fitting out a van

[chris s]

This might be a little of topic. All of you that fitted out a van to work out of.
  How long did it take ?
  Did it keep you from your paying work?
  Approximately what did it cost, include your labor?
  I am wondering if fitting out vans could be a partime business.  Thanks for your info in advance.
                                                                              chris
   

 

[chrisrosenb]

I have an enclosed pickup truck instead of a van. I did put a lot of time into it.

The amount of it will take, depends on what you want to build into it.
If you like to be organized & like to find things quickly, you will be putting in a lot of time.
If you just throw things in the van & then hunt for it when you need it. You will not need to spend much if any time on it.

If you are self employed, any work you do for yourself  takes away from paying work.

Cost also depends on what you want to build into it.

I do a lot of finish work. I am a pack rat when it comes to what other people consider scrap cabinet grade lumber & plywood.
I used a lot of scrap material on my truck. I did have to by 3 sheets of maple plywood for pull out drawers.
I never consider labor as a cost on my own projects. 

 

[AndyG]

I have been told over and over I needed to embark on a similar venture ...the reality is , at least to me , high level organization is personal,  trade specific,task and tool specific, and is as much a mindset by the user as it is something that can be provided .

 

[Nippychippy]

It took me a couple of weekends so it didn't interfere with getting payed. It took me so long to decide on we're things were to go only the other day I rearranged a few things it never really ends its all ways evolving

 

[chris s]

Thanks for the replies. My thoughts are generally with yours. Layout and organization is personal and who better to do it than the one who will use it.

 

[Billy stray]

I used sign grade MDO& red oak for its durability (and because I had some) for my cube van, I don't know how long it took I built them after work time, I think I spent about 600$ on plywood & hardware I have to agree with the last post, it does evolve. And yes I have been asked many times by people in other trades to build out their van or trailor but never really followed through for fear of giving them sticker shock on its ultimate material & labor cost...
my truck needs a systainer remodel now, I already have it planned & designed

 

[SFAVGUY]

I went the easy route, kept working and paid someone else do do it. All shelving, led lighting, extra battery, & power inverter ran around 10. I have a couple of racks to build that are specific to my business but otherwise I was done in 5 days.
[attachthumb=3]

 

[Billy stray]

That is a nice looking set up !