Getting a van ready to use as a work vehicle requires detailed layout planning and smart storage solutions. A well-organised work van can save time, keep your equipment safe from damage, and enhance your company’s reputation.
Here are our top recommendations for setting up your work van and the best van storage products. These tips will help you maximise your van space as efficiently as possible and ensure you can always find the tool you need.
How to Set Up Your Work Van
Evaluate Your Layout and Organisation Needs
The first step in setting up your work van is taking inventory of all the equipment you transport regularly. Make sure your van is empty and de-cluttered so you can start with a blank slate.
These questions can help identify what layout will be the most convenient and efficient for your workflow:
- Do I have bulky or heavy equipment?
- Do I have hundreds of small parts, such as screws and connectors, that need to be securely stored?
- Do I normally access the van from the back or the side doors?
- Do I want to organise my van based on task, tool size, or zones?
Identify Frequently Used Tools and Equipment
Think about which tools you use the most. These tools should be the easiest to access, likely in an area close to the van’s door. A smart layout eliminates having to climb all the way inside your van to grab a tool you use daily.
Install Storage Systems
Based on your industry, equipment, and frequently used tools, install appropriate storage systems. This may be a mix of shelving, drawers, bins, and racks.
The right storage solutions will free up floor space, making it easier to move about your van. By utilising vertical space, items are also at a more natural height to access.
Label Bins, Drawers, and Containers
Drawers and bins go a long way in organising a work van and keeping it clutter-free. To access tools even faster, use a label marker on all bins and drawers. Clearly label what tools or items are in each drawer for fast access.
Consider Security Measures
Do you have particularly expensive equipment or tools, or worries of theft? Consider what security measures you’ll need, such as a lockable tool chest, window grills, or lockable drawers or cabinets.
Organise Tools and Equipment Properly
When setting up your work van, keep tools and equipment organised and easy to access with these tips:
- Add a small rubbish bin to help keep the vehicle clean
- Ensure proper weight distribution by storing heavy tools or equipment low to the floor and close to the axles
- Take advantage of vertical space by installing hooks and pegs for hanging lightweight items
- Keep the area around the door clear to make access as easy as possible
- Consider LED light strips for maximum visibility despite lighting conditions
- Install onboard power systems or inverters if you need to charge cordless tools on the go
- Evaluate and re-adjust your setup as needed
Key Products and Components to Complete your Van Fit Out
- Shelving
- Drawers
- Roof Racks and Cross Bars
- Roof Rack Accessories
- Internal ROPS (Roll Over Protection Systems)
- Vices
- Cargo Barriers
1. Shelving
Free up floor space and make it easier to maneuvre throughout the van with custom shelving.
Thoughtfully planned shelving systems eliminate the wasted time and frustration that result from frantically trying to find a certain tool.
All of our Jaram shelving systems are built to last, backed by our 5-year warranty. Â
From electricians to painters to plumbers, we can customise a shelving system that is ideal for your industry.
2. Drawers
Drawers are a must-have storage solution for just about any of the trades.
Benefits of drawers for a work van include:
- Exceptional organisation and the ability to use a colour-coded labelling system
- Keep tools secure so they do not shift around during transit
- Protect tools from getting dusty
- Added security with lockable drawers
- Easy to separate items based on categories, function, or tool size
- The actual drawers can be further customised by adding compartments or partitions.
At Jaram, we install the most heavy duty drawers on the market built for heavy duty gear. Our Jaram lockable drawers is rated at 180kg load rating, built for the long haul, perfect for carrying heavy tools and storing your gear.
3. Roof Racks and Cross Bars
If you frequently work with ladders or bulky gyprock sheets, a roof rack is another key component of your van fitout. Roof racks keep equipment secure and easier to access while also protecting your van’s exterior and paint job.
Whether you’re a plumber hauling bulky pipes or a painter hauling scaffolding, we can tailor a roof rack to you. Our Dreamrider Roofrack is perfect for carrying bazooka tubes and you can store it on each side of the roofrack. We customise our commercial roof racks to your industry, frequently hauled items, and your exact vehicle make and model.
Learn More: What Is a Roof Rack and What Is It Used For? – Jaram Australia
4. Roof Rack Accessories
To make your roof rack work even harder for you, here are some our most recommended roof rack accessories:
- Ladder Mount Bracket: If you regularly transport ladders, a ladder mount bracket will make your job far easier. This convenient roof rack accessory enables you to store your ladder safely and securely and free up valuable van space.
