Van Racking Top Tips for the New Transit Custom

 

As industry leaders in van racking solutions, we pride ourselves on our commitment to staying ahead of the curve. constantly monitoring new van releases and emerging market trends. We're dedicated to ensuring that our customers get the best that van racking can offer, and that they maximize the potential of their vehicles.

Throughout the start of 2024, we’ve all been busy as we prepared to unveil the latest addition to our website: self-fit modular van racking tailored specifically for the new Transit Custom. We had influxes of requests & orders before the racking was even released, and were very happy to announce the launch of the L1H1 & L2H1 racking systems just last week - now available for exploration on our online configurator.

The crew cab and the H2 variations are still a work in progress – if you want to be the first to know when these when these innovative solutions hit the market, make sure to get in touch, so that we can contact you as soon as it's launched!

Read on for our advice on how to make the most out fo your new Ford Custom with innovative, versatile van racking.

Choose a "No Drill" System

A priority these days should be to always look for a no drill system; The last thing you want to do to a brand-new van is start drilling into the van walls and floor - If your Ford Custom is an EV this should be even more important in your search for van racking! 

Further to this with the looming ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, it's important to invest in van racking systems that can be transferred seamlessly into an EV, in case you need to make this change in future. bott Smartvan racking will safeguard you for this. bott Smartvan are currently the only manufacturers of ‘no drill’ self-fit racking, you can read more on why we’re the best choice for EV’s here.

Choose the Right Material

Another crucial consideration when selecting your racking system is the choice of materials. Opting for lightweight materials will reduce fuel consumption and optimise your battery efficiency if you have an EV.

While plywood racking may initially seem like a budget-friendly alternative to metal, it often comes with a hidden cost: increased fuel expenses due to the added weight it imposes on your van. In contrast, our lightweight steel systems offer a compelling solution. Weighing less than both plywood and conventional metal racking options, they not only enhance fuel efficiency but also deliver exceptional durability and performance.

Read more on the benefits of metal racking over ply here.

Futureproof with Adaptability

Always plan for the future and make sure its straightforward to adapt your van racking over time as your role evolves: We know our customers experience lots of changes in their work over the years, leading to changes in the tools and materials they need to carry. This means a static racking system with no adaptability will never serve in the long run. 

Customisation is a key feature of bott Smartvan racking; from day 1 of designing your racking, you can select from multiple variations of racking modules to choose a combination that best works for you. Furthermore, the racking accessories fix to our frames simply with self-tapping screws, meaning it couldn’t be easier to adjust their position and exchange them for different ones if you need to in future – this is a favourite feature of our customer Glen Wakeling, see what he has to say about it here.

Maximise Your Load Space

With an endless amount of tools to carry, making the most of every pocket of space is very important. However you also need to balance this with leaving load space available for the materials you need to transport to different jobs – always Opt for vehicle specific racking with framework designed to fit around the side profile of your van.

 

As vans differ so much to each other internally, we chose instead to develop vehicle specific brackets that pick up off of existing mounting points in the vehicle. This means the framework of bott Smartvan maximises space efficiency with minimal impact on the central load area.

Although the brackets we supply are vehicle specific, this won’t stop you from transferring your racking to a different vehicle in future – As long as you plan to move to a similar size van, your racking can move with you and fit just as snugly into the new vehicle when you order a new set of vehicle specific brackets from us.

Check out the pictures below to see Aquarium Compositions racking which was transferred from the Mk1 Custom to the new Custom!

Aquarium Composition - Mk2 Custom L1H1


If you like the look of Aquarium Compositions configuration, why not check out our user-friendly online configurator, where you can browse through all the different options available to your vehicle - just click here!

We hope that this guide has provided you with valuable insights that will help ensure you maximise the potential of your new van. However, if you still find yourself with unanswered questions or require further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team at bott Smartvan! We're here to provide expert advice and guidance tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that you select the perfect van racking solution for your Transit Custom. Simply call 01288 355666 (option 2) to speak with us today.