Watertown, New York — [July 19, 2021] — EZ STAK today introduced an all-new folding shelving unit, bringing a rugged design, a lifetime warranty, and easy installation to a booming delivery industry.  

Built with the heavy-duty aluminum and steel materials EZ STAK is known for, the new two-shelf unit is available in 20 different sizes for medium- and high-roof Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster vans. Each unit comes in four widths (48 inches, 60 inches, 72 inches, and 84 inches) and three depths (16 inches, 18 inches, and 20 inches).   

The two shelves can easily handle a total of 250 pounds and come equipped with slow-fold gas springs, hemmed edges, and yellow corner guards, making the unit not just durable but safe for busy delivery personnel.

“It’s no secret that last-mile delivery companies are busier than they ever have been, and we know these shelves are really going to make drivers’ lives easier and safer,” says Calvin Lawrenson, EZ STAK’s business development coordinator. “We also know that because the industry is booming at such an astonishing rate, companies need interior solutions available quickly — and we can do that.”   

Earlier this year, EZ STAK trialed and tested the product with a large delivery company, and the feedback from drivers was very positive.

“Drivers said the shelves work great for large and small boxes and that it’s great to have the room between the shelves for them to move,” said the company’s operations manager. “They also said the shelves fold very well and fit very well inside the van.”

EZ STAK’s engineers put about six months of work into the shelving unit, making sure the final product could easily withstand daily operations.

“Plus, because it comes unassembled, we also put a lot of thought into making it quick to put together and simple to install using existing mounting holes in the vehicles’ walls,” says Keith Omamalin, an EZ STAK automotive engineer. “We’re really proud of it.”

EZ STAK is so proud of it, in fact, that they’re putting a lifetime warranty behind it. Available with most of the company’s offerings, the lifetime warranty ensures that if the shelving unit ever becomes defective due to materials, workmanship, or manufacturing, EZ STAK will repair it, replace it, or provide replacement parts.  

About EZ STAK

Founded in 1998, EZ STAK is an industry-leading manufacturer of modular interior storage solutions for work trucks, service bodies, vans, and trailers. The company specializes in working one-on-one with clients to design and deliver configurable mobile workspaces that meet each of their needs down to every inch and dollar. 

For more information or a quote, please visit our website call Calvin Lawrenson at 315.595.3300, ext. 214, or email calvin.lawrenson@ezstak.com

Enclosed utility trailers have come a long way from their origins. Initially designed for carrying cargo in a manner that would shield it from nature’s elements, the world of enclosed trailers has seen an explosion in use cases. Whether it is energy, utilities, oil and gas, construction or infrastructure, or even municipalities, today, multiple sectors rely on enclosed utility trailers for a variety of reasons. From hauling cargo and transporting heavy machinery, to store materials, or setting up mobile offices, versatility and convenience are the very features that make enclosed trailers a high return investment across industries. 

However, with a myriad design, pricing, and condition options to choose from, the process of buying enclosed trailers could be a bit overwhelming. Add to that the fact that there are hundreds of manufacturers and thousands of dealers supporting and selling enclosed trailers to North American businesses. Whether you are looking to buy an enclosed trailer, or are simply browsing for future needs, we are here to help. 

EZ STAK is an industry leader in the production of custom enclosed turnkey trailers. With decades of experience in design-build-deliver of 12’ to 53’ trailers to multi-industry clients, we understand the requirements and challenges often faced by fleet engineers, fleet managers, or specification writers. Whether it is the materials, technical features, functionalities, or any other aspect of the utility trailer, we offer end-to-end customizations and work with you one-on-one until we find the right solution for your needs. Read on for some broad guidelines on buying an enclosed trailer.

An enclosed utility trailer is an attachable trailer that features a complete enclosure. These trailers are an ideal solution for protecting cargo while hauling, due to their naturally protective design. Their supporting walls and roof not only ensure the safety of items during transportation, but they are also capable of completely adapting to their owners’ and operators’ needs. Here are some of the aspects to consider in your trailer buying to-do list.

