Throughout the 1990s, the Nissan Vanette, in its various versions, was among the most popular light commercials on the road. These small to medium size vans were economical and Spartan in design and somewhat lacking in build quality. After a period of crisis, Nissan was acquired by Renault and abandoned the production of commercial vehicles for a number of years, choosing instead to re-badge Renault van models.
Nissan returned to the small-medium van market in 2009 with the
NV200. The NV200 is ideally placed between the small
Caddy and
Berlingo and larger, medium van models like the
Vito,
Trafic and
Transporter. A simple but functional design means a spacious body despite the compact size of the vehicle. The load compartment in particular provides a practical platform for the transport of goods and for the installation of mobile workshops. While hardly ideal for carrying heavy loads, the NV200 is superbly practical for lightweight duties, whether for the transport of cargo or for small installation and service operations. The case of the
plumber who commissioned the racking system illustrated on this page proves the point.
Looking at the racking in this plumber’s NV200, we can see that the first step in the installation was to fit
internal body liners: like all vans, the NV200 needs extra protection to prevent damage to its body during normal use. Neither the floor of the load compartment nor the side walls have sufficient protection to avoid damage by sliding and falling cargo. The Syncro team therefore fitted a floor liner in 12 mm thick resin-coated plywood, complete with metal edging and recessed cups for the floor anchors. The liner not only protects the original floor but also provides a perfectly flat surface for the racking. The van’s side walls were then protected with galvanised and painted steel sheet liners, laser cut to ensure a perfect match for the shape of the bodywork. In addition to protecting the side walls, these liners also make the load compartment far more attractive and far easier to clean.
Moving on to the racking itself, on the left we can see a configuration that starts with a
wheel arch cabinet containing a tool case shuttle. Over this is a
drawer cabinet with three 66 mm drawers on telescopic runners, complete with non-slip mats, space dividers and handles with automatic locking devices. In addition to the drawers, there are also two case trays, each containing a case with internal component trays. These
cases can easily be opened to access contents without removing them from the tray, and can also be removed for use on site. Alongside the drawer cabinet are two
shelves with dividers and mats. Another shelf is fitted at the top of the cabinets.
The racking on the right of the NV200 starts with an open wheel arch cabinet at the bottom. On top of this is a set of metal cabinets with tilting,
transparent plastic containers. This is one of Syncro’s most popular storage solutions as it lets you carry large quantities of small items, always in full view. The containers are made from clear PMMA, the same indestructible material used to manufacture aircraft windows, and all incorporate an automatic locking button. They can tilt and be removed completely for use where needed. The compact dimensions of these containers leave plenty of room in the middle of the load compartment.
On the bulkhead of the NV200, Syncro’s technicians have fitted an
aluminium rail with straps, a quick but safe solution for securing cargo.
To allow the van’s roof to be used to carry cargo as well, Syncro has installed two
aluminium roof bars, each fitted with Syncro’s innovative
ULTRASILENT ridged profile to dramatically reduce noise and vibration when the van is travelling.
Thanks to Syncro, this customer has everything he needs to make the work of installing and servicing plumbing and heating system that much easier!