Common Questions About Vehicle Wraps for Your Business

Posted on February 16, 2012 by admin

Vehicle wraps are very cost-effective, highly visible marketing tools for your service business. More and more businesses are recognizing the value and benefits of using their commercial fleet as a means of advertising. Having a portable billboard available for your business, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year is a great way of marketing your business, and you can strategically locate it where you want when you’re not driving it. But, deciding to use a vehicle wrap for your business can pose a lot of questions, so let’s tackle three of the common questions about vehicle wraps.

What is a Vehicle Wrap?

Commercial vehicles often carry some type of signage – usually painted on the side doors, or as window decals. Modern marketing strategies now include vehicle wraps, which consist of commercial grade vinyl that is professionally adhered to your vehicle.

There are a variety of vehicle wraps, and most types are determined by the amount of vehicle space used for your wrap. A full vehicle wrap uses all sides of your car, truck, or van, and provides a marketing message viewable from any angle. Partial wraps may concentrate only on the back of the truck or van, so the message is visible to someone sitting behind you at a stoplight.

How is a Vehicle Wrap Made?

Quality vehicle wraps begin with a quality design process. Once you have selected your color scheme, visual images, font and content, then this information is entered into a computerized program. The wrap elements are typically printed on a high-quality vinyl, and have a UV clear coat finish to protect it from fading in the sunshine.

A professional installation of your vehicle wrap will ensure that it is aligned correctly, will adhere properly, and is sealed well. Quality vehicle wrap service providers offer a warranty period for the vehicle wrap and the installation service.

How do you Choose a Vehicle Wrap Service?

Consider the longevity of the business, and the references they provide to you. Take time to research the company as well as the testimonials of satisfied customers. Do they have in-house graphic designers on staff to assist you, and can they offer marketing knowledge while consulting with you for the best wrap design for your business.

Measure their responsiveness with customer service, and how well they answer your questions during your research time. Evaluate their design process as well as the materials used. Research their professional affiliations and their Better Business Bureau score.

Don’t be tempted to select the lowest-costing service. When you make a purchasing decision based solely on the lowest cost available, you may be reducing the quality of the vehicle wrap, and how well it is installed.

Custom vehicle graphics are not out of reach, even for small businesses. Adrian Steel and Signature Graphics, Inc. have teamed up to offer cost effective, quality vehicle wraps using a unique, four-step process. Visit http://www.adriansteel.com/commercialcurbappeal to learn more about using Vehicle Wraps for your business.

 

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Choose the Right Ladder Rack for Your Commercial Vehicle

Posted on February 12, 2012 by admin

When you haul ladders for your job, you want to be sure that they will arrive at the job site in good condition, and that they are easy to load and unload. There are many different types of ladder racks available, either for pickup trucks or commercial vans, so consider a few key points when deciding which ladder rack to choose for your needs.

Determine the size you need

First, know the size of your van or truck, and whether you want a side-mounted ladder rack or a roof-mounted ladder rack, or a rack framing system above your truck bed. Most manufacturers make ladder racks of a specific length, and they vary according to the weight allowed.

You know best which type of ladders you use on a regular basis, and how many you need to transport at one time. Some ladder racks are limited as to how many ladders you can haul, while others are double-mounted systems that house more than one ladder.

Determine the type of loading and unloading you want to do

Gone are the days when you had to balance on something in order to load or unload your heavy ladders. You no longer need to stretch and reach, pulling the ladder off of your vehicle. Adrian Steel makes your job easier with ladder racks that have a drop-down assist function, so you don’t need to support the entire weight of the ladder on your shoulders while loading or unloading.

You may have a personal preference whether you want to unload from the side of your commercial vehicle, or from the back of your vehicle. There are a large variety of options available for ladder racks, so compare what will work best for your situation, and what is most ergonomic for your needs.

Compare the construction and features

Ladder racks should be constructed of high-grade, quality materials, fully welded, and cushioned to protect your ladders. Since your job involves being outdoors, you want to be sure that the ladder rack will withstand all types of weather conditions, so look for versions that are powder coated to protect them from the elements.

Review the cost and warranty

Not all ladder racks are made the same, and costs can vary greatly. However, buying the least expensive rack now can prove to be costly later, as the welded joints give way, it develops rust or corrosion, or it dents from the loading and unloading of your ladders. Look for a reputable manufacturer that is trusted in your industry.

Compare their various ladder rack models, pricing, and warranties available. A reliable manufacturer will stand behind their product, offering a long-term manufacturer’s warranty on the parts. Professional installation of the ladder rack will also ensure proper fit for your vehicle, so consider having a professional help you install your ladder rack.

Adrian Steel is ready to help with professional installation of your ladder rack.