One of the most important aspects of buying an enclosed trailer is deciding what it will be used for. The trailer’s future applications will determine the size and customizations of the unit(s) you need. A good example would be deciding between trailer types for a portable office versus storing materials. Using the trailer for materials storage would likely need minimal customization versus a mobile office. For the latter, you would be looking at electrical configurations, such as outlets or air conditioning, as well as other workspace elements, such as lockers, closets, drawers, workbenches, shelving, and bin units.

There are two major types of construction materials for enclosed trailers – steel and aluminum. Although less expensive, steel is heavier than aluminum, less stain-resistant, harder to maintain, and has a lower average lifetime for a trailer. Aluminum is lighter and usually stronger than steel when constructed well. It has the added benefit of greater rust resistance, lower maintenance costs, and a longer lifespan.

For the interiors, your options are traditionally wood and aluminum construction. Wood is heavier than aluminum, although, like steel, it is less expensive. Aluminum is stronger, more flexible for construction applications, easier to maintain, and is much lighter, upwards of 40% lighter.

EZ STAK is an industry leader in heavy-gauge aluminum construction for cabinets and storage containers inside enclosed trailers, while also offering dozens of custom additions and modifications. Check out our efficient and user-friendly build your own trailer options for comprehensive customizations.

Choosing the type and quantity of axels when buying your enclosed trailer depends on what you are willing to spend, the height of the items you plan on putting inside, and what terrain you will traverse. While tandem (dual) axel trailers will generally be more expensive than single axel ones, the multiple axels also offer greater stability to carry heavier loads.

There are two major axle designs – leaf springs, and torsion axles. Leaf springs use metal springs, which are larger and heavier, while torsion axles use lighter rubber springs. For lighter loads or smaller trips, torsion axles are better as they are lightweight and less expensive to build. Larger loads or tougher driving terrain would benefit from the sturdier construction of leaf spring axles.

The basis of all purchases is the sizing of the enclosed trailers. The most common widths are five, six, seven, and eight and a half feet, with trailer lengths resting between eight and thirty-two feet. To provide some perspective, a custom vaccine administration station would likely be eight and a half feet wide and twenty to thirty feet long. On the other hand, for a one-person portable site office, you may not need anything more than six to eight feet in width and length.

Every trailer can haul a maximum amount of weight, determined by its size and construction, including the frame, axels, tires, and springs. Refer to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which indicates the weight of the trailer plus the maximum load that it can carry.  If you already own the vehicle that you will use with the utility trailer, it is important to purchase an enclosed cargo trailer that is in line with the towing capacity of your vehicle.

Expert Tip: Maximize your investment by considering current needs, as well as foreseeing the potential needs of your business. An experienced and knowledgeable trailer manufacturer, such as EZ STAK can help your draw up the right specification and size for your enclosed trailer requirements.

Due to their completely surrounded interiors, enclosed trailers are incredibly efficient for traveling in any weather or scenario. However, even with the built-in protection barriers to exterior elements, travel distances or terrains may determine the customizations or upgrades for your enclosed utility trailer. For driving locally or moving a project between nearby areas, there is not too much required. However, if your business entails traveling long distances, or through tough terrain, then your enclosed trailer may need certain upgrades. These would be anything from a taillight or a spare tire, to additional axles for stability. Even minor upgrades would make a huge difference to the overall form, function, performance, and longevity of your enclosed utility trailers.

The ideal budget for your enclosed utility trailer can vary greatly, depending on the size, capacity, and intended use of the trailer. From the lighting and shore power to electric awnings and interior cabinets, the numbers may add up quickly. With such a broad price range for enclosed cargo trailers, it may be challenging to define an ‘ideal budget’. It will all come down to your specifications, the use of your trailer, and the must-have customizations .

