A well-organised van saves time, protects equipment and makes it easier to arrive at every job prepared.
WeConvert designs and installs commercial van racking and storage systems from our private workshop in Blackburn.
Whether you need straightforward shelving for tools and materials, secure drawer storage, a raised floor, equipment compartments or a complete trade van fit-out, we can create a practical layout around your vehicle and the way you work.
Our commercial van-racking service is available to sole traders, small businesses and local fleets across Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington, Burnley, Rossendale, Bolton, Chorley, Preston and the wider Lancashire and North West area.
Bespoke Van Racking and Storage
Every trade carries different tools, materials and equipment.
A plumber may need organised storage for fittings and pipework. An electrician may require drawers for components, shelving for tool cases and a secure area for cable. A joiner may need space for power tools, fixings and longer materials.
Rather than filling the van with generic shelves, we begin by understanding:
- What you carry
- Which tools you use most often
- How you access the van
- Whether equipment needs to be removed daily
- Which items need additional security
- Whether long materials are carried
- How much open load space must remain
- Whether electrical equipment is required
- Whether the van will be used by one person or several employees
- How the vehicle may need to adapt in the future
The result is a van-storage system designed around your working routine rather than a standard layout that wastes space.
Commercial Van-Racking Services
Our commercial van fit-outs can include:
- Bespoke plywood shelving
- Adjustable storage compartments
- Tool-case shelving
- Drawer systems
- Lockable storage
- Workbench units
- Raised and false floors
- Floor drawers
- Parts and consumables storage
- Power-tool compartments
- Long-item storage
- Cable and hose storage
- Bulkhead storage
- Side-door access units
- Rear-door access units
- Van ply lining
- Heavy-duty floors
- Interior lighting
- Charging points
- Inverters and power supplies
- Reversing cameras
- Security accessories
You can commission one storage unit or a more complete fit-out covering both sides of the load area.
Van Shelving
Shelving is the foundation of many commercial van-racking systems.
We can design shelving for:
- Hand tools
- Power-tool cases
- Parts boxes
- Fixing organisers
- Sealants and adhesives
- Plumbing fittings
- Electrical components
- Cleaning products
- Paint and decorating supplies
- Test equipment
- Workwear and protective equipment
Shelf height and depth are planned around the items being stored.
This helps avoid oversized compartments that waste space or narrow shelves that cannot accommodate the equipment you use.
Where appropriate, shelving can incorporate lips, dividers, retainers or enclosed sections to help keep equipment organised during normal vehicle use.
Tool Storage and Drawer Systems
Drawers can make smaller tools and components easier to organise and access.
Possible options include:
- Shallow parts drawers
- Deeper tool drawers
- Under-shelf drawers
- Floor drawers
- Lockable drawers
- Divided consumables storage
- Drawers designed around tool cases
- Pull-out equipment trays
A drawer system may suit trades carrying large numbers of small items that would otherwise become mixed together on open shelves.
Floor drawers can also create organised storage beneath a raised deck while preserving a flat loading area above.
The design must account for the weight of the contents, the available opening space and the need to keep drawers closed while travelling.
Raised and False Floors
A raised floor can create concealed storage for longer equipment while retaining a usable loading platform above.
It may be suitable for carrying:
- Spirit levels
- Conduit
- Pipe
- Trunking
- Hand tools
- Fishing or sports equipment
- Surveying equipment
- Poles and rails
- Folding stands
- Selected ladders
A false-floor system can include:
- Rear-access compartments
- Side-access compartments
- Pull-out drawers
- Removable lids
- Divided sections
- A durable working floor above
The finished height needs to be balanced against the remaining load-space height and the equipment you intend to carry.
We also consider the added weight of the structure and its contents.
Tool-Case and Equipment Storage
Many trades now use stackable manufacturer tool cases and modular storage boxes.
We can create storage around suitable systems from established tool manufacturers, allowing frequently used cases to remain accessible without being stacked loosely across the van floor.
