and passenger from shifting cargo. Also, note that a partition is legally required in the state of Connecticut. We have different types of partitions to meet your needs:
A rubber floor adds grip, which is especially useful in slushy winter weather. Wall liners help protect the sheet metal or the glass in the window cavities from moving objects that could cause potential dents and broken windows. Keep in mind that if you don't add a floor and walls, and want them in the future you'll have to take everything out first!
Once you've added a partition, floors, and wall liners, you can then move on to truly customizing your van. If you're unsure of the specific equipment you'll need, you can always start with a basic upfit and upgrade as you go. Our General Contractor packages typically include 3 Steel Shelves and a Steel Partition. From there, use your van and figure out what upgrades you'll need. Our team can help guide you and modify your van as your business grows.
Adding shelving to your work van is the best way to stay organized and efficient. While most businesses choose steel shelves, we also offer aluminum shelves for added weight savings – which can be essential for electric vans. Most of our shelving has adjustable trays that can be set to your desired height and can be easily modified in the future.
Remember, one size does not fit all. Every contractor's needs are different, which is why customization is key. We install the following types of shelves:
Now that you've chosen your shelves, it's time to load them up with extra gear that'll help make your job easier! Your shelves are endlessly customizable, consider some of our most popular add-ons:
With your van's interior loaded up, it's time to consider the outside! Why take up valuable interior space with ladders when they can be safely carried on the roof? We sell and install a variety of cargo van ladder racks such as: Drop Down Ladder Racks, Grip Lock Ladder Racks, Utility Racks, Interior Ladder Racks, and Rear Door Ladder Racks.
See our Essential Guide To Ladder Racks for a more in-depth look at our available ladder racks.
At this point, your van is ready to handle just about anything. From here, you should consider safety equipment to help protect your drivers and your investment. We install a wide range of electronics that can help improve your vehicle's safety. Consider Parking Sensors, Dash Cameras, Rear Camera Mirrors, Door Locks, and GPS Fleet tracking.
Parking sensor systems use ultrasonic proximity detectors embedded in the front and/or rear bumpers, to measure the distances to nearby objects at low levels. The sensors measure the time taken for each sound pulse to be reflected to the receiver. Depending on the speed of the vehicle and the distance to the obstacle, the system will warn the driver by visual and/or audible means about the risk of collision. The feedback to the driver will generally indicate the direction and proximity of the obstacle.
Dash cameras can provide crucial evidence in the event of a car accident. They can record the moments leading up to and following an accident, helping to establish who was at fault and what exactly happened. This can be invaluable for insurance claims and legal purposes.
This versatile new safety and convenience aid replaces your current rearview mirror with a live streaming full HD video screen. It improves on your traditional mirror by providing a clear, crisp view of exactly what you need to see with no obstructions of passengers, cargo, or small rear windows.
Cargo van locks are a vital investment for any business to safeguard against theft. Cargo vans are often targeted by thieves due to the valuable merchandise they carry. Without robust and reliable locks, these vehicles become vulnerable to break-ins, leading to financial losses, business disruptions, and potential damage to the van. We offer cargo van locks from Slick Locks and Legend to make sure your vehicle is secure.
Manage your business assets and monitor your fleet around the clock with ignition notifications, GPS vehicle tracking, geofences, and turn-by-turn updates. Utilize your smartphone, laptop, smartwatch, or tablet to receive comprehensive notifications regarding your fleet's operations.
Well there you have it, you're ready to get your vehicle upfitted and ready for work! Now that you know the basics of van upfits, our team of experts can work alongside you to customize your cargo van's interior and equip it with the best gear from Adrian Steel, Ranger Design, Holman, and more!
Give us a call today at 860-347-0141 or stop by our showroom to get a quote on upfitting your van.