Commercial Van Solutions

You understand the need for certain items to remain at cold temperatures. It makes perfect sense for things that can freeze or melt such as wine and ice cream respectively. But do you know how the reefer unit actually works? It’s an amazing feat to travel long distances and maintain a cold temperature for your cargo and this invention has been around for less than 100 years. Let’s take a look at how these reefer units actually function. The Components One thing to be aware of is that the refrigeration systems are a closed system. The idea behind refrigeration is to remove heat and maintain a steady temperature. Let’s review the major parts of the system. The compressor is driven by a small engine within the reefer unit. First, the compressor draws in gaseous refrigerant and compresses it. The pressure inside liquefies the gas and the liquid refrigerant gives off heat to the body of the compressor and the surrounding air. The condenser receives the liquid fr

The average tractor-trailer weighs about 80,000 pounds, more than 20 times the weight of the average automobile. The tractor trailer will take nearly 550 feet to make an emergency stop. The average car or small truck takes about 315 feet to stop. Federal traffic officials say nearly 95 percent of traffic crashes stem from distracted driving. What do all these numbers mean? Simply, distracted driving poses a serious danger to life, limb and property. However, experts say taking some simple precautions to avoid both distracted truck driving and distracted driving in cars can prevent most crashes, like putting away your phone. FMCSA Establishes Traffic Regulations for Trucks The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration bars CMV drivers from both reaching for mobile devices or using them during driving. Drivers are also prohibited from pressing more than one button on mobile devices while driving. However, they may use hands-free devices to communicate provided t

Your work van or truck is a complicated collaboration of gears and machinery. Modern vehicles incorporate more electronics than ever, too. The best way to keep yourself on the road and make your deadlines is to minimize unexpected breakdowns by keeping up with your preventive vehicle maintenance. Importance of Preventive Vehicle Maintenance Having a work truck or work van is critical to your job. Without it, you don’t just lose your means of transportation. You lose your mobile office, your mobile garage or your mobile toolshed. It’s organized just the way you want it. Bottom line, your vehicle keeps you working. Unexpected issues will eventually happen. But preventive vehicle maintenance keeps you on the road longer and more consistently – avoiding most of the hundreds of potential issues automobiles face. Here are some of the key benefits of staying on top of your vehicle’s maintenance: It Saves Money An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of medicine. Most

It’s important to select the right type of ladder rack for service fleets, because ladder racks can improve productivity, worker safety, and cargo capacity. Before you select a ladder rack, review the strengths and limitations of different types of ladder racks as well as the benefits of adding ladder racks to your service fleets. Benefits of Using Ladder Racks More Cargo Space When ladders go on the rack and not in the back of the vehicle, adding a ladder rack to your cargo fleet can improve the interior cargo space. You will be able to store more tools and equipment in your van when the ladders are stored on a rack. Since ladder racks can accommodate all sorts of items, not just ladders, this opens up the carrying capacity for all vehicles in your fleet. Reduced Risk of Injury  Since hauling a ladder rack in and out of a vehicle can cause injuries, installing ladder racks cuts down on injuries. This makes loading and unloading safer. Secure Storage Areas

Why is it that you see so many vehicles on the road today that are wrapped in advertisements? It could be because these truck wraps make money for the individual with the wrapped vehicle and generate business for the company being advertised. But is that all? Why Businesses Wrap Vehicles When it comes truck wraps, there are many reasons why they are so beneficial. Here’s a handful: Wraps are easily applied and maintained They last for years if properly maintained There are numerous options available for designs and colors There are few better ways to advertise a business Compared to paint, they are cheaper So those are the benefits of a truck wrap. But it’s important to make sure that the whole process is executed correctly. Making Your Design Memorable Two of the most important steps in creating a design for your truck wrap is to be sure you conceptualize and research. Research not only the business that the wrap represents but any competitors as well. Th

