Top 10 Must-Have Van Accessories for Tradespeople | Essential Van Upgrades
As a tradesperson, your van is more than just a vehicle—it’s your mobile workspace, your storage unit, and often, the key to your business’s efficiency. Investing in the right van accessories can make your daily operations smoother, more organized, and even safer. Whether you’re a plumber, electrician, carpenter, or general contractor, optimizing your van with essential accessories can save you time and effort while enhancing professionalism.
In this guide, we’ll cover the Top 10 Van Accessories Every Tradesperson Needs to improve productivity, keep tools secure, and maximize space.
1. Van Plylining Kits – Protect Your Investment
Enhance your van’s interior with a high-quality plylining kit. Protects against wear and tear while maximizing storage efficiency.
Every tradesperson carries valuable tools and equipment that need proper storage. Van plylining kits help protect both your van’s interior and your gear from daily wear and tear.
Why You Need It:
✔ Prevents damage to the van’s interior from heavy tools and materials
✔ Reduces noise and rattling while driving
✔ Provides a stable surface for shelving and racking installations
At PlylineUK, we offer premium plylining kits for various van models, ensuring durability and a perfect fit.
2. Heavy-Duty Van Shelving Systems
Keeping your tools and supplies organized is crucial for efficiency. Van shelving systems maximize storage space and help maintain order.
Benefits:
✔ Allows for quick and easy access to tools and materials
✔ Prevents tools from shifting while driving
✔ Increases overall work efficiency
Look for modular shelving that can be customized based on your trade’s needs. Whether it’s for power tools, electrical fittings, or plumbing parts, a good shelving system keeps everything within reach.
3. Roof Racks – Extra Storage for Bulky Items
Sometimes, not everything fits inside your van. Roof racks provide additional space for carrying ladders, pipes, and large materials.
Maximise your van’s storage capacity with the UltiRack heavy-duty roof rack—strong, secure, and built for professionals.
Advantages of Installing Roof Racks:
✔ Frees up interior space for smaller tools and equipment
✔ Ideal for transporting oversized materials such as timber, ladders, and pipes
✔ Improves load distribution and organization
For high-quality roof racks and accessories, check out PlylineUK Accessories for reliable and durable options.
4. Van Racking for Ultimate Organization
Van racking systems take organization to the next level by providing specialized compartments for different tools and materials.
Why It’s Essential:
✔ Prevents items from rolling around and getting damaged
✔ Customizable to suit your trade’s specific needs
✔ Helps with quick inventory checks before heading to a job site
If you often find yourself wasting time searching for the right tool, a van racking system is a game-changer.
5. LED Interior Lighting – Work Anytime, Anywhere
Dark and cluttered vans can make finding tools a nightmare. Installing LED interior lighting ensures clear visibility, no matter the time of day.
Benefits of LED Lighting:
✔ Increases visibility for early morning or late-night jobs
✔ Energy-efficient and long-lasting
✔ Reduces strain and improves overall safety
Well-lit vans make working conditions better and prevent accidents while handling sharp or heavy tools.
6. Secure Van Locks and Alarms – Protect Your Tools
Tradespeople invest thousands in tools and materials, making their vans a target for thieves. Upgrading your security with high-quality van locks and alarm systems is essential.
Security Features to Consider:
✔ Deadlocks and slam locks for extra protection
✔ GPS tracking in case of theft
✔ Audible alarm systems to deter break-ins
Losing your tools means losing work—invest in proper security measures to keep your livelihood safe.
7. Van Drawers and Storage Boxes
For small tools, fasteners, and accessories, van drawers and storage boxes are incredibly useful.
Why You Should Add Them:
✔ Keeps small items neatly stored and easy to access
✔ Prevents clutter from accumulating in your van
✔ Reduces time spent searching for specific tools
Opt for lockable drawers for added security and peace of mind.
8. Non-Slip Flooring for Safety
Working out of a van means constantly moving in and out of the vehicle. Non-slip flooring provides better grip, especially in wet or icy conditions.
Key Benefits:
✔ Enhances safety by preventing slips and falls
✔ Protects the van’s original flooring
✔ Easy to clean and maintain
Adding rubber or plywood flooring ensures a stable surface while working on-site.
9. First Aid Kit and Fire Extinguisher
Accidents can happen at any job site. Keeping a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher in your van is not only smart but sometimes legally required.
What to Include in Your First Aid Kit:
✔ Bandages and antiseptics
✔ Eye wash solution
✔ Gloves and medical tape
Ensuring safety for yourself and your team should always be a top priority.
10. Portable Power Supply and Inverter
A power inverter allows you to run tools and charge devices directly from your van. This is a must-have for tradespeople working in remote locations.
Advantages of a Portable Power Supply:
✔ Keeps tools and batteries charged on the go
✔ Allows for the use of plug-in devices when no power source is available
✔ Reduces downtime and increases efficiency
Look for high-wattage inverters to ensure compatibility with power tools.
Final Thoughts: Optimize Your Van for Maximum Productivity
Having the right accessories can make a significant difference in how efficiently you work. From plylining kits and roof racks to security locks and power inverters, every upgrade improves functionality and organization.
At PlylineUK, we provide top-quality plylining kits, shelving, and accessories to help tradespeople maximize their van’s potential. If you’re looking to upgrade your van, explore our selection at PlylineUK and PlylineUK Accessories.
What accessories do you rely on the most? Let us know in the comments!