- Pipe Clamp Bracket: With Jaram Australia’s high-quality pipe clamp brackets, you can easily secure long pipes during transit. You can mount it to the side of the rack or on top of the rack Â
- Wind Deflector: If you put on a lot of miles, you know a smooth handling van with minimal drag is a priority. Create a more aerodynamic, fuel-efficient van with one of our high-quality wind deflectors.
- Nylon Roller: Easily load and unload heavy or bulky materials with a durable nylon roller. Â
You May Also Like: 5 Best Van Roofrack Accessories For Tradies – Jaram Australia
5. Internal ROPS (Roll Over Protection Systems)
Unlike tractors, which are required to have rollover protection, commercial vehicles lack ROPS regulations. Many commercial vehicles may not offer adequate protection in the event of a rollover. Consider whether the addition of internal rollover protection systems is important for your van. If your van goes to mine site, it’s highly recommended to install internal ROPS inside your van, to avoid risk of getting denied entry to mi.
Learn more about the history of ROPS regulations in Australia here: The Long History of ROPS ( Roll Over Protection Structure) Across Australia & The World.
We also talk about heavy-duty ROPS in our video here: Jaram Australia Certified ROPS Commercial Vehicles.
6. Vices
A vice is a must-have for cutting or bending tubing and copper pipes. But a bulky vice can also be a pain to work around when space is limited
We recommend fold-down or sliding vice mounts for a compact option that can be put away when you aren’t using it.
We’ve found that the side door area and rear of the van are excellent areas to consider for vice mounts. If you often stay outside your vehicle while using the vice, choose a rear vice mount that folds down.
If you prefer ease of access, a vice mount right inside the side door area may be ideal.
Mounting a vice on a pull-out workbench can also be a convenient installation choice.
7. Cargo Barrier
Cargo barrier comes in 2 type, mesh cargo barrier and anti vapour sealed partition barrier.
If you are a painter or in hvac its highly recommended to get a sealed partition barrier so that it protects your employees health from the fumes of paint or the aircon freon smell.
Mesh cargo barrier is useful for drive protection and also can add extra hooks for hooking your gear to the mesh of the cargo barrier.
Work Van Setup Examples
Jaram Work Van Setup #1: Hyundai Staria 2024 Electrical and Plumbing Van Fitout
Our electrical and plumbing van fitout we completed for MTM Group, Multiple Trades and Maintenance Group consisted of:
- A Jaram Dreamrider Roofrack for securely hauling bulky equipment
- A Leg Bar Kit
- A 4.6m Bazooka Tube
- A DRD Bolt-on Pipe Clamp
- A high-quality Fleet Shelving Kit to free up store space and keep tools and equipment accessible
- Shelf Plastic Bins to further organise shelving space
- Edgetech Shelving Kit
Jaram Work Van Setup #2: Custom Van Fitout for DVF Plumbing and Gas Company
We customised a van fitout for this Ford Transit for a local plumbing and gas company. They needed maximum usable roof space and enough space to easily maneuver inside the van.
We added these components to DVF’s company van to maximise space, convenience, and efficiency:
- Jaram Edge Shelving to open up the van’s space and keep the floor clear of clutter
- Twin Drawer Kit for keeping smaller tools and items organised, free of dust, and secure during transit
- Dreamrider Roofrack Kit
- Nylon Roller for managing the loading and unloading process with ease
- Bazooka Tube Pipe Clamp for Dreamrider rack
Jaram Work Van Setup #3: LDV G10 Van Fitout
We completed this van fitout for a local construction company that required optimised storage to free up more van space.
This LDV G10 custom van fitout features:
- A Dreamrider roof rack for secure heavy equipment transport
- 3x fleet shelving units with cable holders and tubs for meticulous organisation
- Mesh cargo barrier for added safety
See pictures of the finished van fitout here: Custom Perth Work Van Fitout Jaram Australia Facebook.
How Jaram Australia Can Help You
Investing in a van fitout can maximise the space in your van, enhance productivity,, and protect your valuable equipment. A well-organised work van also demonstrates a high level of professionalism to clients.
Avoid wasted time looking for tools or having expensive equipment shift around during transport with a custom van fitout. Our fitout experts at Jaram Australia can ensure your tools are secure and accessible to maximise productivity and efficiency.
We can tailor a van fitout to your industry, van, and priorities. Browse our other work van fitout packages here and or get in touch with us for a free quote.