A fit-out may include:
- Dedicated case shelves
- Case-retaining compartments
- Pull-out case trays
- Openings sized for specific boxes
- Charging areas
- Space for larger power tools
- Separate battery storage
- Lockable high-value-tool compartments
Where the storage is being designed around particular cases, we will normally need the cases or accurate dimensions during the design stage.
Van Workbench Units
A compact workbench can provide a useful surface for preparation, paperwork or minor assembly.
Depending on the available space, a workbench unit may include:
- Durable work surface
- Drawers
- Tool storage
- Consumables storage
- Vice mounting provision
- Lighting
- Charging sockets
- Power supply
- Space below for cases or equipment
The worktop and supporting unit must be appropriate for the intended use.
A lightweight preparation surface will not require the same construction as a bench intended to support heavier tools or equipment.
Racking for Different Trades
We can adapt commercial van storage for a wide range of businesses.
Electricians
An electrician’s van may require:
- Cable storage
- Parts and component drawers
- Shelving for tool cases
- Test-equipment compartments
- Battery charging
- Interior lighting
- Conduit and trunking storage
- Lockable tool storage
Plumbers and heating engineers
A plumbing fit-out may include:
- Divided fittings storage
- Pipe and tube storage
- Tool-case shelving
- Sealant and consumables storage
- Wet-equipment separation
- Workbench area
- Floor drawers
- Easily cleaned load surfaces
Joiners and carpenters
A joinery van may benefit from:
- Power-tool storage
- Fixings drawers
- Long-material compartments
- Level and straight-edge storage
- Workbench provision
- Saw and extraction-equipment space
- Open loading space for materials
Builders and property-maintenance contractors
A general trade fit-out may combine:
- Open shelving
- Tool-case storage
- Lockable compartments
- Consumables drawers
- Long-item storage
- Space for larger equipment
- Flexible loading area
Mobile engineers and technicians
A service vehicle may require:
- Parts drawers
- Diagnostic-equipment storage
- Workbench
- Laptop or paperwork area
- Lighting
- Charging equipment
- Inverter
- Secure specialist-tool storage
We also consider fit-outs for decorators, locksmiths, flooring installers, window fitters, cleaning companies, surveyors, delivery businesses and other mobile trades.
Small, Medium and Large Van Racking
We can design racking for many popular commercial vehicles.
Small vans
Examples include:
- Ford Transit Connect
- Volkswagen Caddy
- Citroën Berlingo
- Peugeot Partner
- Vauxhall Combo
- Toyota Proace City
- Renault Kangoo
Small vans need careful planning because storage can quickly consume the available load area.
A single-side shelving system, compact false floor or door-access storage may provide the best balance.
Medium vans
Examples include:
- Ford Transit Custom
- Volkswagen Transporter
- Renault Trafic
- Vauxhall Vivaro
- Citroën Dispatch
- Peugeot Expert
- Toyota Proace
- Mercedes-Benz Vito
Medium vans can often accommodate shelving on one or both sides while retaining central space for tools, materials or equipment.
Large vans
Examples include:
- Ford Transit
- Citroën Relay
- Peugeot Boxer
- Fiat Ducato
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
- Volkswagen Crafter
- MAN TGE
- Renault Master
- Vauxhall Movano
- Iveco Daily
Large vans provide more storage possibilities but still require careful planning.
Filling every wall with deep shelving can make the central aisle too narrow and reduce the van’s ability to carry larger materials.
The layout is designed around the vehicle size, roof height, wheelbase and required load space.
Van Ply Lining and Flooring
Racking is only as useful as the load area around it.
Where required, we can prepare the van with:
- Ply wall lining
- Door panels
- Bulkhead panels
- Wheel-arch protection
- Ply flooring
- Durable floor coverings
- Replacement damaged lining
- Access panels
- Protective lower-wall panels
Existing ply lining can sometimes be retained where it is secure and in suitable condition.
Damaged, poorly fitted or unsuitable lining may need to be replaced before new racking is installed.
The floor must also be suitable for the equipment and storage being fitted.
