What to Consider With Service Body Upfits
Specialized work calls for a specialized truck or van, but that’s not necessarily something you can buy off the lot. For that, you may want to look into upfits that will give you exactly what you need. These can range from something as simple as a rack to hold ladders or a bed extender and interior racks, or to more elaborate customizations like bucket lifts, cranes, and specialized bodies mounted on a chassis cab or cutaway van.
How Customized Does Your Upfit Need to Be?
Obviously, the more an upfit is customized to your specific use, the pricier it’s going to be. Talk to your upfit specialist to see how much of an off-the-shelf product can be used before you need your own touches added to it. Determine if you can work with any limitations you may have with a standard item before you decide that there must be changes made to the design.
Involve the People Who Will Work with the Upfit
If it’s your employees who will ultimately be using the vehicle, get them on board right at the start. It can be difficult to know exactly what’s needed if you’re not the one doing the job with the vehicle every day. They’ll be able to tell you if your upfit is missing something, or if the truck can be outfitted in a way that still lets them get the job done safely and efficiently, but at a lower cost.
Who Should Do Your Upfit?
There are a couple of paths to getting your vehicle outfitted to your needs if the accessories aren’t available as an option from the factory when you buy a new vehicle.
You can go directly to an upfitting company if you already have the vehicle, or if you are about to buy it from a dealer and will send it there once you’ve taken delivery. You can also buy from a truck dealer that works with upfitters, so it becomes “one-stop” shopping. If you opt for this, be sure the dealership specializes in commercial vehicles and works with reliable upfitters. If the dealer does the installation of some items, be sure the techs are familiar with the process. You definitely don’t want a dealership that’s entirely consumer-focused, since it won’t have the expertise that you require.
How Do You Find a Good Upfitter?
Talk to people in your business who have the trucks you need. If they’re happy with the job their upfitter did, it’s very likely they’ll tell you so they can send some business to that company.
When researching upfitters, ask for references and check their online reviews. Ask to see the shop, including trucks that are in the process of being upfitted. You want a business that’s clean and well-equipped, and allows you to inspect the work they’re currently doing on vehicles. You also need to see the warranty, in writing, so you know how the upfit is covered; who repairs it if necessary; and any limits on the warranty, such as any electric motors or compressors included in the upfit.
Should You Buy a Used Vehicle with an Upfit?
Many upfits are off-the-shelf and made to fit a specific vehicle, such as shelves or racks designed for vans, or tool boxes or bins for truck beds. If they meet your requirements, used versions can save you money. Just make sure they’re the right ones for your vehicle, including the attachment points. Check that they’re in good condition, that all moving parts work smoothly, that all the components are there, and that any locks actually lock and that the keys are included.
What About Your Own Used Upfits?
When replacing a vehicle in your fleet, consider how it’s equipped. If the upfit is still in good condition, consider sticking with the same type of vehicle. Even if another brand has a lower price tag, the savings could be wiped out by the cost of upfitting the new purchase, even with whatever you get when trading in or selling your older model.
Does the Upfit Meet Safety Standards and Concerns?
Safety is always the primary factor, especially when upfitting a vehicle with parts that weren’t built into the model at the factory. The upfit has to be within the vehicle’s payload capacity, and compatible with the vehicle’s weight rating if you plan to tow a trailer with it. If holes need to be drilled, these mounting points must be properly reinforced. Wiring must be routed correctly and secured so it doesn’t rub and wear through. Cargo van partitions must be the right material to protect the driver: heavy loads need to be separated by a steel partition, while composite materials can be acceptable for lighter loads.
No matter what business you’re in, upfits can potentially improve your operations by providing the right tools, organization, and safety. When you’re ready to find the right truck or van, whether to have it modified or buy it already upfitted, check the listings for one that suits your needs.
Jil McIntosh
You might also like
