What is a Van Upfit?

“Upfit” is a term you may come across while checking out options to adapt a work van for your business. It’s even in our name, Upfit Supply. But what is a van upfit? In simple terms, it’s the internal or external modification of a cargo or work van to maximize the vehicle’s capabilities. The net result makes the van more efficient, easier to use, or better suited for workers.

Let’s expand on this as we dive into the details of van upfitting. 

Benefits of a Van Upfit

The goal of an upfit program is to make the vehicle better for your business. In general, you’ll enjoy one or more of these benefits.

• Improved Productivity: Helping a worker become more efficient is the easiest way to improve the bottom line. At the same time, making the job less taxing leads to happier staff. Shelving, drawers, and other organization kits are some examples that improve access to gear and supplies. 
• Enhanced Safety: Unfortunately, workplace injuries are a fact of life for tradespeople. There’s no way to completely eliminate this risk, but making a van safer goes a long way. For instance, rubberized mats or floor liners can minimize potential slips. Plus, equipment like drop-down ladder racks can reduce the likelihood of reaching injuries.
• Increased Security: Pricey tools and valuable materials create a tempting target for thieves. And stock vans are notorious for being vulnerable to break-ins. Simple add-ons like reinforced window screens and cargo van locks can help. And secure partitions add another layer of protection.

What’s Involved in a Van Upfit?

A van upfit is best handled through a comprehensive plan that looks at:

• Workplace Needs: Assess what the van needs to carry now and in the future. Is there a requirement for flexible storage options? For example, do some jobs require a ladder, while other work needs power tools? 
• Van Details: Most upfit equipment is built for specific van makes, models, and configurations. Knowing roof height and cargo area length is important, too. So, you’ll want to get a handle on your business’s vehicles; don’t guess. If you’re considering adding to the fleet, you may also want to scope out the range of available upfit equipment ahead of time.
• Budget and Timeframe: The final part of an upfit plan is setting a budget and figuring out how quickly everything needs to be done. Should all the equipment get added at once, or do you set up a monthly or quarterly upgrade schedule to match cash flow? There’s no right or wrong answer. Prioritize the most impactful upfit gear and go from there.

Van Upfit Options

A van upfit can take many forms; modifications include:

• Hitches
• Ladder Racks
• Liftgates and Ramps
• Partitions and Bulkheads
• Running Boards and Steps
• Safety and Security
• Shelving
• Storage and Organization
• Vehicle Protection 

Start Your Van Upfit Today

Let the experts at Upfit Supply help you begin that upfit project on the right path. We’ll work with you to identify what’s needed for today and tomorrow. And we’ll suggest the best solutions for your business and budget. Contact us today to get started.