Van Electrical Accessories
A commercial fit-out can include selected electrical upgrades such as:
- LED load-area lighting
- Door-operated lighting
- Work lights
- USB and USB-C charging
- 12V sockets
- Tool-battery charging
- Mains sockets
- Inverters
- Auxiliary batteries
- Battery-to-battery charging
- Solar charging
- External power connection
- Reversing cameras
- Equipment power supplies
The electrical system is designed around the expected load.
A small charging point does not need the same battery and cable capacity as a system intended to run several chargers, an inverter or powered workshop equipment.
Electrical accessories can be incorporated into the racking so switches, chargers and sockets remain easy to reach.
Keeping Useful Load Space
The purpose of van racking is not to fill every available surface.
A good design should improve organisation while preserving the space required for your actual work.
Depending on the trade, you may need room for:
- Sheet materials
- Boilers
- Cylinders
- Tool chests
- Large machines
- Waste and removed materials
- Customer equipment
- Access ladders
- Bulk deliveries
- Replacement appliances
We discuss what must still fit within the van after the racking has been installed.
This helps prevent a storage system from looking organised while making the vehicle less useful.
Vehicle Payload and Weight
Racking, drawers, tools and materials all contribute to the vehicle’s load.
The layout must therefore consider:
- Van payload
- Axle loading
- Weight of the racking
- Weight of tools and stock
- Position of heavier equipment
- Number of occupants
- Roof-mounted equipment
- Towing requirements where applicable
We do not recommend unnecessarily heavy construction where a more efficient design will perform the required job.
The vehicle operator remains responsible for ensuring that the loaded van stays within its legal weight and axle limits.
Tool Security
Visible and poorly organised tools can increase the impact of a break-in and make it difficult to identify missing equipment.
Depending on the project, we can incorporate:
- Lockable drawers
- Lockable cupboards
- Concealed compartments
- Enclosed tool-case storage
- Internal security panels
- Selected additional door locks
- Tracker or alarm preparation
- Secure fixing points
No storage system can guarantee that tools will not be stolen.
However, layered security, organised storage and suitable physical protection can make opportunistic access more difficult and help keep high-value equipment out of immediate view.
Existing and Part-Fitted Vans
You do not need to bring us a brand-new empty van.
We can assess vehicles with:
- Existing ply lining
- Old racking
- Partially completed fit-outs
- Damaged storage
- Dealer-fitted shelving
- Customer-built units
- Equipment that needs repositioning
- A layout that no longer suits the business
Possible work can include:
- Removing old racking
- Altering existing storage
- Adding drawers or shelves
- Replacing damaged panels
- Creating new equipment compartments
- Improving lighting
- Reorganising the load area
- Rebuilding only one side of the van
Before altering existing work, we inspect its condition and how it has been fixed.
Individual Vans and Small Fleets
We can provide commercial fit-outs for:
- Sole traders
- Partnerships
- Local contractors
- Small companies
- New employees
- Replacement vehicles
- Small fleets
For businesses operating several similar vans, a successful layout can potentially be repeated or adapted across the vehicles.
Differences in van model, wheelbase, equipment and staff requirements still need to be considered.
Fleet work can also include consistent materials, storage locations, electrical accessories and company-specific requirements.
Materials and Finishes
Depending on the project, commercial storage may be constructed using:
- Suitable plywood
- Durable faced boards
- Hardwood or appropriate edge details
- Heavy-duty drawer hardware
- Metal brackets and fixings
- Protective trims
- Non-slip floor materials
- Selected modular components
The material specification depends on the expected use, weight, finish and available budget.
Commercial racking will experience vibration, impact, dust and regular loading. Decorative appearance matters, but durability and practical access remain the priority.
Available finishes may include sealed plywood, painted surfaces or suitable faced materials.
Customer-Supplied Equipment
We may incorporate customer-supplied storage, tool cases or electrical accessories where they are suitable for the proposed fit-out.
Items must be:
- Complete and undamaged
- Appropriate for vehicle use
- Capable of being secured
- Compatible with the layout
- Supplied with installation information where required
We may decline unsuitable, incomplete or damaged equipment.
Where a product was not supplied by WeConvert, its product warranty remains with the customer and original supplier.
