Heading
Close X
Menu
This site uses cookies and related technologies for site operation, analytics and third party advertising purposes as described in our Privacy and Data Processing Policy. You may choose to consent to our use of these technologies, or further manage your preferences. To opt-out of sharing with third parties information related to these technologies, select "Manage Settings" or submit a Do Not Sell My Personal Information request.
As a business owner, ensuring all your tools, equipment or products are safely transported is of paramount importance. Having to replace items that have been damaged in transit is not only inconvenient, it’s costly too, which is why having effective van racking is essential. Many business people overlook it, however, perhaps because it seems unnecessary or because it requires advanced planning and consideration – which takes time you may not have. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of dos and don’ts when it comes to van racking solutions, so you can take advantage of this helpful feature without spending undue time thinking about it.
Unfortunately, there’s no getting around the fact that you’ll have to plan the layout of your van racking in advance. Consider the best way to get to your tools and equipment easily, and how to balance the weight so that it doesn’t compromise the vehicle’s driving dynamics.
Research the shelving systems that are available before choosing one that suits your needs. There are lots of options out there, so knowing the differences between various styles is important if you’re to get the most from your solution.
It can be easy, particularly during planning, to get carried away with all the options. Bear in mind the maximum payload of your vehicle and the loads you have to transport on a regular basis. What you don’t want to do is end up with so much commercial van shelving that you can’t carry as much weight in terms of cargo. Consider the optimum balance between practicality for storing and finding what you need, and maximising your cargo.
As with any storage solution, there’s a wide range of materials on the market for van racking. Choosing higher quality materials may mean the weight of the storage is increased, but it will also last longer. If you simply have a few tools to carry every day, a plywood liner and rack may do the job cost-efficiently and durably. If, however, you have more to carry, you’ll want a lighter racking material such as galvanised steel. It’s most expensive upfront, but is easy to install, safety-compliant, and offers advantages that wood lacks.
You needn’t stick to one material and one type of solution. Think creatively with your racking, incorporating plastic and metal if you switch vehicles every few years. You can also find lots of modular units on the market, so rather than installing some shelving and forgetting about it, you can include sliding drawers, trays, worktops, and even lockable security boxes. This can be tailored to the needs of your drivers.
Finally, a budget will inevitably restrict what you can achieve, so ensure that when you purchase a van you leave some money aside to fit it out properly. That way, you won’t opt for a cheap, inadequate solution as an afterthought.
Knowing all this now you are ready to go on a hunt for your next van. Check our available stock for many different types of pre-owned commercial vehicles.
Panel vans, minibuses, pick-ups, and tipper vans from the biggest makes are all available at great prices.
If you'd like to test drive one of the used vans for sale, have a look at our website to see what we have for you, and call us at our Essex dealership on 01279 216163. Ask us about our vans on finance and van contract hire offers too.