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Work trucks are out. While they were the commercial workhorse for businesses for the longest time, the van is in. Not only does it have more space for equipment (along with a roof to protect payloads), but it also has a larger surface area for graphics, a lower form factor that makes loading/unloading less strenuous, and usually comes with mounting points for equipment. No more cut PVC pipes, wooden screw organizers and opening ten different cabinets here, but a workspace as well as an organizer for your gear.

So, what should you look for in a Commercial Van Upfit? Here are three of the most important aspects to look for:

Utility

First, and foremost, is utility. Without a flexible platform to get you through the work day and the ability to carry all your equipment you may as well walk to the jobsite with your kit on your back. Some CUVs excel at carrying your tools, some cargo, and others the crew themselves, but the ProMaster RAM by FR Conversions will do all three, and even sport a trailer at the back with ease.

Tools are your livelihood, and FR Conversions makes their security and access paramount. Optional stainless steel or galvalume interior walls with mounting points for all types of equipment are available and LED panels across the floor mean you will always find the equipment you’re looking for.

Whether you’re on the jobsite late at night, early in the morning, or just parked under a shady tree, the fully illuminated cargo space will make it a breeze. Those tools can also be powered by FR Conversion’s optional 2,000 Watt Power Inverter, making your vehicle your shop away from the shop. With this Remote Base capability, whether your 1 mile or 1,000 miles away, you’ll always have your tools and the power to get the job done.

Cargo is another primary factor in the utility of your vehicle, and the ProMaster series has room to spare. With a 4,400 Weight Capacity and reinforced floor with L-Track for tie-downs, your cargo will be safe and secure, whether fragile or bulky. The optional Retractable Ramp System is rated at 2,000lbs and is as wide as the RAM itself, further aids workers in loading and unloading.

Your worksite transportation solution is further improved upon by the power of the RAM ProMaster and upfit options. The vehicle is powered by a PENTASTAR 3.6L V6 280-HP Engine bringing very capable power to the front wheels. The optional towing hitch provided by FR Conversions allows you to tow up to 5100lbs with 600PD of torque, in case you need to bring any more equipment with you. A heavy-duty alternator will also ensure you’re never left stranded at the end of a long day.

Of course, all that gear is mighty useless without hands to wield them, which is why FR Conversions has added a crew cab to the ProMaster, adding four seats for a total of six crew and air conditioning to keep everyone in comfort.

“Whether transporting crews, hauling a trailer, or moving equipment, the FR Commercial Utility Vehicle does all three at once!”

Safety

Safety is another primary factor when looking at a Commercial Van Upfit. Even if your driver is the best in the business, it’s the others on the road you must watch out for. As such, all FR Conversion vans are fully crash-tested, and meet or exceed government crash test standards. Further, the RAM ProMaster’s 46.8 ft. turning radius will reduce the amount of Y-turns your workers will make. Also, the plus editions come with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road while providing updates to the office. The crew cab is separated from the cargo by a panel, minimizing the risk of loose cargo injuring passengers in the event of a collision or sudden stop.

Of course, it’s not just on the road that safety matters, but on the jobsite as well. The LED lighting in the rear cargo area will allow workers to maneuver around equipment and find sharp tools without the fear of bruises and cuts. Not only is the FR Conversions CUV outfitted with a back-up alarm, alerting everyone around the vehicle, but also a Parkview® Back-up camera, to assure the driver that the path is absolutely clear.

On the road or at the jobsite, you can be confident that FR Conversions puts safety at its core.

Manufacturer Reputation

FR Conversions began by making accessibility vehicles in 2008 and has since become the fastest growing and most progressive commercial van upfit manufacturer in America. They bring to market mobility and commercial vehicle solutions that are a perfect fit for many platforms – features, design, aggressive pricing, service, safety and financing. For their CUV they started with RAM’s Euro-style ProMaster Van, America’s most in-demand vehicle workhorse and have cut prices to a bare minimum while providing thought-out upgrades to assist in any industry.

While some upfit conversion manufacturers will smile and wave as you leave the lot, FR Conversions will always be by your side with a 3-year/36,000 Mile Upfit Warranty. Further, any ASC Certified mechanic in your area may perform warranty work, forming a nationwide network of maintenance facilities.

The van is more than a simple vehicle that brings the driver from point A to point B. It’s a mobile workshop, a place for storage and organisation and in many cases, a mobile office. On top of all that, delivering goods as a business makes you reliable on your van. Ensuring it is in good condition and isn’t going to break down mid-journey, sometimes you need to invest in a new vehicle and say good bye to your old companion! Here are the top three signs you need a new van for your business.

The mechanic loves you – or hates you

When you have some trouble with your van and notice that your mechanic is either rubbing their hands together or rolling their eyes in despair – take the hint. It may be a quick solution to let your mechanic have their way, but if you add all the costs in the long term, you’re much better off with a new van that doesn’t require so many patch-up jobs. You will also be saving money, as you don’t want to spend more than the van was originally worth.

You need more space

If you’ve ever moved and relocated, you know how many possessions you accumulate over the years – you actually own a lot more than you think. The same is true when you store your equipment in the van; you’d be surprised at how much you actually own. It could, of course, be just a case of forgetting to throw out the old and unnecessary but if you see that all your tools require more space, you may be ready to buy a van that can accommodate all your possessions and business tools and equipment in an orderly manner.

You’re not looking forward to long trips

If you know you have to travel some distance and have a nagging feeling in your stomach – or a little voice in your head – that discourages you from doing it, you may not be comfortable in your van anymore. Often it’s your instinct telling you that too much can go wrong.

And here’s another sign it might be time to get a new van, as confirmed by van lease and finance specialists like https://www.vansdirect.co.uk/ – you suddenly find yourself on the road and realise that you know the breakdown provider on a first-name basis… you’ve had to call on him/her too many times before and so it’s time for a change. That doesn’t mean you have to give up the old (yet not-so-trustworthy) van; it just means that it’s time to move on and let a new van take care of you whilst you go about your business. You’ll form a bond with the new van in no time – that’s a promise.

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