Work vans

[Kscardsfan]

I have a question for those of you who operate out of a van. We have a Ford E-150 that is otherwise using up space at our shop and we would like to turn it into a work van so we can keep our maintenance supplies and tools handy for our most common issues that arise. How many of you built your own storage/shelving units and did you use a kit, lay them out on your own, adapt something else to fit? Any tips and hints would be deeply appreciated.

EDIT: I have since discovered it is actually an E-350 and was mislabeled on the asset list. I feel like this might open up some opportunities for this that weren't previously there.

 

[richfinn]

I have a question for those of you who operate out of a van. We have a Ford E-150 that is otherwise using up space at our shop and we would like to turn it into a work van so we can keep our maintenance supplies and tools handy for our most common issues that arise. How many of you built your own storage/shelving units and did you use a kit, lay them out on your own, adapt something else to fit? Any tips and hints would be deeply appreciated.

It's not really the furniture that's important in my opinion. It's what you do with it.

I like shelving in my vans so I can load it up with appropriate sized plastic boxes/blow molded cases that I can grab easily without moving other stuff.

I try to separate things into logical kits as much as possible, I have an open veto tote bag for my most used tools (easy to take to the job).

Currently I only have 3 roller bearing drawer units, 2 for automotive batteries and 1 for long tools/miscellaneous stuff.

Over the past 20 years (5 vans) we have gone from basic wooden shelves to high end Sortimo drawers and back to fairy simple metal racking (with dedicated grey boxes), the Sortimo stuff was a bit too heavy and complicated but it looked stunning.

The floors always come with a nice flat MDF/wood panel with non-slip finish that's easier on the knees/easy to keep clean.

I guess it depends what you do, but weight distribution and ergonomics (to avoid injury) need serious consideration.

 

[Rc_Guy]

Not sure what you do for work, but our work vans usually came with shelves on both sides, but there was 4 feet between them so guys usually use 3-2X6’s and plywood and made a false floor with a big drawer underneath part of the false floor and the other part of it used to store sprinkler pipe.

 

[rmanrman]

An E-150 econoline ford van is rated for 1/2 ton load Way too light duty for a contractor loaded up with tools etc. The proper full size van should be a 3/4 ton the E250 or even a 1ton load E350. I tried when I started my business in a passenger van and it drove like the bumper was on the ground. Took much longer to stop and sucked gas due to underpowered engine.

 

[Kscardsfan]

An E-150 econoline ford van is rated for 1/2 ton load Way too light duty for a contractor loaded up with tools etc. The proper full size van should be a 3/4 ton the E250 or even a 1ton load E350. I tried when I started my business in a passenger van and it drove like the bumper was on the ground. Took much longer to stop and sucked gas due to underpowered engine.

It's a state park, and it will rarely be going above 25 mph. Plus most of what it will be carrying is breakers, Shark bite PEX connectors and odd ball MRO type supplies. If it is bigger than that we have lots of trucks we can use for it.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Not sure what you do for work, but our work vans usually came with shelves on both sides, but there was 4 feet between them so guys usually use 3-2X6’s and plywood and made a false floor with a big drawer underneath part of the false floor and the other part of it used to store sprinkler pipe.

It's in a state park so we do it all if I'm honest, but probably 80 plus of our regular maintenance work is replacing blown breakers for campsites and fixing minor plumbing leaks in bathrooms and repair/replacing frost proof hydrants. So carrying lightbulbs, breakers, shark bite connections and PEX pipe and related plumbing fittings. Pretty light duty stuff for the most part, but would be nice to have it all in one spot out of the weather vs. an open pickup bed.

 

[u2slow]

Plan on built in-place shelving because the curved walls will otherwise be wasteful. Start with cardboard templates and transfer them to plywood.

I had an E350 mini-bus with completely flat sides. It was tall enough to stand in (6' anyway). Bought shelving and installed. The caveat is the weight once you get all your supplies in there. I was at about 10k# gross by then, so I had to invest in stronger wheels & tires for the rear.

