Whether it’s a couple of hooks or a bespoke, full one-piece frame for all of your tools, there’s a chance you’ve regularly considered new van storage ideas. It can be difficult to know what you need, though, and the effects your best-laid plans may have on your van in the long term.
So, what should you consider when you need to initially adapt your van, modify it to carry a different type of stock, or simply replace old fittings?
Your day-to-day inventory
There’s bound to be a bare minimum of tools, parts, and other equipment that you plan to carry on a daily basis – as well as a space needed to move cargo around. Make a checklist of things that have to be in the van during the day, the level of security they’ll need, and go from there. Always be conscious of space you’ll need to keep for regular pick-ups, and don’t forget to consider racks for occasional gear you may require for less frequent jobs.
Focus on how you work alongside your van
It’s all fair and good to install a rack for a tool belt, but if you or your worker ends up wearing it in the cab instead, then why bother? If you’ve got a member of staff that’s first on the scene to set up diversion signs, shouldn’t those be the first thing to hand when opening the back doors? Analyse how a van would work best for each worker – or think of best practice if your vehicles are shared – and your van storage solution should start to take better shape.
Think about the best materials for the job
With van storage, the choice of material has so much more impact than just cost. More drivers are now opting for composite or aluminium solutions to get the job done, as it doesn’t add as much weight to their vehicles – that means the ability to carry more, and also avoids a larger impact on fuel efficiency and tyre wear.
However, these aren’t the easiest materials to work with, and if you plan on fitting it yourself, steel (and even wood) is the easiest to work with and keep costs low. Still, don’t forget: metal can rattle, and if your van storage has any give whatsoever, chances are you’ll hear it. Composite and wood systems are more forgiving when it comes to volume.
Keep your cargo safe
At one point or another, you’re bound to carry something that’s fragile – whether it’s a pane of glass, electrical component, or even one of your own tools. This is where it’s important to consider drawers, bespoke containers, and additional materials that can cushion or cover things that could easily be scratched or dinked.
Additionally, your most valuable items may be at risk when your van is unattended, so the inclusion of locks or hidden sections may be absolutely essential.
Keep things in sight
While you’ll want your valuables out of sight, you’ll want to at least know where everything is. Make sure your van storage takes lighting into account, but also gives you visibility of everything you need, whether it’s stock levels of important parts, or your most important tools. It’s especially important in winter, or when working at night, when visibility is already down to a bare minimum.
Mindful distribution
Although it’s a smaller point to make, it’s worth remembering that your van storage solution needs to ensure weight of tools, parts and cargo is relatively equally distributed. If you end up stacking the heavier items to one side, you’ll put strain on the suspension, affect your van’s stability and handling, and you could even put yourself at risk of having an accident. Make sure you’re not putting undue stress on one axle, too.
