FOUR WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR UPFIT PROCESS

Every year, when it comes to upfitting fleet vehicles, you learn ways to improve the process to ensure that the upfit will suit your end user’s needs and fits within budget. At EZ STAK, we work with customers daily to design and develop fleet vehicles and from our experience, here are four ways to a more cost-effective and simpler upfitting process.

Consider Safety and Payload

It is easy to forget the importance of safety standards when spec’ing your work truck. One way to ensure your vehicle complies with road safety requirements is to determine the max payload. Plan to use less than max payload, as this will save you from redesigning the specs and ultimately a longer lifespan of the vehicle. To help stay under the payload, plan on using aluminum for your upfit as it is lightweight and durable, so you can store more equipment and still be under the weight requirements.

Keep it Simple

A common mistake made when upfitting fleet vehicles is over-complicating the process. Purchasing different parts from separate vendors can result in an increase of lead-times, costs, and delays for a finished vehicle. Instead, find a vendor that can either provide everything you need, or narrow it down to a few suppliers. If possible, plan to standardize all fleet vehicles with the same or similar layout. Different upfit solutions for every vehicle can be costly and increase maintenance costs.

Identify equipment needed in advance

Before beginning the spec’ing process, be sure to include the equipment and tools you will be using to store in the vehicle. Ask your team, how will the equipment be used? How much does it weigh? How will it be secured to the vehicle? How easily accessible can it be for the end users? These are all important questions to consider so the upfit can be completed with functionality and practicality in mind.

Carefully review specs and quote

An easy way to avoid unnecessary delays is to remember to thoroughly go through your specs and quote. It is both parties’ responsibility to ensure everything is accurate. Any changes to the specs after the approval stage can be very expensive and potentially unable to do. Communication is key when it comes to writing your specs – if you are not happy with something, be sure to make it clear to the vendor. By eliminating guesswork and approving all specs and design will result in a smooth process.

At EZ STAK, we can help design and spec your fleet vehicles. We work with you to design your ideal interior. Call us today at 630.994.3300 for a one-on-one consultation to start planning your vehicles specs to the final upfit.

EZ STAK has been in business since 1998 delivering configurable fleet solutions for any vehicle.

EZ STAK provides aluminum interiors and turnkey solutions for any vehicle in the utility, construction, oil & gas, and communication industries.  Whether you are looking for a full electrical installation, interior cabinets, or a custom storage solution, our design team will work with you to make sure your needs are being addressed down to every inch and dollar.

Call Paul Lawrenson at 630-944-3300 x207 or send us an email to get started.