It’s more than your work van. It’s your commuting workhorse. Your office and workshop on wheels. And probably one of your biggest investments. You’ve probably taken all the usual steps to make sure it’s protected – proper maintenance, insurance, safe driving habits. But did you know that adding van equipment upfits can actually help protect you and your work vehicle? You may think of van upfit equipment as just a way to organize your tools and supplies. But that’s just one part of its job. Upfits help protect your van from the wear and tear your equipment can inflict on it. Plus, van equipment upfits made specifically for your work van and properly installed helps protect  you as well as your work van. Let’s explore a few examples. How Partitions Help Protect Your Work Van & You Van partitions provide a barrier between you and your cargo, to help keep you both safe and comfortable on your commute. How it helps protect your work van – You never know when yo

Running your car’s air conditioning, like any other feature on your car that draws power, will affect your gas mileage. The question is, how much will it affect the mileage, is it enough to warrant not using the air conditioning, and are the alternatives any better? The answers vary between car models, as well as between individual people because driving habits change from person to person. Good, master-certified automotive technicians should know what to consider if a customer asks whether running the air conditioner will be bad for mileage on that customer’s particular car. Your Choices are Limited The primary choices to consider are running the air conditioner with the windows up, or turning off the air conditioner and either using the fan-only setting, or no setting. In other words, there aren’t many. With the air conditioning, you’re actually siphoning power away from the engine and using more fuel to keep the air conditioning going. With the windows down, you’

You’ve calculated your solar. Planned your build. Bought some components and made sure it’ll all fit. Now, how does it all go together? A tip before you begin: If you are new to electricity, then there’s a good chance you’ll make mistakes. It’s much safer and cheaper if those mistakes are on paper (or screen). We find it helpful to draw out what you plan on doing and asking experts on an electrical forum if your plan is correct. Even if you’re experienced it’s not a bad idea to have some more eyes on things. Solarpaneltalk.com and Northern Arizona Wind and Sun forums are full of helpful folks. And now, the warning: Start With Wire Size Electricity has to be able to fit in the metal wires you install. Trying to pull too much current through them can reduce their efficiency and even make them burn up. Wire thickness is determined by Wire length The amount of Amps passing through it Wire diameter is commonly measured in AWG, or American Wire Gauge, increments. The s

If you have an unattended trailer or caravan, you wouldn't be very happy if someone would steal it. Your damage would be even worse, when your trailer is loaded with your valuable stuff. When you let your trailer completely unattended on a parking place it is a breeze for a thief to steal it. He just needs to come with his own car and put your trailer on his towing hitch and he can pull it of. Or maybe he has to put the trailer off of your own car first, and then put it on his own car instead. As easy it is for him to steal it, so easy is it for you to put some spokes in his wheels. The easiest way to protect your hanger is a hitch lock. This is most often just a small pin which you put through the hitch receiver hole of your trailer, which can be locked up with a key. So no one can put your trailer on his own cars hitch to pull off your property. If a thief has not the right tools, he will not be able to destroy this lock in short time, so your trailer is safe for the first

There are essentially two opinions when it comes to how we want our cars to look. Some people love the shine and sparkle of a freshly washed car. Others like having a dirty truck to show off all the fun you’ve had and work you’ve done. For those of us that prefer a clean car, it would be nice if stayed clean for longer than a day. Sometimes it feels like your car or truck is covered in dust the moment you leave the car wash. It can be hard to keep your vehicle always looking nice and pristine, but there are some proactive steps you can take. How To Keep Your Car or Truck Clean It’s almost impossible to keep your vehicle completely clean all of the time. You can do small things, like waxing your car after washing it, to keep it looking as clean as possible. Taking the time to wax your car also helps it stay clean, and your vehicle will be easier to clean next time as well. If you can park your car in a garage or covered space, that will protect it from the dust and

