Publish Date
December 10, 2024
Social Share
Are you currently planning your next workshop-on-wheels? We provide step-by-step guidance on how to make an informed decision on the vehicle solutions that will best serve your operation.
What is a mobile servicing vehicle?
A mobile servicing vehicle is equipped to hold and transport tools, equipment and supplies needed to perform a variety of tasks on-site such as:
- Consulting
- Data Collecting
- Documenting
- Educating
- Inspecting
- Installing
- Maintenance & Care
- Monitoring
- Presenting
- Repair
- Support
- Troubleshooting
Some examples of mobile servicing professionals include:
- Mechanics
- Contractors
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- HVAC Techs
- Carpenters
- Painters
- Masons
- Welders
- Custodians
- Groundskeepers
- Locksmiths
1. Review vehicle options
How do you know which vehicle is most suitable for your application?
Although it's entirely possible to complete tasks out of a car or SUV, those vehicles are not typically as practical or professional for mobile servicing as a pickup truck, cargo van or upfitted chassis. Pickup trucks typically provide higher payload and towing ratings, better handle off-road terrain, and offer easy, unrestricted access to cargo inside the factory-installed open bed. Cargo vans tend to deliver better fuel efficiency, easier maneuverability in urban environments, and a covered cargo area for added protection of goods. A chassis offers a choice between a truck or van, but with a bare rear frame that can have an aftermarket bed or body applied to suit specific needs. Additional variables you want to consider include seating, purchase price, insurance and operating costs, modification capabilities, comfort, safety and technology features, performance, handling and overall reliability.
2. Assess storage requirements
How much space and payload capacity are required to handle your cargo?
Create a detailed list of all the tools, equipment, and supplies your vehicle needs to carry, including their size and weight. Be sure to account for both items you use regularly and those that are needed only occasionally. Consider how the size of these items will affect their fit in the vehicle—whether they’ll go into a factory or aftermarket bed/cargo area, compartments or across an overhead rack. It’s important to note that every vehicle has a “Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)”, which is the maximum weight it can carry, including the vehicle’s own weight, passengers, cargo, and any aftermarket modifications (such as bodies or equipment). Otherwise, overloading can result in safety hazards, increased maintenance costs, or even legal penalties.
3. Consider cargo access
How can retrieving and returning your cargo be made more efficient and convenient?
For pickup trucks, some popular add-on options that do exactly that include bed cargo slides, ladder racks or various styles of toolboxes. For cargo vans, their rear interior can be outfitted with shelving systems that accept stowable bins and cases for optimizing the storage and organization of contents. For chassis, applying an aftermarket service body or flatbed are often the preferred choice of mobile servicing professionals due to their customization potential. A service body includes built-in side storage compartments for streamlined access to tools, equipment and supplies on the jobsite. Alternatively, a flatbed or platform body offers a versatile modular base that can have storage compartments, fixed, drop down or removable sides, overhead racks and more applied.
4. Safeguard assets
How can your vehicle and cargo be better protected from elements, damage or theft?
Consider taking steps to shield contents from being stolen, vandalized or from being exposed to weather or filth. Additionally, you may want to upgrade your vehicle's exterior to better withstand impacts, scratches, dents, rust, or corrosion caused by everyday use or unforeseen incidents. For example, pickup trucks can benefit from bed caps, covers or liners while aftermarket work truck bodies may come equipped with roofs, advanced locks, grill or cab guards, treadplate overlays and other options. These measures help preserve the condition of the vehicle or minimize any potential property loss or damage.
5. Prioritize people
How can your vehicle better support the satisfaction and well-being of its users?
Consider features that can improve crew health, safety, comfort, and overall happiness. While vehicles often come with standard amenities like ergonomic seating and climate control, additional customizations can make a significant difference. Adding steps, handles, anti-slip surfaces or other assistive systems can reduce physical strain and prevent injury when entering, exiting, or accessing cargo. Bulkheads or partitions can help minimize cabin noise and protect occupants from shifting cargo. Other enhancements may include warning, task and interior lighting for crucial visibility in and around the vehicle or emergency preparedness kits for rapid response to a variety of critical situations.
6. Explore marketing opportunities
How can your vehicle better promote and present your brand?
Your vehicle becomes a billboard that reaches a broad audience as it travels through city streets, highways, or is parked in lots or on the job site. By strategically branding your vehicle, you can not only advertise your company, but also project professionalism and influence how both prospective and current customers perceive your business. Key elements to consider include exterior design features like custom paint, eye-catching graphics, your logo, brand colors, and clear contact information, as well as messaging that highlights your services or products. Equally important is maintaining the vehicle's condition—cleanliness, organization, and overall appearance can significantly impact the impression you make.
7. Identify support needs
What essential capabilities or assistance should your vehicle provide?
Consider what add-on equipment and accessories will yield greater productivity, allow material handling or provide other necessary functionality. Tasks like lifting, loading, unloading, and moving cargo on and off the vehicle or around the jobsite may require additional support from cranes, liftgates, winches, hoists, or ramps, as these tasks can be too complex or physically demanding for users to handle alone. Large equipment and bulk goods might need to be hauled on trailers or material racks, while tools are best organized in drawer units for easy access. Cargo may also need to be secured with tie-down accessories to prevent shifting. Additionally, some operations may require onboard equipment or attachments to generate and distribute power, air, perform metalworking, or manage snow and ice removal.
