If you’re always going in and out of your van with heavy equipment, there’s so much you need to consider when it comes to your van racking.
You’ll need to consider what’s likely to be the most supportive, what’s going to resist scratches and dents and what’s generally the best storage option for the space you have.
Van racking can improve not only the look of your van, but the safety (so you’re not tripping up on things) and the productivity (when everything has a designated place!)
The two most common materials used for van racking are metal and wood, and each boast different properties that can render them the best fit for your vehicle.
Weight
Wooden racking systems are known for being weightier than their metal counterparts. While for some this may be necessary in order to withhold heavier equipment or if you’re only carrying a few tools than need organising this isn’t a problem, it is crucial to know that the weight of your racking can also affect your vehicle’s payload.
The payload of your van is its gross weight, and these can often have legal limitations. Loading a van above its payload can result in a penalty fee. A heavier vehicle can also affect the fuel consumption of the vehicle, which is bad for both your company’s expenditure and the environment.
Wood is also known to require increased treatment to prevent fluid absorption, however it’s ability to do this is not compromised once the treatment is completed.
Durability
Wooden racking, whilst durable, versatile and sturdy, can have negative implications upon collision. It can disintegrate or snap upon being the recipient of enough force, resulting in equipment flying around your van (which is a huge safety hazard). This is a rare and unlikely occurrence however, and wood is more than suitable for day to day use.
Metal racking, on the other hand, required a much greater force to completely break than wood. Metal racking may bend, but it won’t break without a great amount of effort.
Many insurance providers will not cover certain criteria if your van isn’t fitted with racking that has proven to be effective in crash tests, so it’s important to evaluate the likelihood and risks of this before choosing your materials.
Cost
Wood is by far a cheaper option for kitting out your van racking, and it’s easier to cut and install yourself than metal, saving money on labour costs.
Metal, however, can be a more cost efficient solution, particularly if you opt for a modular system. Although it may cost more initially, metal racking can have a longer lifespan.
Transferability
It’s not as easy to create modular systems with wood. If you choose a metal modular system however, it’s a lot easier to slot and change your racking layout to fit other vans.
Having said this, wood is a great material to use if you need a one time solution where you intend to keep the layout of your van the same for the foreseeable future.
If you need your van racking to be transferrable between a number of company vans, or if you update your van every few years, a modular metal system may be more beneficial for you, however if you’re only intending on securing equipment in the one van, wood will do the job perfectly fine.
If you need a quick and cost effective solution, wood is the racking type for you. If you’re looking for something to transfer between vehicles, it may be better to invest in metal racking, however wooden racking is still suitable for day to day activities.
For more information on our van racking services, enquire with Van Guard today.