All about GM Full Size Van Bulkheads

Do you own a commercial GM Full Size Van?  Are you upfitting it for work?  If so, you need to know about GM Full Size Van Bulkheads from Adrian Steel.

FSV Bulkheads

Van bulkheads are important for safety reasons, as well as organization and efficiency.

Here are some components of Full Size Van Bulkheads:

  • Heavy-Duty
    • Made from 18-gauge steel
    • Finished in  Steel-Cote powder coat paint
  • Sold as Bulkhead Panel Kits and Bulkhead Wing Kits
    • Make sure you buy the correct one for your vehicle
    • Wing Kits are sold in standard position or extended position (more leg room/less cargo area)
  • Solid or perforated panels
    • Solid: more security and climate control
    • Perforated:  added visibility

Types of Full Size Van Partitions

Hinged Door:

  • Center key-locking door
  • Finished with Steel-Cote powder coat paint
  • Include assembly and installation fasteners for base van trim level.
    • Modification of trim of bulkhead may be required for higher trim levels
    • Sold as panel kits and wing kits

Fixed Door:

  • Include assembly and installation fasteners for base van trim level.
    • Modification of trim of bulkhead may be required for higher trim levels
    • Solid or perforated panels
    • Finished with Steel-Cote powder coat paint
    • Sold as panel kits and wing kits

Polysteel:

  • Full rear and side cargo door visibility
  • Made from 16-gauge steel
  • Polycarbonate center panel for uninterrupted driver visibility
  • FSV bulkheads have an 18” x 34” angled center panel to cut down on glare from oncoming headlights

X Series:

  • Maximum side and rear view mirror visibility
  • Designed with large perforated upper panel
  • Made from 16-gauge steel
  • Finished with Steel-Cote powder coat paint

To learn more about Van Bulkheads, read our articles: What is a Van Bulkhead? and Benefits of a Cargo Van Bulkhead.

Find the right bulkhead for your van at www.AdrianSteel.com. There are over 300 Adrian Steel distributors located throughout the US and Canada to help you find the proper bulkhead for your van.

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What is a Van Bulkhead?

A Van Bulkhead is also referred to as a partition.  A bulkhead is a secure, snuggly-fitting partition.  It should be constructed to fit tightly against the bottom, sides, and top of the van.

The bulkhead is located behind the driver and passenger seats in a van, and separates them from the cargo area.  A van bulkhead is made from various materials, such as steel or wire.

A van bulkhead is rigid and very strong, and mirrors the interior of the van to fit securely.

Functions of a Van Bulkhead

One function of a bulkhead is to keep the driver and passenger safe.  Commercial vans often carry heavy equipment and tools in the cargo area.  Shifting cargo can be dangerous, but with a van bulkhead, you don’t have to worry!  Cargo can be kept in the proper area with a van bulkhead.  If a driver suddenly breaks or swerves, the equipment in the back of the commercial van is kept secure, and is separated from the driver and passengers. Serious injuries can result if cargo is not contained by a bulkhead.  Shifting equipment creates distractions, accidents, and an unsafe work environment.

Another purpose of a van bulkhead is to organize cargo in the back of the van.  Van bulkheads keep all work equipment and tools caged and secure in the rear of the commercial van.  Shifting equipment can create a mess, but with a bulkhead or partition, cargo is kept in the back of the van, resulting in a more organized ride.

It is very important that a bulkhead be included in your commercial van.  If you currently do not use a bulkhead, now is the time to reconsider!  A work vehicle that does not have a bulkhead is a dangerous situation.  If the van stops suddenly, or wrecks, cargo may be propelled to the front of the vehicle, resulting in serious injury to the driver or passengers.  For many service-oriented businesses, van bulkheads are a must.

Bulkheads for Your Vehicle

We offer bulkheads for several types of vehicles, all specific to those cargo vans.

Learn more about Van Bulkheads:

For more information about van bulkheads, visit www.AdrianSteel.com.  You may also contact your local distributor or contact Adrian Steel.

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How to Care for Your Vehicle Wrap

Congratulations on investing in a vehicle wrap for your business!  It’s a great step toward strengthening your brand and separating yourself from your competition.

Vehicle Wraps are excellent advertising tools.  Maintain the look and effectiveness of your vehicle wrap with proper care and maintenance.

Can Vehicle Wraps go through the Car Wash?

Your vehicle wraps are produced on commercial grade vinyl, which makes them very durable.  Even so, additional care always helps keep your graphics looking great.  We recommend avoiding high pressure car washes or pressure washers.

