"Mini HVAC Service Vans"...can you really work out of them??🤔🤔

[@brianvannote1884]

Andrew thank you for sharing the vans. Great feedback in the comments. Here are some of my thoughts to address how I decided to give the small vans a chance. When considering new vans for service work it is about functionality and total cost of ownership. The smaller vans are more cost effective to purchase, maintain and fuel not to mention easier to drive and park. From a functionality stand point the City can be functional if keep organized and clean. (From an owner if your van is not clean and organized at all times you are not doing your job. More on that to come.) Each van has a purpose and we would not consider one of the City vans to be for a tech that does installs or larger jobs. The vans are just another tool that we have. The current fleet of vans includes the 2- Pro Master City as seen in the video. We also have 2-Express 2500 vans and 3- Express 3500 Cutaways with Supreme service bodies. My company primarily does restaurant refrigeration and cooking equipment. We do not do residential HVAC where you can get away with a few motors, contactors and capacitors. The variety of equipment that we work on makes it almost impossible for any service van to have a complete stock of parts to cover everything a tech may need to look at (not to mention the overhead cost of stocking all of the parts times 7 vans, as a company we already have close to 75k of parts on hand). It is not practical nor fiscally responsible to have multiple vans riding around with parts getting damaged or lost only to be used every few months or worse yet once or twice a year. For the majority of equipment, we only use OEM parts and that is why we established the travel box concept by brand/type of equipment. When it is known what we will be looking at and the tech is starting from the shop they will take the travel box with them. Other times we use a parts runner to deliver needed parts to the tech at the job. This allows us to manage the overhead and not waste resources with parts just sitting in a van. As for the common “universal” parts ie. Contactors, time clocks, temp controllers, etc… we do keep those on each van. Van organization and cleanliness- There is no excuse for a dirty un-organized van, period. The customers are paying us to service their equipment, which includes getting tools, parts and supplies out of our vehicles and it also includes putting everything away at the end of the service. I liken not putting tools and supplies back where they go at the end of the job the same as not putting panels back on a piece of equipment. Would you leave the job without putting the equipment back together? The job simply is not done until everything is back where it came from. If you are not putting tools and supplies back in their place at the end of the job, you are not completing the job. A van with everything just piled in is risking damage and lose of said tools and supplies. Let’s be realistic how long does it really take to put everything back? Also consider the wasted time digging and looking for things at the next job because it is not back in its known location.

[@apprenticephil649]

I live in Canada and bought a small 2017 Nissan NV200 for Refrigeration And Geo Service. I love it and can easily fit everything in the van including a collapsing ladder. The trick is to use the entire height of the cargo area to maximize the space. It has a Ranger Axess tray in it so I can rollout tools and use it as a work bench. Great gas mileage and a 100000 mi warranty.

[@denverjbaker]

I just got a 2010 Ford Transit Connect and I absolutely love it! I do all of the sales and service and I'm still in the process of getting everything organized but so far, I love it and I really love the gas mileage savings!

[@fixithvac9360]

How does it work for change outs?

[@happysnowfish]

I'm a mobile automotive locksmith and I rock a Ram Promaster City. I have plenty of room for a full size toolbox/workbench combo. I keep all my key programmers and key/fob stock in the toolbox. I built a 42"×18"×2" workbench for my key cutter, duplicator, vice, and inverter. And across from that I have shelving that holds my tool kits and manufacturer specific rekeying kits. And best of all, I can sit on a stool and walk around(bent over of course) in the work area. This allows me to do all my operations inside and out of the elements. So far I love it. I was driving a full size Ford Transit 250 before but getting up and down out of it was killing my knees. Plus the PMC gets 25mpg combined versus the Transit's 15mpg combined.

[@NorCal-refrigeration]

The bigger the van the more stuff you’ll put in it.

[@HVACRDUDE]

Nor-Cal Refrigeration & H.V.A.C like fat girls and flowers

[@hvacrjunky6119]

I have a Transit Connect and even though it is too small I have made it work for the past 2 years. I do restaurant refrigeration, heating, & air conditioning. I carry many different refrigerant, lots of tools, and plenty of truck stock. I would say that the most important part of truck organizing for me is having the correct shelving set to maximize space. Having a small van I have had to make adjustments like only carry 1 nitrogen and only carry the oxy/acet that are on my torch set. This means that I am always refilling before they are empty. I switch my summer and winter stock so that everything will fit. This is a pain in the between seasons. I also carry a lot of universal parts to save space. Although my next vehicle will most likely be a full size van I have made the mini work well for most of my jobs. 😎👍

[@RealityRenovations]

Thats an alright option for what he does.. throw any work that requires air filters in the mix and the small size becomes a big problem.

[@nathancarney3373]

Set up maintenance customers with filter and supply delivery on a schedule. There are a couple of websites that do this. Customer will call when items arrive, don't have carry them around with you.

