The Fiat Doblò vans with Syncro System racking we are comparing today are both L1 H1 variants with sliding doors on the right. The difference lies mainly in the way space is used inside the cargo compartment and in the location of the racking.

Van 1: This vehicle is owned by a municipal multiutility firm that uses it to maintain mains water pipes. The cargo compartment is divided into two levels – above and below – by the installation of a underfloor long drawer unit.

Van 2: This van is used by a plumber to install and service domestic plumbing systems. The only racking installed is located at the bulkhead. This makes it impossible to use the side door for access but leaves plenty of space to carry cargo and materials at the rear.

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Despite the obvious differences in the racking installed in these vans, both are fitted with exactly the same item of bodywork protection, i.e. a plywood floor liner with a marble-look surface and protective steel edge profiles. This liner provides a stronger, more even surface than the original sheet metal floor.

In van 1, the liner is not fixed directly to the original floor, but to a metal framework that contains long drawers. The raised floor created in this way offers the same strength as the liner installed on the van’s own floor.

In van 2, the floor liner is secured to the original floor and also incorporates stainless-steel cups to keep water and dirt out while allowing use of the original anchor rings. No liners have been installed on the walls or bulkhead of either Doblò.

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The decision obviously depends on the needs of the van user, and on the way in which the van is going to be used. Always remember that a sliding side door limits the useful length of one of the walls.

Van 1: In this Doblò the left wall is fitted with two simple configurable shelves with non-slip mats, space dividers and raised rear panels. The right wall is not equipped with any racking or accessories at all.

Van 2: Here the racking is concentrated at the bulkhead while the left and right walls have been left free, ready to secure even bulky loads using the Airline aluminium rails with hooks and lashing straps installed on both sides.

The special feature of the multiutility’s Doblò, van 1, is the underfloor frame made from high-strength steel, which guarantees a load capacity of 800 kg. The presence of this frame does not limit the ability to install racking or carry cargo, but simply uses space differently, dividing it into two levels. Seen from above, the frame is hidden by a raised floor in marble-look plywood. Below, it contains two long drawers that can be pulled out from the rear of the van and a third accessible from the sliding side door.

The plumber’s Doblò, van 2, stands out for the presence of a bulkhead racking column comprising a large floor-level compartment with a patented lift-and-rotate door, six metal drawers and a top shelf.

The van’s owner decided to locate the racking in this position despite the fact it blocked access through the side door, thinking that at some stage in the future he might wish to use the sides of the van to install accessories such as a paper roll holder, bar rack or handwash kit where they would be accessible without having to climb on board.

Given the fact that Syncro accessories are compatible with the entire range of Syncro van racking, it’s not easy to think of any “cons”. There are plenty of pros:

1. Accessories greatly improve the van’s functionality for a very small investment.

2. They increase safety, especially when they help secure cargo. Van 1 is equipped with a Syncroblock slider bar with lashing straps; van 2 is equipped with two Airline aluminium rails, again with lashing straps. Both solutions are perfect for securing loads of various sizes and preventing unwanted movement during transport. The addition of a simple first aid kit (van 1) addresses the issue of dealing with minor injuries.

3. They make work easier. The LED tube light in the cargo compartment of van 1 provides excellent illumination under all conditions, while the paper roll holder in the same van is ideal for cleaning equipment and hands.

4. They can be added at any time. If something is missing, you can ask Syncro to install it of even months or years after you receive your van racking system!

5. They can be installed anywhere you want. Syncro-equipped vans can accommodate accessories directly on the bodywork, on the liners, on the side panels or even on the front flanges of the racking.

Want to make your van more functional, every job faster and better, and your use of time more efficient? Get in touch with the van racking specialists.

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