How to Hand Wash Your Vehicle Wrap

First, wash the wrap with clean water to remove excess dirt, particles, or debris.  Don’t use ammonia, bleach, or bleach-based cleaners.  With a soft cloth, wash the graphic with a mixture of mild liquid detergent and water.  Clean your vehicle wrap thoroughly, but don’t use excessive force or agitation:  too much scrubbing can damage your wrap.  After rinsing your vehicle, allow the wrap to air dry.

If My Wrap is Damaged, Can You Repair It?

If for any reason you need a replacement, complete or partial kits are available.  To do this, just contact your Adrian Steel Distributor, provide pictures of 1) the area that needs to be replaced and 2) the side of your vehicle for design confirmation.

Your Adrian Steel Distributor will assist you in this process.  He or she will reference your design with you and order a replacement piece for your vehicle.

Before the graphic order is processed, full payment is required.

Can I Use Wax on my Vehicle Wrap?

There is no need to wax your vehicle.  Your vehicle wrap is protected by a gloss clearcoat or overlaminate, which maintains its shine and appearance.

A Special Note About Window Graphics

We offer two types of covering for windows:  solid vinyl or Window Vision vinyl.  With Window Vision vinyl, you can see out of your window (you can’t see out of solid vinyl).  Solid vinyl is covered by the warranty, but Window Vision is not.  Be sure to check the local laws in your area before you order window graphics.

Proper Maintenance Extends the Life of Your Vehicle Wrap

By properly caring for your vehicle wrap, avoiding high pressure car washes, and keeping an eye on the corners of your vinyl, your wrap can last several years.  For more information, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page, which provides tons of information about a vehicle wrap from Commercial Curb Appeal.

Be sure to call Commercial Curb Appeal at 1-800-677-2726 or email us with questions concerning the care and maintenance of your vehicle wrap.  You may also contact your local Adrian Steel Distributor.

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Work Ready Vans for Chevy or GMC Cargo Vans, Part II

Last week, Adrian Steel gave you the basics about our GM BUSINESS CHOICE INCENTIVE program for business owners who use vehicles for the operation of their business (not just for transportation).

This week, we’re going to help you plan your work ready van!

Build Your Cargo Van Interior

Adrian Steel offers an amazing selection on storage products to create a completely work-ready cargo van for your business.  We’re experts at upfitting vans and making them ready to go to work quickly and easily.  Below, you will find a helpful guide for building your cargo van interior and making it completely work-ready.

ZONE 1:  BULKHEAD / PARTITION

The first step is to choose your bulkhead (or partition).  Your work van carries a lot of cargo, and you need to keep it safe.  That’s what a bulkhead is for:  to keep cargo safe.  When deciding on a bulkhead for you cargo van, you need to determine the key features you require.  This is an important part of making your vehicle work-ready, so it’s a great idea to put some thought into it.  For more information, read the article Benefits of a Cargo Van Bulkhead.

ZONES 2, 3, 4:  CURBSIDE & STREETSIDE

Next you’ll need shelving units and modules to keep your tools and equipment organized.  One thing Adrian Steel offers is trade specific Work Ready Upfit Packages.  With these packages, it’s easy to select exactly what you need for your business.

ZONE 5:  ROOF

Ask yourself, “What do I need to carry?”  Your roof is the perfect place to transport ladders or other equipment.  With our huge selection of Ladder Racks for GM FSV, you’re sure to find just what you need.

ZONE 6:  VEHICLE GRAPHICS

Design your own vehicle wraps with Commercial Curb Appeal!  Stand out from your competition and utilize one of the most cost-effective forms of advertising available today!  A vehicle wrap is durable, attention-getting, and completely unique.  This is the icing on the cake when it comes to making your van work-ready.

ADDITIONAL STORAGE

Do you have specialty equipment for your trade?  If so, you may require cargo van accessories, such as hooks, drawers, files, screens, and more.

Are You Ready to Work?

If you’re in a service trade, your cargo van is like your traveling office.  Taking the time to plan the interior of your vehicle and make it work-ready should be a top priority for you.  With guidance from an Adrian Steel distributor, you can create a completely work-ready cargo van easily and quickly.

For more information, please call Adrian Steel at 1-800-677-2726.

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Work Ready Vans for Chevy or GMC, Part I

Are you a business owner who has recently purchased or leased a Chevrolet or GMC Cargo Van for work purposes?  If so, we have an incentive program for you!

GM BUSINESS CHOICE INCENTIVE

What is it?

GM Business Choice is an incentive program for business owners who use vehicles for the operation of their business (not just for transportation).

Who is it for?

This incentive is for business owners who purchase or lease an eligible Chevrolet or GMC cargo van for day to day business operations.

