Plylining can help protect a van's single-skinned panels from interior dents which show up as bumps on the outside. If you are going to be carrying loads that may cause damage and subjecting the van to heavy use then the cost to line a van's load area with plywood is usually less than the cost of repairing the inside or the effect of the damage on the van's second hand value. Your sales advisor can outline various lining options for you and help your decide if it is a necessary requirement for your job.

The modern alternative to plylining is hi-tec plaster and resin. The sides of the vehicle are lined in a plastic which has a much higher impact absorbance and will not split and can also be wiped clean and is waterproof and stain resistant. The floor decking material is resin impregnated plywood which is non-slip, waterproof and much stronger than traditional materials. The arches are also boxed in this material and all joints are sealed. In addition, even when fitted fixing points in the van can be easily located, making it simple to fit shelving or units if required.

Bulkheads made of solid metal, mesh or plywood at half or full height can add to safety, security and comfort. Loads can shift into the cab under braking, a person breaking into the cab area can access the load area (and vice versa) and noise levels in the cab are reduced. Because of the wide choice of standard and optional bulkheads make sure you discuss this item with one of our sales advisors before you order.

A massive range of racking is available for vans. Load security should be your top priority when selecting racking but the solution should also be convenient to use. It is important to bear in mind that shoddy amateur racking installations can end up costing more than a professional job in the long run!

Glass panels, frames or door too big to fit into a van can be transported using frails. Internal frails are also useful if you carry vulnerable flat items that fit inside the van but need extra protection on the move. You need to bear in mind that both internal and external frails are fitted using bolts through the van so are not easily removed and internal frails can take up considerable internal space. For the best frails we recommend Arrow Glass Transport Systems or ring on 0800 970 7324

Refrigeration is common with panel vans and hi-cubes and we can also supply special-bodied chassis cabs with a high volume chilled area. The refrigeration conversion involves lining and insulating the load area and sometimes changing the doors to provide a better seal. A fridge unit is fitted (normally towards the front of the roof). This is a specialised area which we are equipped to handle through our sister company Commercial Vehicle Contracts.

The days of painted signage on vans are largely in the past. We use laser-cut vinyl that can be simply peeled off when you have finished with the van leaving the original paintwork undamaged; much cheaper than a paint removal and respray! If you have lurid company colours then consider buying a white or silver van and having it wrapped in vinyl; when you remove the vinyl the van will be worth far more second hand than an odd colour such as orange or pink. Vinyl also has the added benefit of offering some degree of protection against small knocks and paint chips. In order to ensure that you will be projecting the image you want you should be shown you computer simulations of your designs before they are fitted.

A tow bar and trailer can be a useful way of increasing the load capacity of your van or pickup. However, you do need to consider the potential offences such as overloading; so always know the maximum permitted gross train weight of your vehicle and stick within it. Also, van and pick-up drivers face fines of up to £5,000 for failing to observe tachograph regulations. A tachograph must be installed and is subject to EU regulations if the combined permissible weight of the vehicle and trailer exceeds 3,500 kg. If you are towing a piece of heavy equipment then it should be regarded as a trailer and its weight must be taken into consideration when considering maximum permissible weight. For the best trailers and towbars we recommend Bankfarm Trailers Ltd

Pipe tubes are a great way to carry long thin items; tubes can be made of plastic, aluminium or galvanised metal and come with standard or lockable caps. Just ask us about your options.

VansDirect recommend the fitting of an alarm to protect your van. Thieves are detered by audible alarms, especially in built up areas, and in some cases insurance premium reductions may be available where alarms are fitted.

This is van parlance for a flashing light. If you need one, it should be fitted where it will be easily visible when on the move; normally towards the back of the roof.