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Business
VOSSIE BARNARD ’ S TOP THREE TIPS : 1 . Everything has a place , and everything in its place . 2 . A van or bakkie is a confined space so you need to be sure what tools , equipment , spares , consumables need to be kept in the van .
3 . Be disciplined to keep it neat and organised – it saves time , spares don ’ t get damaged and it ’ s a cost saver .
Image supplied by Tanya Olckers © RACA Journal
No tools being converted to flying projectiles .
Vehicle wrap brings the brand together .
your business more efficient and could translate to repeat business and more clients .
“ Customisation is more than just putting a canopy on a bakkie ,” says Barnard . “ You ’ ve got to take into account what the vehicle is being used for and what ’ s best for the company and the worker . You ’ ve also got to look at the client ’ s budget so that you can guide him to what would work best for his business according to what he can afford .
“ I always get a new client to bring at least one person who will be working in the vehicle along to design and planning meetings ,” says Roets , who has kitted out mobile kitchens , offices , ambulances and police vehicles . “ Sometimes , what management thinks will work best for the guy doing the job isn ’ t necessarily what will actually work best in the field .”
Getting a basic idea of the needs of the contractor is a great start – whether focused on installation or maintenance . Drawers and shelving may cost a little more for the customisation , but knowing exactly where things are cuts down both time and frustration . It ’ s also helpful to see precisely what stock you have and when you will need to stock up on disposables or other items , which means fewer emergency runs to wholesalers so that you can get on with the job .
Roets points out that an unsecured toolbox or piece of equipment can easily be turned into a projectile should the driver break suddenly . This could result in catastrophic injury – or death – if this strikes the driver or anyone else in the van . Roets is painfully aware of these kinds of accident from his time as a paramedic .
This is also a good reason to use a professional who is certified and registered , who complies with the rules laid out in SANS 10319:2006 ( The registration of manufacturers , importers and builders of categories M , N , O and L motor vehicles and agricultural tractors ) and SANS 20048:2017 ( Uniform provision concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to the installation of lighting and light-signalling devices ).
Another part of customisation is vehicle branding . Vehicle
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RACA Journal I March 2025 www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za