Guide to Van Accessories

Baffled by bulkheads and stumped by suspension? This guide will help you through the world of van accessories. From mod cons to work tools, getting the right spec on your van is not only crucial for doing the job, but also for re-sale.

Types of van accessories

There are a huge number of accessories to choose from:

• Factory or dealer-fitted accessories - these can be limited in scope depending on the company.

• Aftermarket kit - these cover anything and everything you can think of… and more!

Home comforts

It's up to you what accessories you need, want and can afford for your van, but here are a few pieces of kit worth having. Just make sure your van insurance covers them all.

Air conditioning: Now common in most vans, it's become something of an essential rather than a luxury.

Navigation: Sat-nav has made the leap from cars to vans. Most manufacturer systems are wired into the dash, which is good for security, but more expensive as a result. If your dealer can offer you a portable sat-nav system, it's the way to go.

Bluetooth: Most van drivers make and receive calls on the move, so choosing this often inexpensive option is a must. Most modern phones have this facility, and although it's not perfect, it does mean you and your drivers will be legal on the road.

Speed limiter: This all depends on whether you trust yourself (or your drivers) to behave. Fit one and you're guaranteed not to go over the motorway limit. However, it won't stop you sailing through a 30mph speed camera at 45mph.

The right van

It's just as important to have the right equipment in your van, as it is to have the right van to suit your work needs. If you're still searching for those elusive four wheels, search online for guides to the perfect work van.

Once you've found the van for you, kit it out with some of the following. Remember, if you don't have the right equipment for the job, it's going to cost you time. On the other hand, loading your van with too much kit is going to make it equally useless.

Racking: You can get racking to suit whatever your van has to carry: tiny electrical components or large pallets of food. However, if your load changes often consider a secure lashing system - it will cope with the variation.

Suspension: Larger panel vans can be specified with air suspension. This can be a real help if you have to carry larger loads. Air-suspended vans not only offer a better ride, they allow you to raise and lower the height of the vehicle.

Sign writing: Painting a logo on the side of the van is a great way to advertise your company - not to mention the fact it's free! But why not get your graphics produced as stickers instead? The downside is they won't last as long as paint. But on the upside, they won't damage your van, and even offer a little bit of protection from scrapes. What's more, they'll be easy to remove when it's time to sell.

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