Our sales engineers have years of experience working with industry professionals. This has helped us to ask the right questions to gather information for the trailer layout and determine an estimated cost. We ask questions such as: What equipment will you be storing in the trailer? What tasks will you be performing inside and outside the trailer? What are your power requirements? These questions help us provide an optimized solution that suits your specific needs and is within your budget.

Click here to see the quote forms for all our products, including enclosed trailers. 

When buying an enclosed trailer, it is of the utmost importance that you purchase from a reputable dealer. The last thing you want is a trailer that falls apart during travel, placing your staff or goods in danger, and ultimately leading to costly repairs or replacement. For something that provides all the function and features, is safe and long-lasting, and flexible for the future, look for reputed dealers who can customize a trailer to your requirements and stand by their products.

At EZ STAK, we are a leading manufacturer of custom enclosed trailers, and serve a wide range of industries and requirements. The contained design of enclosed trailers allows superior configurability and we offer an extensive range of custom modifications. Our design experts take the time to understand your requirements and challenges and help you maximize the space and interior organization. We completely upfit the trailer with paneling, flooring, insulation, electrical, as well as installation of the enclosed trailer cabinets. Once you choose between the 12- and 53-foot trailers, we develop a 3D concept of your trailer's design, put together all your custom requirements, and deliver the trailer to your worksite, to ensure you get WHAT you need WHERE you need it .

Working with multiple vendors on a trailer upfit can be difficult to manage, which is why EZ STAK is your one-source provider for turnkey trailers. From the initial design stage to the final installation, we will handle every component of the project. This convenience ensures the process is simple for the customer, and often results in saving money when working with one vendor. We ensure every step of the upfit is done with the utmost quality and is one of the many benefits of working with EZ STAK.

When you work with us, expect nothing less than world-class solutions and exceptional customer service. All our enclosed utility trailers and vehicle interior storage systems come with a lifetime warranty. We stand by the quality of our materials and superior craftsmanship.

The wide-sweeping influence that COVID-19 has had on the world is undeniable. Hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices have been inundated with patients seeking treatment for the pathogens. The overtaxed healthcare system has spilled out of the established treatment facilities and has taken its mission to the streets — literally. Armed with fleets of enclosed response trailers, practitioners can tackle the pandemic without the limitations associated with fixed treatment sites. This flexibility not only allows them to venture to rural areas, but they can tend to patients in urban developments in an outdoor setting as well. Overall, this helps to lessen the odds of spreading the virus by minimizing the physical proximity between individuals.

At EZ STAK, in addition to serving the utility, construction, electrical, oil & gas, and public safety sectors, we cater to a wide range of municipalities throughout North America. In our effort to prevent the spread of the virus, we have developed a series of COVID-19 Response Trailer Packages to help our first responders in a number of areas and do our part in minimizing the spread. To learn more about these specialty enclosed trailers, we encourage you to visit our dedicated COVID-19 webpage for a video walkthrough of one of our response trailers.

What will your new enclosed trailer help you accomplish? How would you configure it to maximize your ROI? Contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members to find out more. Call us at 595-3300 or (613) 530-3419 or contact us online. You could also request a quote for your enclosed trailer from EZ STAK today.

53' Trailer with Underbody Drawers

The Challenge

An energy company in Amarillo, Texas uses trailers as a worksite office space for their substation work crew. These trailers consisted of wood shelving installed by themselves, an outsource electrician and a heater contractor. There were a lot of moving parts and suppliers to manage and certify. This energy company wanted one supplier to completely optimize and install a 53-foot enclosed highway trailer to create an efficient workspace and delivered in only three months.

The Requirements

In order to achieve the client’s delivery request, EZ STAK identified the customer’s critical requirements:

• One supplier to completely upfit the trailer with flooring, insulation, electrical, power, interior cabinets and exterior drawers.
• Trailer had to be equipped with high-voltage shore power converted to low-voltage use of electrical outlets with USB charging ports, air conditioning and heating.
• A cargo space so crew workers could come in to take a break and a separate office space for supervisors to layout maps or work on their laptops.
• Microwaves and mini fridges for the crew to heat up lunches.
• Lockers and closets to hang-up clothing and personal equipment.
• Optimize the layout of shelving and cabinets so equipment is easily accessible.
• Increase payload by removing wood components.