 

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How to Load and Unload a Ladder Onto the Grip-Lock Van Ladder Rack

Posted on November 21, 2011 by admin

Using a van ladder rack keeps your ladders within arm’s reach, and frees up valuable storage space inside the vehicle. Traditional racks can strain your neck and shoulder muscles while damaging the vehicle during loading and unloading.

Adrian Steel’s Grip-Lock ladder racks feature an upward-facing, hook-shaped horn mounted at the front of the vehicle. This horn works as a pivot point and bears the weight of the ladder.

After a little practice properly loading and unloading your van ladder rack, you’ll feel the difference in how the ergonomic design supports your back and shoulders.

Follow this quick how-to as you practice.

  1. Set the bottom of the ladder next to the rear wheel of your van.
  2. While resting the top of the ladder on the rack, lift the bottom sliding the ladder to the front of the horn.
  3. Rest the top of the ladder on the curved horn.
  4. Lift the bottom of the ladder and settle it onto the rack.
  5. Slide ladder forward until it touches the front-clamp bracket.
  6. Secure the ladder by bringing the handle into place and latching it.

Unloading the van ladder rack is easy. Just reverse the steps. Remember to use the horn to bear the weight of the ladder.

Of course, road vibrations could cause the fasteners to loosen over time. Check and tighten every six months to avoid costly accidents.

The Grip-Lock mechanism secures one or two ladders while reducing vibration wear to ladder rails. Available in five- or six-foot lengths, the racks are versatile enough to haul any ladder – step, fixed-length or extension.

View the video gallery for a visual demonstration.

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The General Contractor Trade Package Provides Organized, Flexible Van Storage

Posted on November 16, 2011 by admin

A general contractor does it all. And that means carrying everything to the site – tools, equipment, small parts, and more. Because you practically live out of your van, it makes sense to customize it to your needs.

Organization improves efficiency and reduces inventory damage and loss. But flexibility in storage is important when the work changes with each job. Upfitting your Ford Cargo Van with the General Contractor package means you can have it all: flexibility and organized storage.

Keep five basic ideas in mind when upfitting your Ford Cargo Van.

1. Contractor grade quality

You can trust Adrian Steel products to be durable. For example, partition panels are made from 18-gauge steel for strength and finished in a tough Steel-Cote powder coat paint for corrosion resistance.

2. Security

Security meets two needs: protection from theft, and stability during travel. Expensive equipment, tools and inventory need to be secured. Every quality van upfit should include locking shelves, drawers and partition units.

The new and improved features of the lock n latch drawer units utilize a vertical latch that lets you choose between four options: latched and locked, latched and unlocked, unlatched and open.

3. Easy installation and flexibility

A rail system means you can put shelves where they’re needed, yet move the unit without drilling more holes through the van’s exterior panels.

Next, reposition shelves easily using only a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove front shelf bolts and move shelf where it’s needed, even just down an inch.

Then, take advantage of Plug and Play features with pre-punched holes, allowing dividers to snap securely into place and drawer units bolt in. No more nut and bolt fasteners to catch things on.

4. Customization to fully fit your Ford Cargo Van

Contoured end panels fit the Ford Cargo Van walls, providing wide aisle space for large items like air conditioners and water heaters. And hinged door partitions – whether solid or perforated – meet your cargo storage needs. Partition door kits include hinges, bulb seals and door latches, reducing annoying vibration noises during driving.

5. Options

Accessories like end panel brackets, racks for tanks, literature, and shelves, cabinet lockers and portable blue bins will truly customize your van.

To compare the options for upfitting your Ford Cargo Van, visit this Van Storage page.

 

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Top 10 Benefits of Van Storage Packages

Posted on September 6, 2011 by admin

A mobile locksmith business can be profitable today, because you can select your marketing neighborhoods and the services you provide. Without the added cost of office space, you can afford to outfit your Nissan NV van into an efficient, productive work area that travels with you.

Here are the top ten benefits of using the Adrian Steel Locksmith Package for your mobile locksmith van storage needs:

Benefit #1 – The van storage is optimized for the exact space of the Nissan NV van. This package is designed for installation with Nissan’s predetermined mounting points, resulting in no-drill installation.

Benefit #2 – The mobile locksmith van storage package includes a full-length workbench, so you can spread out your tools, manuals and catalogs to do your job just as if you were at your home shop area.

Benefit #3 – You can even sit on a step stool and cut the keys in comfort. Stay out of the weather, pull up a stool, and get the job done quickly.

Benefit #4 – The ergonomic key machine base is designed for the best position when using your equipment, allowing safer operations on a daily basis.

Benefit #5 – Catalog File organization keeps all your manuals and catalogs secured and organized for easy access.

Benefit #6 – The locking cabinets for tools protects your costly tools, while organizing the van storage in a way to be most efficient.

Benefit #7 – Locking drawers protect keys and small parts, so they don’t rub together or make annoying noises while driving down the road.

