On this page we compare two racking solutions installed in identical vans, both L2 H1 variants of the Fiat Doblò, owned by companies that install or maintain gas distribution systems.

Given that both companies do similar work, it would only be natural to assume that their needs are the same or at least comparable. Instead, the two racking systems are radically different.

Doblò 1 is owned by a multi-utility company that carries out maintenance on the natural gas distribution network. The chosen solution sees racking installed on the left side only, with the right reserved for accessories. The floor is protected by a liner with a marble-look surface and stainless-steel edge profiles and anchor ring cups. The upper part of the side walls is lined with Peraluman panelling. Note the ventilation system in the van’s floor, in the form of a vent with grille.

Doblò 2 is owned by a firm that specialises in the design and construction of LPG storage systems for civil, industrial and agricultural use. In this case racking is installed on both sides. This van came into Syncro’s workshop with a floor liner already fitted, and the customer chose to do without any additional liners.

Both vehicles are fitted with a vice bench, but the owners have chosen two different models, a fold-away type for the first van and a pull-out type for the second.

Other Doblò racking solutions

To understand how best of organise space in your van, you need to consider a number of technical aspects. Ask the following questions to determine the design of the ideal racking solution.

1. What tools and equipment do you need to carry? List them according to size and weight.

2. In what sequence do you perform your various tasks? Which items do you need first, which do you need most frequently, and which do you use only occasionally?

3. How should load be distributed to maximise the safety and stability of the van on the road?

4. How will you use the rear doors, and especially the side door? This will determine how racking columns should be positioned.

5. Will you need to re-arrange the racking at some future date?

Bear in mind that the location of racking is not just a matter of appearance, but above all of ergonomics. Locating everything where it should be reduces unnecessary movement and saves time.

So, let’s take a closer look at how these two solutions compare.

The left side is configured quite differently in these two vans.

Doblò 1

The racking in this van occupies almost the entire length of the wall. There are two compartments at floor level. The first is partly enclosed by a front bottom panel and houses an Ecoflow power station secured to a dedicated tray by a lashing strap. An Alternator Charger for charging the Ecoflow unit directly from the vehicle’s engine is fixed to the nearest side panel. The second compartment contains a Syncroblock bar on the wall and lashing straps with movable fittings.

Above these compartments are two metal drawers with non-slip mats and internal space dividers, three trays with metal cases and two configurable shelves, including one full-length shelf at the top.

A fold-away vice bench complete with metal vice and supporting strut is fixed to the rear-facing side panel.

Doblò 2

In this van the racking leaves a section of floor free near the bulkhead opposite the side door. This provides an ideal space for stowing bulky cargo.

The racking as such consists of a large floor-level compartment and three configurable shelves, with the one at the bottom deeper than those above. Metal space dividers are clearly visible in the bottom shelf. These create separate compartments and make it far easier to maintain order.

A pull-out vice bench with metal vice extends from the racking’s rear-facing side panel.

The right side of Doblò 1 has no racking but only accessories. These include a fire extinguisher bracket, a paper roll holder and a block of power sockets.

In Doblò 2 the racking consists of a floor-level compartment and four configurable shelves with non-slip mats and space dividers.

To complement this short review of how space inside the Doblò can be used, take a look at this comparison of another two Fiat Doblò vans where space is used in different ways again. Take a look at the photos above too. The van on the left is used by a multi-utility company and is fitted with an underfloor drawer unit that provides amply storage while providing an uncluttered floor. The van on the right is owned by a plumber and has racking only on the bulkhead, with the two sides left free and equipped with cargo lashing accessories.

Contact us now and together we can design a FULLY CUSTOMISED racking system to meet your needs! This is what we’ve been doing since 1996 and 99% of our customers are delighted with the results!