 

[Jeeper99]

I worked out of a 3/4 ton dodge van for a while fixing compressors and doing industrial maintenance. The van had prebuilt steel shelves with a couple durham style bins for things like hardware and pipe fittings. One of the nice things was the durham bins were mounted on the rear shelves near the doors, you could get to the boxes of fittings without crawling into the van. I also had a 26" tool box mounted at the side doors which you could also get tools out of it without crawling in. I kept my tool bag right at the side door.

I would make the most commonly used stuff easy to get to without crawling in every time. I carried a rubbermaid cart which was really nice for rolling in a bunch of parts or using it as a work table.

 

[Bert_]

I had a service truck with a KUV type body. Like a van it was not tall enough to stand up in so you're always crawling and crouching over. I got rid of that and went back to a regular open bed service truck.

I do have a cube van with compartments on the outside like a service truck. That thing is awesome. 12 ft body, two average steps to get into the back then you just walk around in there, it's tall enough to stand straight up. Tons of space all under a roof.

 

[GeoBruin]

There's a user here who went full tilt on the Dewalt tough system (I think) storage in a van. I forget who it is but I hope they post. It's an impressive setup.

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

I have a high top promaster that I custom built everything out of a combination of wood and 80/20 angled slot aluminum


I love my set up

 

[whateg01]

If weight is a concern since it's a 1/2T van, I would avoid using wood for the shelves. Might be ok for your standards but I would find a way to use sheetmetal for the shelves themselves.

 

[The Cobbler]

I built my own with plywood to suit my needs. build along side the drivers side , the front 4' was deeper than the rear 4' . They were elevated so I could put pails of compount etc underneath, also allowed be to pick sheets of drywall /plywood etc and lay them on the floor , allowing me to access both walls & the side doors of the cargo area . I basically built them as I went, I knew what I wanted , I just didn't have exact measurements .
the front 4' had shelves with doors that were hinged on the lower horizontal, it was primarily for tools. the doors would open to the bottom and act as a shelf while rooting around for stuff. simple hasps held them in the closed position. the top of the tool shelf was for bins of supplies, screws, nails , various hardware we used on a constant basis.
the rear 5' was open to hold pails of hot mix, mud, sandpaper, dust masks etc etc . it also housed often used stock.
I had bins of hardware, screws, nuts, bolts, nails, knife blades , sawzall blades etc etc . we did a lot of maintenance & repairs, never knew what you were going to need. they sat in place with some bent brackets that gripped the roof frame work, if I neededf to remove the shelves , 4 bolts removed them( after the tools etc were removed) the only time they got moved was when I bought a new van.

 

[Kscardsfan]

If weight is a concern since it's a 1/2T van, I would avoid using wood for the shelves. Might be ok for your standards but I would find a way to use sheetmetal for the shelves themselves.

We’re probably going to try to repurpose some existing shelving we have if we can. But any and everything is open at this point.

 

[M635_Guy]

My plumber works out of an F150 - he put a plywood floor in the bed and used it to install mounting for the Milwaukee packout system, and has something in the cabin where the rear seat was too. He packs it situationally, with sets of stuff for certain types of work mostly self contained in a stock he can just lock in the setup. It's theft-resistant to some extent if I understand it right.

 

[rooster59]

If you have to save weight, maybe stacking bins with straps/bungee/net from floor to side / roof for some stability.

 

[scooby074]

If I was building it out for construction/maintenance type jobs, Id think really strongly about going with modular storage, like Milwaukee Packouts. I think Milwaukee even makes mounting rails for truck mounting, which would make the job even easier.

Or the more basic, non-pullout style.

 

[M635_Guy]

If I was building it out for construction/maintenance type jobs, Id think really strongly about going with modular storage, like Milwaukee Packouts. I think Milwaukee even makes mounting rails for truck mounting, which would make the job even easier.

Or the more basic, non-pullout style.

I think there are also 3rd parties making mounting stuff.