Benefit #8 – The sturdy cargo partition keeps everything secured in the back of the van. It also provides additional van storage space for mounting more accessories.

Benefit #9 – Complete the van storage customization with additional hooks, safety equipment and accessories, depending on your needs.

Benefit #10 – Backed by Adrian Steel’s commitment to provide the best cargo management solutions for the Nissan NV, and trusted by thousands of experts in the industry.

Find out more about the Locksmith Package for Nissan NV van storage ideas.

 

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Commercial Nissan NV Cargo Van Storage Solutions for Long Parts

Posted on August 31, 2011 by admin

Plumbers and contractors who have to transport ten-foot pieces of conduit or pipe on a regular basis have often dealt with securing those supplies on top of their cargo van, using tie-downs, bungee cords, or straps. They also had to deal with loading and unloading those parts in rainy or snowy weather, drying them off before they could be used.

The problem of long part storage was often increased when uneven road surfaces caused the load to roll or shift, sometimes denting or damaging the parts in the process. And, if not secured tightly, these parts could even come loose during a sudden stop or accident, rolling or being thrown dangerously from the van.

Long Part Storage =

Cargo Van Storage Solutions

There is a solution that many experts in the industry have come to appreciate. The Long Part Storage Kit keeps those long pieces inside the full size van, out of the weather. Imagine an extra box set down the middle of your van floor, securely holding long items. With nearly 65 square inches at each end, a lot of conduit or pipe can be secured by tie down straps.

Because it runs down the center of the full size van, it doesn’t take space away from your normal van storage drawers or van tool shelving that is installed along the walls. So, you’re not sacrificing storage space to use the Long Part Storage, you are actually maximizing your van storage potential.

Designed to fit Nissan NV vans, this cargo van storage solution is universal for longer items that need to be stored, transported, or hauled from the work site or job location.

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Cargo Van Utility Rack Storage is Now More Durable Than Ever

Posted on July 13, 2011 by admin

Commercial storage for your cargo van just got better, with improvements made to the cargo van utility rack that you’ve grown to trust. The Next Generation Steel Utility Rack is now more durable, rugged, and ready to handle your hauling needs.

Many contractors, plumbers, and electricians who use full-sized vans for their work vehicle prefer roof rack utility storage in order to maximize the interior storage space of their van. The steel utility rack allows safe storage and transport of ladders, pipes, lumber, and sheet goods and more on top of the vehicle.

Longer Lasting Utility Storage

in All Weather Conditions

The one-piece crossbars on the Next Generation Rack are not cut or perforated, thereby reducing the chance of rust or corrosion. Other cargo van utility racks have weld spots where joints are formed, but the new Next Generation Rack has eliminated much of the welding, which also improves the longevity and service of the rack.

Now, your cargo van utility rack will last longer in all types of weather, because there are no extra seams or holes inviting water seepage. The upright portions of the rack are fully plastisoled to protect against wear. This also protects your ladders from scratching while loading and unloading onto the utility rack.

Versatile & Expandable Cargo Storage Needs

Increase your storage options with extra crossbars. The 2BRS cargo van utility rack includes two crossbars, but you can also add additional crossbars for additional support and to transport shorter cargo.

The Next Generation cargo van utility rack will fit your full-size van, and your work requirements. Finished with durable black or white powder coat paint, the Next Generation Rack will add a professional touch to your commercial vehicle. You will have more interior storage when you load longer, wider cargo on top of your van.

 

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Cable Cargo Van Storage Designed for Efficiency

Posted on July 12, 2011 by admin

Cable TV installers and technicians have a busy job, and their cargo van storage helps them stay efficient and effective. Organizing the cable equipment, tools, and supplies properly in your contractor van will help make the job easier, so you can get the work done faster.

Various types of cable installation have been going on for more than 40 years. Throughout that time, technicians have developed their own ways of organizational management, but Adrian Steel has made it easier all around.

Consider everything a cable installer carries for each job – ladders, spools of cable, tools, traffic cones, small parts, and emergency equipment. Having a place for everything, and everything in its own place helps the job go smoother.

Complete Cargo Van Storage

Solutions for Cable Technicians

Adrian Steel works with specialists in each industry to find out what they need in their commercial vehicle. The Cable TV trade package features a cargo area partition, cable and wire reel holders, open and divided shelving, small parts drawers, locking cabinets, and accessories including hooks, files, a hard hat holder and fire extinguisher. Everything you need to stay organized for your cable job can be contained in your van – right where you need it.

Ladders are used a lot in a cable job, and safely moving and storing the ladders is important. The new drop-down ladder racks from Adrian Steel make cargo van storage more efficient because the ladder stores outside your vehicle instead of inside.

The LoadsRite Ladder Rack is a popular choice for cable TV service because it also offers users the safety and convenience while loading and unloading ladders by lowering and raising the ladder from the roof to the side of the vehicle.