[@fatguyonagrom9515]

I'm rolling a Transit Connect and it sucks for stockpiling. Told boss before he bought it to get me an Econoline 150 but he argued that these get 24mpgs. Lol. I haven't seen it yet. Stick with at least mid size.

[@robthurlow1347]

What a transit connect in the UK will get between 50 and 70 mpg but we get diesels

[@kyleh1974]

I used to run a 2010 Transit Connect for residential service work. It wasn't too bad. The guy who had the truck before me built this large shelf across the top shelves to utilize the higher roof. I kept most of my truck stock up there and had the rest of the van free for tools and supplies.

[@dani1i1i1i1]

I do rental home maintenance and "downgraded" to a NV200. A smaller vehicle forces you to be cleaner and more efficient with your work. Was a transition but now I love driving around my little work go kart.

[@mitchellarmyguy2515]

That first set up seems absolutely perfect. One more piece of equipment for larger jobs but shit what more do you really need to perform the task.

[@scrambler350]

I'd hate to give up my 3/4 LWB Express - but I can see why companies don't wanna run something that gets 14mpg on a good day - luckily I don't have to pay for the fuel! I carry a decent amount of stock on my truck as well as duplicates of most of my tools because we're one county AND ~1hr away from where the supply houses are...that's nearly 2hrs round trip to just 'run and get a part', so I try to keep all common replacement stuff for residential on my van...I LIVE between the supply houses and where we work - so if we need anything I have to get it 1st thing in the AM before heading to work. IMO, unless you're just gonna carry tools and bare minimum you're better off getting a REAL work truck/van that's 3/4ton or greater. My old 1/2ton Chevy Express was overloaded and didn't get any bettere mileage even with the 4.3liter V6 vs my 3/4ton with a 4.8liter V8 and much better 'get-up and go'.

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

13.7 mph is max on my 2020 3/4 ton Express , Standard Length.

[@Misterprepper]

I work in NYC as a service technician I’m in local 638 steamfitter, my company gave me a Ford Escape it works pretty well, we carry necessities and for parts we don’t have we call in and get it delivered, works for us.

[@sqike001ton]

so im a water and sewage worker i love the little ford transit for my gear and tools plus i have room to carry a large pump for replacement when i have to swap out a pump

[@HVACUncensored]

Your brother in law has a setup. That’s awesome and very smart for him to find what works for him. I agree with you I don’t think I could work out of one of them personally. I wouldn’t get them for my company either but I do think those smaller vans serve a purpose and if you can make it work then do it. Kick ass video as always AK. 👊🏻🤟🏻

[@AKHVAC]

Thanks homie! Like I said you gotta be a super organized tech to make a workspace like that work long term

[@Rezcat-y6r]

Good morning Andrew! I can see how this works for your brother in law. But most of us guys don’t just do one thing. I have a KUV body on my Chevy Express and I love it. This will be my last van working for someone. I have 5 Veto bags alone. Not only do I do HVAC service but I also do backflow testing. I might cover 4 counties in one day in SoCal. Imperial to San Diego to Riverside to Orange. I can’t go back and forth to the parts house let alone shop. In my van I can haul ducting, filters, motors, pumps etc. and still get to everything that I need to. Anyways I gotta go. I have a couple of WSHP condensers that I need to backflush. Great video as always. Have an Awesome Monday! God bless.

[@toshnotocom1546]

I have a Chevrolet City Express and I built a second platform tall enough to put the yellow top totes under the 2nd platform and it works pretty good but it’s hard to have shelving when you have both sliding doors and two big doors that opens the whole rear section. And I do rv repair so I keep the back section where I can stack 3 ac’s on top of each other

[@kylemierau6367]

I roll out in a reg cab ford ranger with a commercial style topper and a bed slide. if you have no choice, you learn to be efficient with space. bed slides are key to success with toppers. his sliding metal drawer kicked ass, I dream of one day having a van like that.

[@Meeks42041]

I’m in the Mercedes-Benz version of those vehicles and I’m all about it. Could be because it’s a Mercedes-Benz though...🤔 Great idea on refrigerant container shelf location. Killer double door option too.

[@CasperEnki]

We roll in full size vans or trucks. Same thing commercial kitchen repair and HVACR. You can’t fit equipment in the minis so only the PM guys get them. But parking is awesome when you have to go downtown in a mini!

[@DirtRat62]

Very interesting piece. Here in the UK we tend to use these smaller vans for city work. I had a long wheel base Transit Connect with Botts racking for the City of London and it was spot on, but no good for the supermarket work I do now, where first fix is key. Keep the videos coming. There may be a pond between us, but the rest is the same!

