Choosing the right accessories when looking to outfit a van is an important process. Matt MacConnell looks at some of the options.
There’s a mass of products on the market when it comes to van racking and accessories such as beacons, light bars, roof racks, ladders and pipe storage, so choosing what suits a fleet’s needs may seem tricky. When selecting van racking, it’s important not only to utilise as much storage space as possible, but also to keep the weight low. This will maximise fuel economy and it will also ensure that the maximum authorised mass (MAM) LCV limit of 3.5 tonnes is not exceeded.
Bri-Stor uses lightweight high-strength steel across its product range. The company’s Elite racking system has a modular design and insert storage boxes available in widths of 580mm, 830mm, 1,120mm and 1,620mm. According to Greg Howell, business improvement manager for Bri-Stor Systems, there has been a greater push from fleets for alternative lightweight materials recently. To meet the request, Bri-Stor uses more aluminium, plastic and composite products in its design concepts and is currently in the process of launching a new racking range.
Racking and accessories company Sortimo offers a solid floor platform called SoboPro and this has integrated connection points for racking mounting. This means that when the LCV is being fitted out, the outfitters don’t need to drill into the vehicle floor pan.
The use of lightweight materials and solid floor platforms shows that companies that are moving toward a greener future by using EV fleets are supported by reputable racking outfitters – and a lot of products are already EV-friendly. Lightweight materials help keep electricity costs low, while the use of a solid platform ensures that the vehicle batteries, which are often found under EV floors, are safe and untouched during the fitting-out process.
Sortimo offers various box systems that snap into its SR5 exoskeletal racking system, allowing fleet operators to carry tools and other equipment with ease. These can then be disconnected from the racking system and be taken on-site if required. Sortimo claims that installation takes around one day to fit the SR5 but, of course, if anything further is required it will take longer. If fleet operators are on-site and don’t need a box full of equipment, Sortimo also has a product called ProClick. This is a tool belt with modular pouches that can be hooked onto the end of the SR5 system.
Fleet managers are currently challenged due to vehicle shortages in the UK so it’s important that companies provide accessories that can be attached to any LCV. Sortimo offers a crash-tested roof-mounted racking system called TopSystem, which can be fitted to any LCV thanks to its interchangeable ‘feet’ and can be paired with a clever side or rear ladder lift system, making the lives of fleet operators a tad easier when offloading or loading ladders onto van roofs.
The TopSystem can be kitted out with an aluminium transport tube for pipes while various lighting equipment, such as beacons and light bars, can be fitted also. “Visibility is high on most fleets’ tick list, whether that’s external to protect drivers with the use of beacons, hi-visibility graphics or LED lighting,” says Howell.
Playing it safe (and secure)
While there’s almost no end to what fleet managers can fit their vans out with – including crane systems that can lift up to 250kg, vices that turn vans into mobile workshops, power inverters that can deliver direct current (DC) and health and safety equipment – it’s in the fleet manager’s best interests to keep not only the drivers safe but to secure the van’s tools and equipment against theft.
According to recent research carried out by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, van theft has risen dramatically in the UK, with 47% of van drivers falling victim to theft in 2021/22. With the average van holding around £2,500 worth of tools, this works out to a total of £4.4 billion of replacement tools on average each year. According to the report, most thefts happened in London while 45% were in Scotland – a rise over 2020/21 figures, just 22% for Scotland.
It’s believed that the annual rate of van theft could rise to more than 20,000 vans by 2030, claims Comparethemarket.com. According to reports by Direct Line, around nine vans were stolen each day day between September 2021 and August 2022, with most taken from the street. It’s claimed that more than half (57%) of drivers admitted to leaving their tools in their van overnight while almost a third didn’t take extra precautions to protect their kit.
“With vehicle lead times and acquisition currently very challenging, fleets are keen to focus their attention to protect and prolong the life of the assets,” explains Howell. “We work with numerous partners to offer various aftermarket security systems from additional locks, trackers and CCTV as well as working with fleets to design security into their racking configurations.” While not completely guaranteed against theft, extra measures such as locks and signage, not only prolong a break-in but can also act as a visual deterrent.
Various companies offer a jail cell-like cage made from steel with a thickness of up to 40mm to help prevent ‘Peel and Steal’ theft, a crime where thieves exploit a weakness in the van’s side doors. Depending on the van size, installation can take from two to three days. Of course, there are other ways to help protect your van and its contents such as locking your van when it’s unattended, being cautious not to advertise what’s inside your van, removing anything expensive, using a secured lockbox for your keys, being careful where you park and, if possible, park under a CCTV camera.
A helping defleet hand…
If fleet managers are thinking of making the change to EV, or are due to change their LCVs at the end of a lease agreement, there are some companies that can offer a de-fleet service.
This means that fleets can hand their LCVs over for end-of-life decommissioning where the removal of any aftermarket liveries or modifications will take place, including any lights, graphics or racking installed. Accessories can then be reused for new builds, transported to a storage location selected by the fleet manager or can be disposed of.
Sortimo claims that there has been a greater need from their customers for an end-to-end service and that they work with their customers to help roll out new vehicles, liaising directly with leasing companies, and they will also ensure that the old vehicle is ready for auction.