 

[dr_clyde]

I worked out of a 3/4 ton GMC Savanah for a while doing mobile handrails and light welding work. I found the most effective way for me was to have specific job related toolboxes and load the van for what I was intending to work on for that job.

It doesn't take much to overload a 1/2 ton van, so I would be very careful and selective about what you decide to do. Most 1/2 ton vans can only handle a few thousand pounds before they're at capacity, and that adds up FAST when you start installing shelves and carrying around stuff like bins of hardware.

Personally, I would go with a packout style system and take what you need for the jobs at hand.

 

[Bert_]

I found the most effective way for me was to have specific job related toolboxes and load the van for what I was intending to work on for that job.

That's easy enough on new work. If you have to do service work it's difficult to plan.

 

[bonneyman]

My 2004 Astrovan came with interior shelves and a ladder rack installed. Didn't find out till I retired that the shelf spacing would work with plastic milk crates. Found a company that makes these half crates - they fit just perfect!
Would have made a world of difference - for the better!

 

[Outlier]

As someone who works out of a van, I'm in for some pictures.

 

[CS454]

Ran an E350 mobile for years, for light duty one stop i'd say some packout mounts or similar are going to be the most versatile solution, albeit not the cheapest.

We had a mounted 30 gallon compressor, 26" Beach top chest, generic hand carry bags, and a couple spots to stash big bars, sledges, 1" impact, all that jazz. Plus for example we could throw in a couple folding ladders plus a semi truck rad. Had a 6" vice we could pin to the hitch, etc. Certainly wanted for nothing we lacked.

I did like my buddy who built his trailer light tester into the barn door of his van.

 

[Steve_P]

It sounds like you don't need to carry that many tools and parts, and the parts should be mostly lightweight, so the van should be fine for what you need. It's not like you're a commercial electrician, or plumber, and need supplies and tools for every possible situation because if you have to spend an hour for an unexpected trip to Home Depot, you're working that job for free. Since you're in a state park, it's no biggie if you have to drive back to HQ even a few times a day as it's going to be a short trip. And of course, you'll learn along the way on what you need to add and maybe what you can remove and you'll become more efficient. Hopefully most of what you work on is the same which will limit tools and supplies- you don't need supplies for ten different styles of faucets, two brands of breakers in eight sizes.... like most would.

The way to do it might be to select all the supplies and tools you commonly need, pick your storage choice(s) based on that, and see what that looks like and how much it weighs. Then use this to build or buy your shelves with some empty space included for future expansion. A plywood floor seems like a good idea to start with. You may only need shelves on one side and can have a workbench on the other that you can sit at, and maybe store things like sections of PEX under. Maybe add a small cheap vise. You could have some type of seat with casters so you can move around without bending over.

I've never worked out of a van, just throwing out what seems logical to use for a start. Obviously the GJ answer is to get your boss to buy you a new dually Sprinter van and fully outfit it with every tool and part that exists, but that's not going to happen. Your situation is different from most, so it doesn't seem like you need to go too crazy.

 

[Odd-job]

I am more curious about the workflow in your state park. I hangout a lot at various state and regional parks and run into park rangers pretty often. I think more often than not they are cleaning up after the human detritus more than anything else with some minor repairs mixed in. It seems like most of the maintenance vehicles are outfitted with general maintenance equipment which sounds like they can handle the plumbing leaks and breaker replacements however it sounds like the materials/supplies are sitting in some bucket collecting rain in the back of pickup truck. Does it make sense to use the van as a mobile supply base or supply runner? State parks can be pretty spread out. Is there anything beyond the typical 80% which might make sense to have a dedicated vehicle with dedicated equipment? I imagine water jetters and plumbing equipment to unclog things is probably not carried on the standard pickup trucks? What's servicing all of the parks equipment? or does that get hauled back to home base?

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

I insisted on dual sliders for my van so I made the driver side shelves accessible from the outside for all of my saws and power tools.