Customized Cargo Van Storage To Fit Your Needs

Adrian Steel has the tools to make your service van the most organized and efficient tool you have. When your van is organized, you know what supplies you have, can find them easier, and can get the job done faster.

Sometimes, you may want to add extra components to your cable van. You can design custom storage solutions with a variety of modular shelves, cabinets, drawers, and cable holders. Whatever your storage needs, Adrian Steel can help you solve them.

Posted in Cargo Van, Ladder Rack, Van Storage | Leave a comment

Cargo Management is Easier for Your Nissan NV

Posted on June 2, 2011 by admin

Van ladder racks are an important component of cargo management; so, you talked and we listened. Contractors know what they want in their commercial vehicle storage challenges, and we work with teams of developers to make that happen.

The Nissan NV van is a great choice for service technicians and contractors who want a newer look for their business. The problem was that storing any cargo on top of the high roof was a physical challenge. Thanks to the recent release of the LoadsRite Drop-Down Ladder Rack for the High Roof Nissan NV, that is no longer a challenge.

No longer do you have to lift ladders over your head, balance cautiously on the bumper, or raise that ladder higher than normal to get it on top of the Nissan NV roof. The LoadsRite ladder rack is designed to lower the ladder down to you for safe and easy loading and unloading.

A drop-down ladder rack is quick, safe, and reliable. It is also designed to securely fasten and protect your ladders, avoiding the banging, denting, and scratching that can happen with other ladder rack systems.

Ease of use was an aspect in the design of this van ladder rack. It operates with three easy steps:

  1. Just attach the handle that conveniently stows inside the van and rotate until the ladder bed is in the primary drop position.
  2. Then, using two hands, release the latch and pull the ladder bed down into the secondary drop position.
  3. Unload the ladder one end at a time to minimize back strain.

Ergonomics were also important in the development of this latest van ladder rack system. As a contractor, you already work hard enough. You shouldn’t have to struggle just to get your tools and equipment out of your vehicle at a job site.

Because of the pivot point and rotation used to move and lower the ladder to the ground, health and safety risks are minimal. You are letting the counter balanced weight of the ladder, against the clamp rackets, do all the strain and work of lowering the ladder.

Contractors across the nation believe in the cargo management solutions that Adrian Steel provides. No matter what you need for your commercial vehicle, Adrian Steel can help with your cargo storage.

 

Posted in Cargo Van, drop-down ladder rack, Ladder Rack, Van Storage | Leave a comment

HVAC Van Storage – Solutions for Safely Transporting Refrigerant Tanks

Posted on June 2, 2011 by admin

Summer is a critical time to make sure you have solid solutions for your HVAC van storage problems. In some areas of the country, it’s not called summer, it’s called AC season.

Temperatures are on the rise, humidity is increasing, and people want their air conditioning systems to operate efficiently. As the HVAC specialist in your community, you know how busy this season can be, and you know how rushed you are to fit in service calls all day long.

Every day, air conditioning service techs usually get their list of work orders, load up their tools and equipment in their van, and travel from one location to another to make sure customers are comfortable and air conditioning units operate safely and efficiently.

This may be the busiest time of the year for air conditioning service techs; and effective storage of tools and supplies in their van can help with efficiency during service calls. Consider all the equipment needed for a service call – motors, compressors, thermostats, relays, switches, pipes, and perhaps the largest, heaviest, and most hazardous – refrigerant tanks.

Proper Van Storage Improves Safety

Safely transporting refrigerant tanks is critical for the air conditioning service industry. Some technicians take shortcuts and risk their safety and that of those around them by not properly securing the tanks while driving. Thanks to a variety of HVAC van storage solutions, technicians can travel to customer locations safely, without worrying about loose tools, equipment, or rolling refrigerant tanks.

There are three ways of incorporating refrigerant tanks into a HVAC van storage configuration. These include upright, sloped cradle, and customized storage.

Upright tank storage inside a service van can be easily accessible from the van doors. Mount the tank holder to a van storage partition or side panel of welded shelving, and it provides safe, easy storage for single 30 or 50-pound tanks upright on the van floor. Tanks secured with bungee cords in this tank holder make it easy to load and unload them when needed.

Sloped cradle tank storage is most efficient for the floor space inside a work van, because welded tank racks can usually hold three or four tanks at a time. Because the tank racks are designed with a sloped configuration, it’s easy to load and return tanks to the racks throughout the day. Nylon straps provide a simple yet quiet solution for securing the tanks while driving.

The third solution is pre-designed PHVAC trade packages, with space configurations for trade specific equipment.

With the busy cooling season gearing up, it is time to make sure your work van is up to the task. Organize it with the shelving, drawers, and accessories you need. It’s a fact that an organized vehicle increases workflow and reduces inventory damage!

Posted in Cargo Van, Van Storage | Leave a comment