The Solution

With the requirements in mind, EZ STAK’s sales engineers went to the drawing board and designed an optimized mobile workspace for the 53-foot trailer. The designer created a 30-foot enclosed office space which consisted of an L-shaped workbench with overhead cabinets and a whiteboard, bench seating with electrical outlets and storage, six lockers with perforations so equipment and clothing can dry quicker, two microwaves and bar fridges so the crew can easily heat up lunches.

The 23-foot cargo space at the rear of the trailer consisted of three aluminum closet storage, two shelving units with underslung drawers, a locker, and a smaller workbench with two overhead cabinets. This cargo space allows the crew to store all their tools and smaller equipment in an efficient and organized manner.

Since the crew works outside, EZ STAK designed six water-resistant underbody drawers on the outside of the passenger side of the trailer. This is a great solution so the crew can access all their tools from the outside, without climbing in and out of the trailer.

The Result

With the creative minds of our design team and state-of-the-art software, our client was able to envision the trailer specifications with a 3D rendering for all components. EZ STAK provided a holistic solution with the trust that all components ensure health and safety standards, ESA certified, an optimized flow of workspace, and a 60% weight reduction by using .100 aluminum for all interior cabinets. This client now has only one supplier to for any warranty or questions for the trailer, saving time and money.  The client was overjoyed with EZ STAK’s configurable cabinet offerings and the free-flowing and ergonomic layout.  Complete with HVAC, lighting, electrical and shore power, this trailer has everything the work crew needs to get the job done.

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

EZ STAK, an industry leader of optimizing mobile workspaces for trailers, vans, work trucks, and service bodies 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 ensure your vehicle upfit is specific to your needs.

Call Dillon Perkins at 630-944-3300 x106 or send us an email to get started.

Depending on the size of your fleet, it can cost tens of thousands of dollars to upfit your trucks, trailers or vans with storage units and interiors. You need to know that your upfit will suit exactly how your team works in the field. So how do you do that? Plan properly.

1. Know What You Need

The first step in planning for an upfit is identifying how and where your vehicles will be used.

“Think about weight requirements, equipment requirements, electrical and power needs, and the space and size of the vehicle,” says Paul Lawrenson, EZ STAK’s Director of Business Development. “If it’s going to be used in rural Illinois versus downtown New York, well then you have more space to work with.”  

Then it’s a good idea to meet with the people in the company who will actually use the vehicles. Since some may use those vehicles every day, those user groups will likely have the best idea of what’s needed. Plus, with that initial buy-in the likelihood of later displeasure is greatly reduced.

2. Find Your Upfitter

Though there are relatively few companies out there specializing in vehicle upfits, no two are exactly the same. And some will be more attuned to your needs than others.

“When you’re looking for an upfitter, what’s important is the stability of the company,” says Lawrenson. “Have they been around for a while? Have they done projects like yours? You want to make sure their business is sustainable and that they can handle large projects.”

Some can’t even handle the financial side, adds Lawrenson. Find out if that’s true with the upfitters you’re considering by speaking with their past customers. They should also be able to tell you about the quality of the products, warranties and service, and how the upfitter handled customization requirements and timeframes.

3. Stay in Touch

If you’ve done your homework and found a capable company that’s designed an upfit that works for you, you should be good to go. But remember that the process from initial contact with an upfitter to fleet delivery is a long one. A year in some cases. Stay in touch to make sure you get exactly what you want.

Even after you’ve signed off on a design, it’s a good idea to make sure timelines are being met and that you get answers to new questions or ones not previously addressed.

Remember, too, that needs can change in a year. You may be able to make tweaks to a design in the early stages of the manufacturing process. Having open lines of communication makes this easier.