Plumbing businesses rely on mobility, which makes a plumbing work van an indispensable asset. It carries the tools and supplies needed to solve any plumbing issue, but during a typical workday, a plumbing van becomes something else. More than a simple cargo conveyance, the vans in your fleet can be a workshop, an office, and a break room. What brings this distinction are the upfits you apply to every vehicle in your fleet.
A smartly organized plumbing van fleet is a huge asset to your business. Not only do the vehicles enable your staff to get the job done, but also they allow them to do it faster and more efficiently. A properly upfitted van that is intelligently designed from the floor to the roof is truly a beautiful thing. This blog will explore what to consider when choosing vans and upfits for your fleet and why a van upfitting partner is an important resource.
Plumbing work vans are more than simple transportation—they are a mobile extension of your business. The right upfit starts with the right base vehicle, and there are plenty of choices out there. Here are some things to consider when searching for a base vehicle.
Cargo Space – Space is important since plumbers have many tools, some of which are bulky, they need to bring to jobs. It also helps to have room for the supplies you need to bring, including pipes and conduits.
Ease of Upfitting – Modern cargo vans like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, the Ram ProMaster, and the Ford Transit are built for upfitting. They are proven, high-quality vehicles with plenty of customizable options that can be tailored to any trade business. It’s easy to invest in used vans, but when you fit out a fleet of vehicles, you can get better value, simpler upfits, and lower overall cost of ownership when you purchase new.
Fuel Economy – Plumbing vans are big, they are always on the move, and they have to haul a lot of stuff from one jobsite to the next. One of the most important considerations after cargo space is how fuel efficient the vehicle is, which will keep operational costs down.
If your fleet vans are well thought out and cleverly organized, imagine how your work must look. Every inch of storage inside (and outside) the van should have a purpose. That purpose should be clear and labeled, and once you decide on an organization system, it should be standardized across your entire fleet.
Start with a sturdy, durable floor – It’s easy to overlook the floor, but in a plumbing work van, it may be the most important upfit. Think of the chemicals and grime that will end up on the floor after a long workday and how difficult it is to clean. There are dozens of options that protect the floor and keep it safe to walk on as your workers get in and out of the cargo area.
Floors can store things too – Think of the back of the van like a pyramid—large, heavy items are stowed out of the way on the floor and smaller, lighter things should be higher. This makes them easier to get to when needed, but it also makes the van safer in transit.
Think vertically – As the storage pyramid reaches the top, think about where everything will stack in the van. Interior wall space is great for hanging hand tools, while integrated metal shelving will keep like objects all in the same place.
Group items by task – As you’re thinking vertically, think about what tasks are the most common and keep those items near each other. If you use one item more than any others, make sure it’s easy to reach in an instant. Plumbing truck shelves are available in virtually any size or configuration, allowing you to customize space exactly as you see fit.
Label everything – Labels create a recognizable space for everything and make easy access and putting items away a snap. They also make it simple to see if something is missing. You can even think beyond the simple label maker and integrate an SKU app with barcodes and scanners to simplify reordering.
Remember the doors – One of the most overlooked plumbing van storage ideas is the doors. Magnetized stripping can easily keep hand tools within easy reach, or the door can be modified to stow a hand truck to lift heavy tools on and off the van.
Use the roof – One of the best van storage ideas for plumbers is using the roof. A roof rack is a great place to stow a ladder or long PVC or copper pipes that won’t fit in the cargo area.
Remember to clean up – Reduce the clutter and the trash by installing a low-profile trash can and dedicating an area to cleaning supplies like sanitizing wipes, dustpans, and hand brooms.
A plumbing van that has been upfitted the right way saves time and money. While we specialize in fleet upfits, we are ready to help the individual upfitter too. Our online catalog carries shelving packages, flooring systems, and other popular cargo van accessories that will turn your empty work van into an indispensable tool.
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Advantage Outfitters, LLC
255 West Street South
Hackensack
NJ 07606
Advantage Outfitters, LLC
Long Island | 107 E. Hawthorne Ave.
Valley Stream, NY 11580
Work Van Organization Ideas for Your Next Upfit