Getting the Job Done: The Best Upfits for Your Work Van

December 9th, 2022 by

A white 2016 Chevy Express is shown from the side.

How much does your business rely on transportation to serve customers? Putting your business on the road with fleet vehicles is exciting because it lets you reach more people and improve satisfaction and retention. However, investing in a commercial fleet can be intimidating and financially overwhelming for many business owners. Fortunately, we’re here to help and offer a vast selection of used work vans for sale on our commercial lot.

But how can a used work van improve your business? First, think about the services you provide, the size of your team, your customer base, and the tools required. Then, imagine mobilizing your business with a work van that puts your team on the road with all the necessary tools and equipment to serve your customers. This mobilization not only increases efficiency but gives you more opportunities to grow your service area and improve the work environment for your team, increasing retention and job satisfaction.

As a Chevrolet Business Elite Dealer, Rick Hendrick Chevrolet of Buford is excited to help you get your business on the road or update your commercial fleet. Of course, you’ll find plenty of used work vans for sale, but that’s only the beginning. Here are some of the best upfits for these vans that can positively impact your business anytime your team is behind the wheel.

A white 2021 GMC Work Van is shown from the front driving on an open road.

General Motors Upfits

General Motors offers some of the best work vans in the industry, with the Chevrolet Express Van and the GMC Savana available as passenger or cargo vans. Finding the perfect upfit for these vans depends solely on your business needs. For example, a shuttle service has vastly different needs than an ambulance service or utility company. So, what are your options?

School or Shuttle Bus

General Motors makes it easy to transform the Express Cutaway van into a school or shuttle bus with two upfit packages. The School Bus Chassis Package adds a 33-gallon fuel tank, air conditioning, auxiliary rear heat provisions, two 30-amp circuits via a wiring junction block accessory, a dual note horn, and a 220-amp alternator with dual batteries. Like the school bus package, the Shuttle Bus Chassis Package includes air conditioning, auxiliary rear heat provisions for optimal passenger comfort, and two 30-amp circuits. It also adds body control module calibration that lets the turn and stop signals operate independently.

Ambulance and Rescue

Companies that provide emergency assistance like ambulance and rescue services often turn to General Motors to upfit their vans with the Ambulance Package. This upfit outfits the van with GM’s proven 6.0L V8 engine, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, and traction control system to give you ample power and enhanced stability to answer every call confidently. The package also adds a single 220-amp alternator, a 120V power outlet, two 12V auxiliaries, a second isolated battery with rundown protection, four-wheel antilock brakes, and an HVAC system with auxiliary rear heat provisions.

Utility and Service

If you run a utility or service company, you know how important it is for your team to have all the equipment and tools they need at the job site. General Motors makes this possible with its utility and service upfits that ensure your work van has ample power and plenty of options for functional storage. The upfit lets you add GM’s Vortec 6.0L V8 engine and an isolated second battery with rundown protection so the van can idle or power equipment without fail. You can also rest easy knowing your team is in good hands since General Motors adds StabiliTrak electronic stability control, traction control, and four-wheel antilock disc brakes with the upfit.

A popular used work van for sale, a white 2012 Chevy Express Cargo, is shown from the side.

Industry-Wide and Aftermarket Upfits

While General Motors has plenty of available upfits, there are dozens of other packages and hundreds of aftermarket upfits available for every work van in the industry. These upfits can transform your work van into an efficient and functional vehicle that can meet your operational needs and help you grow your business daily. These upfits run the entire spectrum from shelving and toolboxes to computer mounts, technology, and more.

Shelving and Storage

Adding shelves and storage to your used work van is an excellent way to maximize space and guarantee your team has everything they need in one convenient location. These storage solutions are typically customized to fit your van and are secured in place, so there’s minimal risk of the shelves or any stored items shifting or falling when the van is underway. In addition, the shelves are made of high-strength materials that can support everything from small electrical components and medical equipment to extension cords, power tools, and other equipment.

Computer Mounts

Where would your business be without technology? Most companies rely on smartphones, computers, tablets, and other technology. So, why not integrate that technology into your used work van? Computer mounts are an easy way to give your team access to the information they need without stealing their focus from the road. Different mounts, like under-seat, floor, and side-seat mounts, position the computer exactly where you need it. Once in place, you can easily install the laptop, giving your team access to service and customer information, navigational tools, and more.

Interior Liners

Most business owners immediately think of shelving, storage, and tech-centric upfits for their work vans. However, protecting your investment should also be at the top of your “to-do” list. Many upfit companies make this easy with aftermarket interior liners that extend the life of your vehicle and improve its overall quality. For example, a custom interior liner for the walls and floors delivers a quieter ride, makes it easier to control the cabin temperature, and minimizes excessive wear and tear.

Partitions

Many businesses upfit their work vans with partitions to separate the cab from the rear. Why is this helpful? Let’s say you’re driving a work van full of tools and equipment when you have to slam on the brakes to avoid a collision. While your equipment is typically secure, the emergent braking forces items into the air toward you and your copilot. Partitions minimize this risk, keeping the tools at the rear of the van and protecting you and your team from any objects that might be airborne. Additionally, a partition also makes it easier to control the temperature in the cabin, which is ideal during hot summers and cold winters when your team turns to the van to stay cool or warm.

Cargo Racks

What happens when you need more storage than your work van offers? Cargo racks are an excellent way to add extra storage for bulkier items that can withstand the elements. For example, you can add a cargo rack and external ladder, making it easy to access longer items like pipes, scaffolds, lumber, and other equipment that can be transported on the van’s roof.

Help Your Business Excel With a Great Upfit

Shopping for a used work van is an outstanding investment because it allows you to save money and still reap the benefits of mobilizing your business. Then, once you find the right van, customizing it is a matter of finding the most suitable upfit packages, from shelving and storage solutions to cargo racks, computer mounts, and partitions. From General Motors to hundreds of aftermarket options, there’s an upfit for every need, whether you run an ambulance and rescue service, electrical or plumbing company, or shuttle passengers across the city.