Why Weight Is the Game-Changer in Van Shelving Systems
Consider Weight During Your Next Shelving System Installation
When it comes to upfitting your work van, every detail matters – especially weight.
The shelving system you choose doesn’t just change how your van looks and functions; it directly impacts payload, fuel efficiency, and long-term ROI. Whether you’re outfitting one van or an entire fleet, a few hundred pounds can make a big difference to your bottom line.
At Advantage Outfitters, we help business owners and fleet managers find the right balance between strength, efficiency, & performance. Our all-aluminum shelving systems – including the lightweight Packd line – are engineered to deliver maximum durability without unnecessary weight.
Why Your Shelving Material Matters:
As we’ve mentioned, all shelving is not created equal, and these are the type you’ll find available for installation:
– Traditional steel
– Steel-aluminum hybrids
– All aluminum
At Advantage Outfitters, we offer all three for mobile installation—because all fleets and contractors have different needs.
Did you know; the EPA states that for every 100 lbs, you lose about 1% in fuel economy? That comes to thousands of dollars lost over the many miles you will drive in your cargo van, something to not take lightly!
Don’t forget about payload – the shelving system you have installed can eat up to 20% of your van’s available capacity before you even load in any cargo or tools. Most vans only offer 3,300–4,400 lbs of payload when they are empty, so you definitely don’t want to waste the weight unnecessarily.
Traditional Steel Shelving Packages
Steel shelving packages typically weigh between 450–700 lbs, which compared to other options is relatively heavy. While a reliable option for many over the years, traditional steel shelving systems instantly eat 15–20% of available payload and will lose you about 5% in fuel economy.
However, if you don’t anticipate needing every available pound of payload depending on your trade, steel can still be an option. We offer Weather Guard shelving for those who prefer the classic setup and this can be professionally installed by our experts either in our shop, or through mobile installation.
All Aluminum Shelving Packages
Aluminum shelving is a great alternative to steel because it is just as strong, but is lighter and therefore more fuel friendly. Typically only consuming 5–8% of your payload, all aluminum shelving leaves you with an industry-leading 95% capacity for carrying tools and cargo.
Our go-to aluminum solution here at Advantage? Packd—built for durability, efficiency, and fuel savings, it’s both the strongest and lightest option that can install for you to make your vans work better!
Aluminum & Steel Hybrid Packages
Hybrid options give you a middle ground if you’re looking for something right that’s more of a compromise. While lighter than all-steel, but a bit heavier than aluminum, on average hybrid shelving systems use about 7% of your van’s payload. If you need durability without going full heavy-duty, here at Advantage, we offer Ranger shelving; the option we have that ticks this box.
Lightweight Doesn’t Mean Weak
Let us clear something up – lighter shelving doesn’t mean flimsy shelving. Over the years with engineering catching up to the needs of the industry, today’s all aluminum lightweight designs hold their own when compared with tried-and-true traditional steel.
Introducing Packd Aluminum Shelving
Advantage Outfitters installs Packd aluminum shelving – a system built for professionals who rely on their vans every day. Engineered with proven design principles from the construction and transportation industries, Packd combines lightweight efficiency with serious durability. Installed by our expert team and backed by our lifetime install warranty, it’s an upfit designed to perform for the life of your van.
– Features aluminum extrusion frames for rock-solid stability, with up to 8-foot shelves
– Rigid, quiet, and strong honeycomb composite shelf bottoms
– On par with Ranger Design, Packd shelving has been load tested to 1,200 lbs
– 30% lighter than Ranger, 70% lighter than Weather Guard
That’s steel-level strength without steel-level weight.
Need More Help?
If you’ve got questions about what shelving system may work best for your needs, speak to our team. We upfit independent contractors and fleets across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, and can even come straight to you with our mobile installation. Contact us today and we’ll make sure your van works smarter, not heavier, giving you the upfit installation you deserve.