What’s in it for Me?

You can benefit from the GM Business Choice Incentive in a variety of ways:

SAVE TIME

Time is money.  Don’t waste your valuable time searching around town for the products you need to upfit your GM Cargo Van.  Instead, get a complete line of cargo management solutions for your work van from Adrian Steel.  You’ll be able to leave the dealership with a completely upfitted cargo van!

COMMERCIAL EXPERTS

Upfitting your GM Cargo Van can be daunting.  But don’t worry, you have experts at your fingertips.  Your GM Dealership and Adrian Steel Distributor can guide you through the entire upfit process from beginning to end, to create a completely work-ready cargo van for your trade.

PRODUCT FLEXIBILITY

Design and organize the interior of your cargo van exactly how you want it.  Adrian Steel’s modular product line is perfectly suited to your trade, making your work vehicle completely work-ready.

Start with the essentials: a partition, ADseries shelving, adjustable shelving,or welded shelving,  and a roof rack. Then get trade specific by adding drawer units, door kits, hook bars, floor drawers and more!

What are the details?

The 2012 GM Business Choice Program runs from October 3, 2011, through September 30, 2012. You must purchase or lease your vehicle and take delivery during the program timeframe and provide proof of your business. Program is not available in all areas and may not be compatible with other offers or incentive programs. Consult your dealer for complete program details.

For more information, please call Adrian Steel at 1-800-677-2726.

Posted in Cargo Van, Contractor Van Shelving, drop-down ladder rack, Ladder Rack, Partitions & Bulkheads, Truck and Van Accessories, Truck and Van Equipment, Van Ladder Rack, Van Storage, Van Utility Rack | Leave a comment

5 Ways Vehicle Wraps Increase Business

More and more businesses are using vehicle wraps to increase their bottom line.  If you haven’t considered using vehicle wraps for your business, you may want to read over the top five ways vehicle wraps are increasing business for your competitors.

Branding

Branding is an important aspect of marketing for any business.  If your brand is strong, it will be easier for your company to sell products or service.  With this in mind, a vehicle wrap can actually increase brand awareness and enhance your company’s brand identity.

Use vehicle wraps for all your company’s vehicles, from delivery vans to service trucks to boost your brand identity.  By creating a cohesive image for all your vehicles, your company will present a unified look, resulting in a stronger brand.  Remember, a powerful brand identity will make it easier for you to sell your products and services.

Quick Stat:  Fleet vehicle advertising boosts name recognition 15 times greater than any other form of advertising.*

Effective Advertising

The obvious use for a business vehicle wrap is to advertise your company.  By wrapping your fleet of business vehicles, you create mobile billboards to advertise your brand 24/7.  Not only are vehicle wraps mobile, they are highly visible as well.

Vehicle wraps are a very effective form of advertising, because your target audience can’t turn it off (like a TV ad) or skip it (like an online ad).  Today’s consumers are pickier than ever about ads, making it more difficult to find an effective way to get in front of your target audience.

With a vehicle wrap, your business can utilize a form of advertising that is unobtrusive to your target audience (unlike waiting through a commercial before seeing your favorite TV show).  This makes a vehicle wrap a highly effective advertising tool.

Quick Stat: More than 95% of Americans are reached by media targeting vehicle drivers and passengers*

Contact Information

By wrapping your company vehicles, you are putting your company name and phone number in front of thousands of potential customers each day.  In essence, you’re handing out a business card everywhere you go!  Repeated exposure of your vehicle wrap will increase awareness of your company’s brand, products, and services, making it more likely that a potential customer will remember your information and contact you when they need your services.

Quick Stat: One vehicle wrap can generate between 30,000 – 70,000 impressions daily.*

Lower Cost of Advertising

Vehicle wraps are very cost effective.  The cost of a vehicle wrap is extremely low compared to other forms of outdoor advertising.  Plus, you get the benefit of always being in front of potential customers, whether you’re driving or parked.  The CPM of a vehicle wrap is notably lower than billboards, signs, or radio ads.

Quick Stat: Mobile advertising can be the most effective and efficient form of outdoor advertising, reaching more consumers at a lower Cost Per Thousand Impressions (CPM) than any other form of outdoor advertising.*

Comparative Advertising Costs:

In the top 100 Television Markets a 30 second Prime time spot cost $17.78 per CPM

In the top 100 Newspaper Markets a one third page b/w ad cost $22.95 per CPM

In 23 Magazine Publications a 4 color, one page ad cost $9.35 per CPM.

In the top 100 Radio Markets a 60 second drive time ad cost $8.61 per CPM.