I have a false floor for my scaffolding planks, cross braces shovels etc

I love my setup

 

[Bert_]

I insisted on dual sliders for my van so I made the driver side shelves accessible from the outside for all of my saws and power tools.

I have a false floor for my scaffolding planks, cross braces shovels etc

I love my setup

Sliding doors on both sides really looks like a nice way to go for a regular van. Having things accessible from the ground is a big deal

 

[Kscardsfan]

I am more curious about the workflow in your state park. I hangout a lot at various state and regional parks and run into park rangers pretty often. I think more often than not they are cleaning up after the human detritus more than anything else with some minor repairs mixed in. It seems like most of the maintenance vehicles are outfitted with general maintenance equipment which sounds like they can handle the plumbing leaks and breaker replacements however it sounds like the materials/supplies are sitting in some bucket collecting rain in the back of pickup truck. Does it make sense to use the van as a mobile supply base or supply runner? State parks can be pretty spread out. Is there anything beyond the typical 80% which might make sense to have a dedicated vehicle with dedicated equipment? I imagine water jetters and plumbing equipment to unclog things is probably not carried on the standard pickup trucks? What's servicing all of the parks equipment? or does that get hauled back to home base?

Unless we suffer a major failure in the field, all equipment is serviced and locked up in the main shop facility. So we won't be doing much, if any, equipment/vehicle repair and maintenance outside of our service bays. The Sewer jetting equipment gets used so infrequently and takes up enough space as to where it is brought out only as needed. It also weighs a ton (like needs 2 grown men at a minimum) so picking it up and getting it out is a major undertaking as well. Quite a bit of our repairs and cleaning is the simple stuff, and being able to keep the toilet valves, shark bite fittings, breakers, light bulbs, toilet paper, 409, wasp spray etc. in one mobile rig to send it to the problem instead of trying to get all the necessary equipment gathered up and then make 1-2 more trips because you had enough 20 amp breakers, but didn't have a 50 amp like you thought you did, or you need another 3 deck screws to finish replacing a board, makes it worth while for us to explore using it.

 

[Odd-job]

Sounds like a mobile supply truck half full of toilet paper is better than letting it sit there. Just don't let the guy that hoards shovels be responsible for it.

 

[hobie18]

Large area?

Some great ideas. Pics?

 

[Kscardsfan]

Sounds like a mobile supply truck half full of toilet paper is better than letting it sit there. Just don't let the guy that hoards shovels be responsible for it.

He retired. So I have new staff that does good work and completes work in reasonable or even speedy time frames. Honestly it’s been weird when something is done when it should be done for me.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Large area?

Some great ideas. Pics?

Main area, where most of the work occurs, is about 400-450 acres and 10 minutes from town and all our vendors. The entire park is 1200 acres spread over about 20 miles or so in a few different units.

 

[Jim greengo]

U pull it is full of old service vans full of shelves.

 

[hobie18]

Never too far. Good. Any time and hassle you can save by having what you need ready to go, priceless

 

[Dagny]

My service truck is a grumman step van. I can fix anything when it's with me.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I have since learned this van is an E-350 and was entered into the asset list incorrectly. Hopefully the sudden upgrade to a 1 ton opens up some new doors for this project.

 

[bonneyman]

I insisted on dual sliders for my van so I made the driver side shelves accessible from the outside for all of my saws and power tools.

I have a false floor for my scaffolding planks, cross braces shovels etc

I love my setup

Oh, I so wanted a van with sliding doors on both sides! I'd have built an A-frame shelving unit to sit between the doors, allowing for reaching tools/parts without having to crawl in on your knees. Plus, the open section under the A-frame would allow full length storage or carrying of long items from the back. Alas, at the time the only double slider vans were Dodge Caravans, and they were passenger vehicles - not commercial. So lightweight, no heavy springs and shocks, etc.
But when the Astro came up I grabbed it and it worked out well. Now retired I've converted it to personal use. And the shelving unit that came with it is great for carrying tons of stuff.