Vansdirect has spotted that searches for ‘van modifications near me’ have increased by a staggering 150% in the last three months, highlighting the growing interest in personalising vans and improving the vehicle’s efficiencies.
Fortunately, for those spending considerable time on the road, there are many modifications that can improve the safety, comfort, and performance of a van.
And there’s good news for those leasing their current van too, as most modifications are permitted, just remember to check your individual policy first.
So, for those looking to modify their van, the experts at Vansdirect have shared 5 of the most common van mods and their benefits:
- Using stickers to increase brand recognition
Advertising is always important when wanting to drive awareness of it among potential audiences. In fact, 75% of people first recognise a business by its logo[1]. So, when it comes to your van, its exterior is a perfect blank canvas to get your brand seen far and wide and remembered.
Temporary vinyl or magnetic stickers are a great option as they are easily removable and won’t damage the paintwork.
This is ideal for both owned or leased vans as it allows for hassle-free removal if branding changes or when the van needs to be returned at the end of a lease.
- Changing tyres for practicality
Ensuring your tyres are fit for purpose depends on factors such as weather, functionality and size.
If you are experiencing discomfort during long drives, choosing comfort-designed tyres can be a good option. These tyres can lessen road noise and allow for a smoother ride due to their higher sidewall height and softer rubber that adapts better to surface irregularities.
Additionally, your tyres should safely support the loading capacity of your van. This is important to avoid tyre blowouts, and increase the tyre’s lifespan, vehicle performance and fuel efficiency.
- Adding a tow bar or roof rack for utility
Installing tow bars and roof racks allows you to transport additional or large items that wouldn’t fit inside the van.
Installing a tow bar enables you to tow trailers or even other vehicles, while roof racks are a versatile way to carry bulky items like ladders and construction materials, freeing up space inside your van.
- Installing a dash camera for safety
Unfortunately, road accidents and theft are always a risk when it comes to owning and driving a vehicle, but security measures like dash cameras are a great option. Whether that’s to catch an accident on camera or to deter thieves from breaking into your van.
For increased safety, consider buying a pair of dash cameras, one for the front and one for the back of your van.
Installation can generally be done from home, however, some cameras need to be hardwired into the van, leading to higher costs.
- Set up Bluetooth for hands-free communication
Using a phone while driving is illegal and could see you receive six points on your driver’s license and a fine of £200. However, professionals often need to stay connected with customers or coordinate with colleagues whilst on the road. The only way to do this safely is by installing a hands-free kit in your van.
Before buying a hands-free kit, you will first need to check if your van has Bluetooth connectivity fitted as standard. You can check this by looking out for buttons on the steering wheel or dashboard that look like they allow you to receive calls.
If your van doesn’t have Bluetooth functionality, then you have a few options. The first is a Bluetooth visor kit. These snap onto your visor and allow you to make and receive calls through their internal speakers.
The second option is to install a hands-free kit that connects your speakers to your van’s stereo. This allows for better sound quality but is more intrusive. You will first need to make sure the kit is compatible and that you follow the set-up instructions carefully. For ease, you can always get this fitted by a specialist instead.
