Weight reduction isn’t really an issue, he says, because there is little difference between the wood and metal constructions.
“We use Russian birch, but we can also use a thinner ply, which is still strong,” he says.
“There are aluminium racking systems on the market, but they are so expensive that they have almost outpriced themselves. People ask us
for shelving and units all around the vehicle, but they don’t realise how much weight that will actually add.”
Bri-Stor offers a range of bespoke storage and racking solutions, and its Elite range has the added benefit of a 33% weight saving compared with existing components.
“Bri-Stor Systems manufactures on site and can therefore offer customers solutions tailored to their requirements,” explains the company’s Jane Aukim.
“We use a dual-phase, lightweight, high-strength steel, which gives our products strength and durability without adding extra weight and compromising payload.
"Customers’ expectations and requirements are for long-lasting storage, which fulfils their individual requirements and offer their business an efficient solution.”
New products on the market for van operators
Bott has a relatively new range of racking and storage solutions and believes it has the right products to suit all van sizes.
The steel-framed Modulo range is designed for smaller LCVs and follows the vehicle profile, using space that would ordinarily be wasted.
Uno is a galvanised, powder-coated steel racking product aimed at the medium van market. Bott says items in the range are designed to last at least two vehicle lifecycles.
The Vario range uses a combination of aluminium and steel construction and is designed for “demanding applications”, according to Bott.
The units feature hi-load roller-slide bearings and reinforced racks.
The new product claims to be 40% lighter than its predecessor.
Elsewhere, the latest lockable racking drawer unit from Autorack has been released.
The extra-heavy duty unit features touch release lock-in sliders, a commercial grade slider with a capacity of 45kg, and security cam-locks on every drawer unit.
Campbell Brown - 18/01/2018 11:00
Hi I am a mobile hydraulic hose fitter also a mechanic which means I have to carry a fair amount of equipment. I have a 3.5 tonne van at the moment but by the time you get your tools in never mind the rest of what you need your at the limit of what you can carry. I have been tthinking of going for a 5 tonne van but nobody can seem to be able to tell me what weight of van I can have without all this 6 weekly checks etc.There's no way I can be using a tachograph as my working hours just wouldn't fit in. Whither your driving 33 miles or 103 miles shouldn't make any difference. If you drive 33 miles within your base you still have to drive 33 miles back as far as I can make out it's just another obstacle put in front of people who are just trying to make an honest living. Can anybody shed any light on my predicament. Thank you.