Unlike a new van that is fresh from the factory and backed by an extensive warranty, a used van will have typically traveled thousands of miles over several years. Its usage and service history may be a mystery, and there is always the concern that your chosen van may not be as good as it first seems. Whether you are looking to buy Ford vans, Mercedes vans, Volkswagen vans, Vauxhall vans or Citroen vans, you can boost your chances of getting great value for money by carrying out ten basic checks. 1. Bodywork The most important thing to check on a van’s bodywork is rust. Rust is most obvious on wings, sills and below bumpers, but it can also be found under the wheel arches, around the door frame and at the corners of the windscreen. If you find rust, press on it gently. If you hear cracking sounds, there may be corrosion below. 2. Suspension Pushing down on each corner of the van should give you some indication of the state of its shock absorbers. If the van bounc

 Securing goods in a tipper can be a nightmare. Here are a few tips for you to make sure that your goods are perfectly safe:     The roads we drive on today are often twisty and windy, with changes in terrain and sharp bends. We all drive our vans at speeds approaching the national speed limits, which seem pretty fast when you have a van laden with contents. For drivers of used vans in Swindon, the network of motorways and urban roads presents constant challenges for a variety of reasons, including bad weather conditions and heavy traffic. Most van owners use their vans for work. Whilst the government publishes guidance for load securing for commercial vehicles, this is directed at open-sided goods vehicles and transporters, rather than the closed loads in a van. There is however, a general best practice guide for van safety, published by the UK government. What you don't want is your valuable tools and bits and pieces at risk of sliding around in the back of yo

Having access to a van can open up a lot of opportunities to earn a living. With some business areas more crowded than others, however, the most profitable way can be to find a more unusual niche with less competition. Here are some ideas to help you find an unconventional way to use your van for business. Mobile Shop There are enough markets, car boot sales, fairs and festivals to make a year-round living from selling on the move. Anything from clothes and antiques to records and toys can work. You can specialise in something that interests you to put your expertise to good use.   Sell Advertising Space  A number of companies will pay you to display adverts on your van, which is almost money for nothing! Although you might not make enough to give up work, it can be a nice top-up to your earnings that works alongside another business, as long as the adverts won't interfere. Collect Donations For Charity Shops Charity shops rely on donations to keep runn

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is: “How much does van life cost?” It’s also one of the most difficult to answer. The truth is: it depends . Van life is different for everyone, and so is the price. That being said, we’re going to give you a run-down of three van lifers with different backgrounds making it work on the road. We hope this will help give you a reference point for how finances can be managed living in a van. How Much Does It Cost To Buy A Campervan? First things first, the type of vehicle you choose to buy is going to be the largest up-front cost to van life. We’ve written a breakdown of what type vehicle you should buy to help figure this out. Some people move into the vehicle that they currently own. They do minimal to no conversion, and enjoy the lifestyle just fine. Others spend $45,000 purchasing a 4WD Sprinter. Then add another $15,000 on a high-tech campervan conversion. Despite what you see on Instagram, this is not the norm.

After a few successful months or years of courier jobs the thoughts and discussions always turn to replacing your van at some stage. After all, it can't go on forever and a van that lets you down could put you out of business. The question raises a number of interesting debates - to buy new or in the used marketplace. Price isn't everything, reliability is. You only get paid and keep customers if you can be relied upon. If you work a few jobs with a customer and let them down, you might not gain more work from that source. It is only if you have quite a high number of successful missions behind you, that a customer might forgive one late delivery and still keep you on their list of drivers. Many drivers believe they will only get work if their van looks new and recently out of the showroom. This means a considerable regular financial outlay if you are going to maintain the standard with your courier jobs. It might be that your choice of van is down to how much you ar

Handicap van conversions take a standard vehicle and then add various features so that it becomes accessible to someone who has medical issues affecting mobility. These vehicles are highly customized to meet the specific needs of a driver or passengers that require different amounts of space for comfort. The result of these conversions is a mobility van that has a combination of functional features and options that increase driver safety. At the same time, the vans can be customized even further in order to give the driver and passengers convenient options for long trips. Custom Access The most recognizable features of a mobility van have to do with how passengers with a limited range of motion or wheelchairs get into and out of the vehicle. The doors on the side might be widened in order to accommodate new options. Ramps are installed to assist someone in a wheelchair or with difficultly walking to move up a gradual incline into the van. Alternately, a lift could be placed in