Our Commercial Van-Racking Process
1. Initial enquiry
Tell us about the van, your trade and what you regularly carry.
Photographs of the load area and equipment are useful.
2. Workshop consultation
We inspect the vehicle and discuss:
- Tools and materials
- Most frequently used equipment
- Access through side and rear doors
- Required open load space
- Security
- Electrical requirements
- Current problems with the van
- Budget and timeframe
3. Layout and specification
We develop a practical storage layout.
For more involved fit-outs, we may use sketches, measurements or visual examples to confirm the arrangement.
4. Written quotation
The quotation will explain:
- Racking and storage included
- Materials and finish
- Ply lining or flooring
- Electrical accessories
- Removal of existing equipment
- Customer-supplied items
- Assumptions and exclusions
- Estimated workshop time
5. Manufacture and installation
The agreed storage is prepared and fitted to the vehicle.
Installation is coordinated with any lining, flooring and electrical work included within the project.
6. Final checks and handover
We inspect doors, drawers, shelves, fixings and electrical accessories included within the scope.
We also explain any stated loading limits, maintenance requirements and areas that should be checked periodically.
Why Choose WeConvert?
Designed around your work
We begin with your tools, materials and daily routine rather than forcing every trade into the same layout.
Bespoke storage options
Your fit-out can combine shelving, drawers, work surfaces, long-item storage and open load space.
Complete commercial fit-outs
We can coordinate racking with ply lining, flooring, lighting, charging and selected vehicle accessories.
New and existing vans
We can work with new vehicles, replacement vans and suitable existing fit-outs that need updating.
Individual and small-fleet work
Our service is suitable for sole traders, local businesses and businesses fitting out several vehicles.
Local Blackburn-area workshop
Our Darwen workshop is convenient for businesses across Blackburn, Accrington, Burnley, Rossendale, Bolton, Chorley, Preston and wider Lancashire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you make bespoke van racking?
Yes. We can design shelving, drawers and storage around your van, trade and equipment.
Which vans do you fit racking to?
We can fit out many small, medium and large commercial vans, including Ford, Volkswagen, Citroën, Peugeot, Vauxhall, Renault, Mercedes-Benz, Fiat, MAN, Toyota and Iveco models.
Can you rack out a van that is already ply lined?
Usually, subject to inspecting the condition and security of the existing lining and floor.
Do you provide van ply lining?
Yes. Ply lining and flooring can be completed before or alongside the racking installation.
Can you install drawers and a false floor?
Yes. We can design floor drawers, raised decks and other storage where the van and required load space are suitable.
Can you build around my tool cases?
Yes. Bring the cases or provide accurate dimensions so the storage can be planned around them.
Can you install lights and tool charging?
Yes. We can include suitable load-area lighting, charging points, auxiliary power and selected inverter systems.
Can you alter existing van racking?
Potentially. We need to inspect the construction, condition and current fixing arrangement before confirming what can be retained.
Do you fit out multiple vans?
Yes. We can discuss repeatable layouts for suitable small fleets and replacement vehicles.
How much does commercial van racking cost?
The cost depends on the van size, quantity of storage, drawer hardware, material, lining, flooring and electrical accessories.
Vehicle details, photographs and your storage requirements are needed before an accurate quotation can be provided.
How long does a van fit-out take?
A straightforward shelving installation may require one or two workshop days.
A complete fit-out with ply lining, drawers, flooring and electrical accessories can take longer.
Request a Commercial Van-Racking Quote
To help us plan your van, please provide:
- Vehicle make, model and year
- Wheelbase and roof height
- Your trade or business activity
- Tools and materials normally carried
- Storage problems you want to solve
- Required shelving and drawers
- Long-item storage requirements
- Open load space that must remain
- Existing ply lining or racking
- Electrical and charging requirements
- Security requirements
- Photographs of the van and equipment
- Number of vehicles
- Your postcode
- Preferred timeframe
- Approximate budget
Whether you need a simple shelving unit or a complete trade van fit-out, WeConvert can inspect the vehicle and develop a practical storage system around the way you work.