Investing in a new work truck is an important decision. Before committing to a new work van, truck body or bed, consider the truck application and your company’s daily requirements. You’ll want to choose or design a vehicle that will compliment your operation’s requirements rather than forcing your operation to conform to the truck. According to Work Truck, the best way to optimize truck productivity is to spec the right vehicle for the fleet application.
Steps to begin:
- Meet with the drivers at your business who will actually be driving the vehicle. This eliminates the guess work and any assumption of what you think the vehicle is being used for. “By understanding the day-to-day application, you will be able to “build” a truck that meets their needs” (Work Truck)
- Consider payload requirements. The weight of the payload determines the engine, transmission, size of tire, frame, and just about everything else.
- Understand how material and equipment is taken on and off the truck or van. Are forklifts involved? Also consider how material will be secured when traveling.
Work Truck vs. Work Van
When deciding between a work van or a work truck for your business, there are several factors to consider. Generally, the choice between a van or a truck is usually driven by “job function, type or weight of payload, or terrain. Both vans and pickups can provide security and ease of access for tools and equipment (Automotive Fleet).
Often times, businesses in certain industries will gravitate towards work vans vs. work trucks and vice versa. For example, vans are currently more typical for trades such as plumbers, electricians, and HVAC repair technicians. Meanwhile, pickups are common for construction and/or off-road job functions (e.g., construction, oil field, road maintenance) or where medium to heavy towing is involved. Vans are enclosed, and there are many storage systems available for interior upfit. Finally, safety can affect choice, such as when hauling hazardous or noxious materials. In that situation, a pickup may be the choice over an enclosed van that shares space for cargo and occupants.
If you’ve only considered a work truck or new truck body, be sure to explore van bodies and box trucks as well. They can serve your company in several ways, helping to make it more efficient. Our aluminum bodies ensure your cargo can be transported safely, and your workers can remain organized throughout the delivery and transport process. All DuraMag van bodies are 100% aluminum, rust-free, and come with the best warranty in the industry.
Equipment Considerations
(via Work Truck Online)
Liftgates: A liftgate reduces the risk of back injury by allowing users to more easily maneuver, load, and unload heavy products in and out of trucks and trailers.
Hydraulic Drop-Down Ladder Rack: Specify drop-down style ladder racks for vans. This helps minimize possible back problems that could arise from removing a 24-foot extension ladder from the roof of a work van.
Rear Step Bumper and Grab Handles: Analyze ease of rear entry and egress from service and van bodies. More fleets are adding a step bumper and a grab-handle to facilitate getting in and out of a service body bed. To minimize slips, fleets are opting for an open strut-style rear bumper to allow snow or rain to fall through the openings and not collect on the bumper.
Side Steps on Pickups: Another important consideration is side steps on pickups to access cross-bed truck tool boxes.
Side-Door Access: Walk-ins or dry freight bodies with step van side door access steps enable the user to work inside the body protected from the elements.
Pull-Out Ramps: These ramps expedite the removal of product loaded on a dolly. Consider ventilated-style pull-out ramps that stop snow and rain from collecting on the ramp.
If you’re in the process of specing out a new work truck or van, give us a call and our team can walk you through the best fit for your company. Our factory is open Monday-Friday at (207) 660-4700. We’re more than happy to answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and help you invest in your next work vehicle.