The average for all forms of Billboard ads cost $2.18 per CPM.

Vehicle Wraps – $.77 per CPM!

Stand Out from the Competition

Don’t wait for your biggest competitor to get a vehicle wrap, seize the huge opportunity vehicle wraps offer and wrap your vehicles today!  A wrapped vehicle makes a huge impression on potential customers, which means you can’t afford to ignore the exposure a vehicle wrap will give your business.

Quick Stat:  30% of mobile outdoor viewers indicate they would base a buying decision on the ad they see.*

*All stats are from the Outdoor Advertising Association of America.

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Benefits of a Cargo Van Bulkhead

Cargo van bulkheads are an integral part of upfitting your work vehicle.  Bulkheads are very useful for many small business owners, and can make your work van much more efficient and organized.

What is a partition?

A bulkhead (or partition) is positioned at the front of a work van, behind the seats.  It is a wall-like structure, made from various materials such as wire or steel.

Why do I need a partition in my cargo van?

A bulkheads is a safety feature, as well as an organizational tool.  A bulkhead creates a separation between the driver and the cargo, protecting the driver from shifting cargo.  It keeps your work tools in the back of your van, ensuring your safety as you drive from one job site to another.

What types of partitions are there?

At Adrian Steel, we offer an enormous selection of bulkheads, for all different types of vehicles.

The vehicles we offer bulkheads for include:

For each vehicle, Adrian Steel offers a variety of excellent bulkheads.  Each bulkhead is designed for a specific vehicle, ensuring the correct fit.

How do I choose the correct bulkhead for my vehicle?

With our selection of cargo van bulkheads, it may seem a bit daunting to choose the correct partition for your business vehicle.

First, sort our bulkheads by vehicle.  Each of the above vehicles are slightly different, with different uses and design features.  Our bulkheads are created for each vehicle specifically, and offer a ton of choice so you get exactly what you want.

It is best to determine which features are most important to you when choosing a cargo van partition.  Check out our quick checklist of features to find your perfect cargo van bulkhead:

  • Pass through access:  Choose between a solid bulkhead or one with a locking, hinged door.
  • Visibility:  Choose which panels you would like to be perforated for added visibility. Wire bulkheads offer the most visibility and are available for some vehicles.
  • Driver Comfort:  Choose the extended wing kit for 3” of extra leg room in the cab (reduces cargo area.)
  • Organization:  Choose from a variety of accessories that mount directly on the bulkhead for easy access

Browse www.AdrianSteel.com to find the right bulkhead for your cargo van.  Contact your local distributor to learn what will fit your specific vehicle, pricing and professional installation.

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Tips for Designing Your Vehicle Wrap

Vehicle Wraps have a two-fold purpose, to:  (1) Look awesome and (2) Market your business.  Many times, designers err in either one or both of these categories by using poor design techniques or forgetting about the marketing aspect of a vehicle wrap.

  1. Good Design = Good Marketing: A great design is also an effective marketing tool, because let’s face it, we’re wrapping a van (or truck) to advertise a business.  So it doesn’t matter if the colors are amazing, the typography is cutting-edge, and the graphics are phenomenal; if the vehicle wrap doesn’t market your business properly, it’s poor design.
  1. It’s in the Details: Vehicle Wraps are highly customized, fitted to a specific vehicle, and must be flawless.  Every seam must be perfectly aligned, the gas caps and door handles must be accounted for, and the graphics must be clean, clear, and straight.  If the details of your vehicle wrap are not absolutely impeccable, it will reflect poorly on your business.

Here is a checklist to ensure your business vehicle is properly wrapped:

  • The marketing message is clear
  • The design is eye-catching
  • All seams are properly aligned
  • The design looks ‘painted’ onto the vehicle
  • Business name and contact information is obvious
  • Graphics, typography, and colors are in harmony
  • Art doesn’t overshadow the marketing message

At Commercial Curb Appeal, you’re the designer.  This aspect of our business is cause for both excitement and stress – because you pick the design, but how do you know if the design works?  Don’t worry, every vehicle wrap is reviewed by a Signature designer to ensure the layout works with your vehicle.  Sometimes minor adjustments are made to ensure the marketing message and design intent are clear.

Once the design has been created by you and reviewed by a Signature designer, it will be professionally installed onto your vehicle.  Each vehicle wrap installed by Commercial Curb Appeal is expertly installed to create an artistic and effective wrap that markets your business to perfection!

Find out more about custom vehicle wraps at CommercialCurbAppeal.com or start creating your wrap right now!

