When outfitting your van, racking involves installing storage solutions, like shelves, cabinets, toolboxes, and cupboards designed to secure items in the cargo area for safekeeping.
If done correctly van racking can offer a budget way to keep your tools and gear organized in your van for use. To help you with this task we’ve compiled a list of factors to consider when setting up your van racking. Check out our six tips :
Tip 1#: Safety first
When setting up your van van racking involves using storage solutions, like shelves, cabinets, toolboxes and cupboards that are made to fit in the cargo area for storage. Properly done van racking can offer a budget way to keep your tools and equipment organized for use, in your van. Here are six key points to consider when it comes to setting up the racking in your van.
Tip 2#: Positioning
Ensuring the setup and placement of shelves is vital, for both safety and effectiveness. While its important for equipment to be easily reachable its advised not to have racks or shelves running the length of a vehicles cargo area as this could pose a risk to front seat occupants in case of a rear collision. According to guidelines from the Department for Transport (DfT) enclosed vans should have a partition system in place to separate the passenger section, from the cargo area.
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Tip 3#: Weight
Arvals report revealed that higher payload resulted in decreased fuel efficiency; during tests conducted by the company a 75% increase, in payload led to a 21.2% drop, in fuel economy. It’s important to think about how heavy van racking might impact your vehicles performance. On the other hand, quality lightweight racking can enhance a vehicle’s carrying capacity and efficiency when used effectively.
Tip 4#: Loading
When loading vehicles it’s important to keep them stable and prevent cargo from becoming dangerous in case of an accident. To achieve this heavier items should be placed low in the vehicle or, at the bottom when stacking. Distribute cargo evenly across the cargo area floor to avoid surpassing axle weight limits or overburdening one side of the vehicle. Only load cargo, against a racking system if recommended by the manufacturer.
Tip 5#: Manufacturer Approved
Make sure to load all racking systems as, per the manufacturers guidelines, for safety reasons. To ensure compliance ask yourself if the cargo carrying capacity of the racking units has been specified and labeled by the manufacturer and if any unauthorized modifications have been made to the system.
Tip 6: Maintenance & Inspections
Regularly. Maintain your racking system to detect signs of wear and tear and guarantee cargo restraint in case of accidents.
Employers have an ethical obligation to offer provisions, assessments, maintenance and training on using cargo restraints in their vehicles.
