F itting out mobile support vans with storage shelving, cabinets, work
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benches, ladder racks and the like is a serious affair which demands a great deal of preparation and planning—particularly when it comes to the strength and security of installations.
Most van-based support teams can manage with fairly standard, off-the-shelf components: others need bespoke systems to suit a particular type of service.
Some, though, simply buy ready-made kits, and either use the supplier's fitting agent or modify the vans in their own workshops. Such kits are tailored to suit most popular makes and models: there are layouts for just about everyone, and they come with precise, illustrated fitting instructions,
However, when it comes to building in special securing points, the makers of equipment such as Bri-Stor, H-Modul and Bott are very much an afterthought with the van makers.
Snags
Despite years of expertise in carrying out such conversions, snags can arise, especially where the same body shell is shared by more than one manufacturer, but with subtle body and roof changes, or on vehicles for export. It is left to the supplier to ensure that its mounting brackets and attachments match up with existing channelling and bracketry inside the van body.
"Our main aim is to secure the systems inside but, wherever possible, leave the vehicle intact—in other words, attach without drilling," says Bri-Stor engineer Jim Kirkwood.
Fill a van with holes, and the operator might have a problem with his warranty or when selling the van on. "The real problem is, when it comes to mounting points inside panel vans, there just isn't a harmonised standard," he says. Some manufacturers seem to appreciate the problem. "Renault's Ka ngoo, for example, has three M6 mounting points on the cant rail, which makes it relatively easy to secure equipment inside. By adding a standard bracket up there and using the normal floor-locating points you can attach most units securely inside."
Inner flanges and side supports have apertures and holes to which mounting brackets can safely be attached, and sometimes conveniently positioned captive nuts can be used as a building base.
Wash basins
When new products are developed. such as roofladders, wash basins or interior cabinets, it means devising new mounting brackets and fitting procedures to make them fully secure. These are then transposed into kit-fitting instructions, allowing agents or, indeed. customers to carry out the conversion work themselves.
Equipment manufacturers like those listed are all constantly developing matching attachments to add to the list, so whether you want a complete turnkey system. special inner racking kits or roof systems, fitting instructions will be supplied with the kit.
• by Bryan Jarvis