 

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Upfit Packages for Your RAM CV

If you’ve chosen the Dodge RAM CV for your small, service-oriented business cargo van, you know all the excellent features it has, including:

  • 144.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity and a 43-square foot cargo floor
  • Towing capacity of up to 3,600 pounds
  • Commercial grade suspension

And the list goes on.  This is a serious cargo van, perfect for your business.

Now you need to upfit it.

Small business owners need to be ruthlessly organized – you have cargo to carry, small parts sort, ladders to haul, and more.  Keeping your RAM Cargo Van organized and efficient is no easy task.  But at Adrian Steel, we’ve made it easy for you.

Adrian Steel has the equipment you need to customize your 2012 RAM CV and make it more effective for your business needs.  We offer trade packages specifically designed for the new RAM CV.

Don’t worry about showing up to a job site and not being able to locate your tools, or finding the back of your cargo van in disarray.  Adrian Steel has you covered with divided shelving, drawers for small parts, and a workbench.  Our packages include a combination of shelving, drawers, cabinets and a partition.

Customize a package for your business, or add accessories to existing designs.

Features we offer for the RAM Cargo Van:

  • P2RCV Wire Partition:  keep your cargo where it belongs with our capable, tubular frame partition
  • Grip-Lock Ladder Rack:  Add storage space to the roof of your RAM CV with our double lock-down ladder rack.  Add padlocks for more security.
  • Divided Shelving
  • Drawers for small parts
  • Workbench

Specialty Packages we offer:

  • General Service Package:  Shelving, Floor Reinforecment kit, Dividers, Partition, Riser Kit, Four hook bar
  • Locksmith Package:  Floor Reinforcement Kit, Workbench, Partition, Riser Kit, Mounting Bracket
  • Electrical Package:  ADseries Shelving, Floor Reinforcement Kit, Shallow and Medium Drawers and a Drawer Component, Dividers, Partition, Riser Kit, Four Hook Bar, Wire Reel Holder,
  • PHVAC Package:  ADseries Shelving, Floor Reinforcement Kit, Three-Drawer Combo and a Drawer Component, Dividers, Partition, Riser Kit, Four Hook Bar

Visit adriansteel.com to see all the ladder rack combinations available for the 2012 RAM CV.

Find your local Adrian Steel distributor on-line or by calling 800-677-2726.

*Note: Adrian Steel interior cargo management solutions are not compatible with side curtain airbags.

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Vehicle Wraps: Cost Effective Advertising

Wrap your work vehicle for cost effective advertising

Vehicle Wraps Look Great and are Cost Effective

You can’t find a more cost effective form of advertising than a vehicle wrap.  And for most small businesses today, that’s an important piece of information.

What makes a vehicle wrap so cost effective?

There are many reasons a customized vehicle wrap is the way to go when advertising your business.  Besides the amount of people you’ll get your business name in front of, Commercial Curb Appeal vehicle wraps are of exceptional quality and will last for years.

Here are some quick stats on why vehicle wraps are so cost effective, according to oaaa.org (Outdoor Advertising Association of America):

  • Reach more than 95% of Americans with your vehicle wrap.
    • Road Traffic:  Americans are on the road an extraordinary amount of time.  In fact, an average person travels 302 miles in one week.
    • Pedestrian Traffic:  We walk a little over six miles in a town, city, or downtown area in one week.  What an excellent opportunity to advertise with a vehicle wrap!
    • Your business vehicle will get about 30,000 to 70,000 views each day.  This makes the cost-per-impression rate very low compared to other advertising forms.
  • Increase brand recognition.
    • Vehicle wraps increase name recognition 15 times more than other advertising.
  • Influence buying decisions.
    • 30% of mobile outdoor viewers indicate they would base a buying decision on the ad they see.

Small businesses can’t afford to spend money on advertising if it isn’t extremely effective.  That’s why a Vehicle Wrap from Commercial Curb Appeal makes so much sense.

Top Reasons a Vehicle Wrap is a Cost Effective Advertising Tool:

  • Always Advertising:  Your wrap advertises your business 24/7 – when you’re driving and when you’re parked.
  • Long Lasting:  Our high-quality wraps last five to seven years, making it extremely efficient and durable.
  • Stand Out:  Customize your wrap with vibrant colors, a vivid logo, and more

Our vehicle wraps are high-quality, customized for your business, and installed for you.  We also offer support, repairs, and warranties.

In today’s market, you can’t afford to waste money or resources on inefficient advertising methods.  With a customized vehicle wrap, your business will get more bang for your buck, increase brand recognition, and separate yourselves from your competitors.

What are you waiting for?

Visit www.commercialcurbappeal.com today to customize a vehicle wrap for your business!

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