Vehicle upfitting can entail many things.  With vans, it can include anything from people getting van interiors as far as shelving units in the back of the van, or a wood paneling and insulation on the interior van walls, to a bulkhead that separates the cab of the van from the load-bed area.  

In the world of pickup trucks, upfitting usually constitutes putting toolboxes, storage drawers and warning lights.  In Alberta, where the oilfield is more predominant, we find most companies that up-fit or rig up the trucks put transfer fuel tanks, pilot signs, toolboxes, safety gear such as fire extinguishers, flares, triangles, first aid kits, and Buggy whips.  As well, we find a lot of companies and individuals like to put running boards and mud flaps, seat covers, and hood protectors for regular vehicle maintenance and up-keep.

Upfitting is something to be considered.  It creates better organization, increases safety and vehicle protection.  This in itself can save companies money in the long run by addressing all three issues, making it a good investment.

Upfitting vehicles for the safety of employees by adding ladder racks for guys carrying ladders and using the more expensive ergonomic ladder that will drop down and be in easy reach for individuals, may be an expensive way to go at first, but the payoff is no damaged or hurt employees due to back issues and an unreachable product.  Not to mention the time off and expense of re-hiring staff and retraining.  Installing bulkheads for cargo loads, tie-downs for shifting cargo, or bids for proper storage and transporting is a great way to ensure individual safety.

Upfitting is not only for safety and organization, but it also helps aid security and durability.  With tools getting more and more expensive, certain trades may choose to upfit or rig up their units for more functionality of security and durability for expensive equipment.  Whether you purchase weather guard, challenger, a conduit carrier, or wood survey box, you are purchasing security.

Any organization wanting to do fleet upfitting may not always know what is the proper product or application for their overall job responsibilities, if the sales people or purchasing agents are to ask such questions as:

• What is your application?
• What is your primary business?
• How often do you need to take certain equipment on or off?
• Are there specifications you may have or ideas on how you would like to make things easier for you?
• What are the trucks equipped with from the factory, and can we add or adjust to suit needs or wants?
• Do we need to buy off-the-shelf product, or will the upfitting or rig up be custom-fabricated out of metal or wood product?

The type of upfitting than any one person or company may require depends on the type of work field or trade they may be in.  Climate and road conditions, and every day wear and tear on a vehicle can also be a factor in what type of upfitting accessories individuals or companies may require.

There are a majority of manufacturers that make equipment for the upfitting or rigging of fleet and personal units.  Many of these companies manufacture entry level product, middle of the road, as well as high-end.  When dealing with a fleet and decision process as to what product to use, it will factor in on pricing for the end user, and longevity and durability.  Most of the manufacturers have websites as listed on our webpage, but not all may be listed, as there are so many.  If what you are looking for is not shown, please feel free to contact our sales team to inquire.

If you need more information about vehicle or fleet (3 or more trucks) upfitting, please contact Darcy Rachuk or Trevor Renton.