[@mikel9567]

When I was doing CATV work I had the Nissan NV200 van. Those particular vans were junk, but the size of them, which are the same size as the City or the Connect, was great. But you really do have to be organized. We had some install techs who just through stuff in the back. When your paid piecemeal, it doesn't make sense to be wasting time looking for a part.

[@ChrisHVAC]

Your BIL is a smart guy love how he even put the parts price on the lables

[@Akvan79]

This is the type of van space I have and organization is a very important part in keeping on track. As for parts I keep a small stock of things I normally need I.e. contractors and compactors. If I need anything else their is always a local supply shop that I can go to.

[@hvaclifewithalex4051]

Love really how much effort to keep those vehicles like that , so neat, so clean, so organized. 10 points and my two tumbs up 👍👍

[@AKHVAC]

Thanks for watching Alex!

[@tekhelet777]

Looks good on paper but I can see some issues for sure. I worked out of standard length low roof Chevy Express vans for 16 years. I made it work but I always hated crawling in the thing like some hunch back or something. The next place I work at had Chevy Express 3500 Cut away vans with a 10' long box, barn doors on the back. I ended up becoming the service manager there for a few years. When I left there and went out on my own I bought one of their vans with only 80k miles on it. the Chevy Express 3500 cut away with a 10' box and no side doors on the box is in my opinion the absolute best set up for an HVAC van out there. It is like working out of a little garage. The things are tough as nails and the box is easy to upfit. The MPG does suck, it doesn't look that cool, it is noisy on the highway, and the water drips on you when getting in and out because there is no gutter but otherwise than those things it is great.

[@pablito1786]

Great video I just started with a new company this is actually my first hvac job and i drive the small ford van I’ve been trying to figure out how I’m gonna lay it out. This video gave me some great ideas thanks

[@daniel343ful]

you're fucked dude. ive seen techs, good techs- leave good jobs cause of these cost efficient vans.I seen one tech throw 4 jugs of 22 on top of ford transit connect in frustration because he had filters in the back of his connect. the whole minimal stock on the truck may work with these dudes companies but watch your ass. your service manager is gonna go ape shit when u have to run for a motor, relay or a capacitor when you forget to restock it. and its gonna happen amigo. if it becomes a problem your service manager will bring it up when your annual raise review comes around and you get less than you think you should of gotten.

[@pasqualedeccio7630]

Awesome video brother I’ve been looking at the smaller van and after this I think I’m getting it thanks brother 👊🏻👊🏻

[@hvacguy11]

This is the only way to do service in NYC easy to park decent storage plus supply houses are 24/7 and one of them on every block so storage isn't to big of a issue

[@aircooledtx]

Very organized vans. Really functional.

[@anthonymastello1573]

Like you said I think they are great for certain applications like your brother in laws business or maybe a small residential outfit or a PM guy. Personally I could never work out of a van that size for commercial HVAC/R. I feel like my Chevy express van is too small sometimes for the amount of tools and parts I have to carry. I too travel a ton, mostly middle TN and sometimes Kentucky so being able to go back to the office is just not feasible. I appreciate what you are doing for our industry! Keep up the good work!!! 👊

[@sealteam818cw]

My biggest issue with using one of these, is keeping most of my Tools, Gases, refrigerants, ladders, misc... Then keeping a good stock of parts. Which I carry many motors, caps, relays etc. I'm having issues with having enough refrigerant, and gases as I can't carry back up tanks in most cases. Then to load larger OEM parts or compressors while keeping the rest of my truck stock and tools. Then comes the weight problem. But they can work for service techs, that don't repair much, and sales.

[@Jesus-bs5fl]

I had a Ford transit van and it was decently comfortable. I hated how the air conditioning took so long to kick in. I also *hated* the weak motor. I now do calls in an F150. It has great ground clearance and a very cold ac. It's got much more power as well. I don't have issues getting into traffic. Oh, I do service calls mostly. When I do installs, I'm tagging along with the install guys. I don't carry a lot of install materials ( unless they want me to carry something for them ).

[@familywest1697]

I know Dave of Nor-Cal has made the transition to a smaller Astro van, but myself, I'd have to weld 3 of these babies back to back! I have a full size Ford, and it doesn't have enough space at times to run both residential and light commercial HVAC. I only wish my van was as clean as yours. Unfortunately, I have things out in the floor space. I hate it, but can't afford to run back and forth for parts every day either. My nearest supply house is an hour away, so I have it all!

[@mrcrux213]

Very intelligent way to maximize the space Thanks man.😎

[@plumber_cayle]

Hey new sub. I have a 13 chevy van with the 6.0 v8. I love it. My next van will be a ford transit extended high roof. Feeding the algorithm.

[@azhvacr2332]

Nice set up for strictly low temp, but for commercial/residential/refrigeration. Will be hard. We have too much shhh.

[@3beltwesty]

Parking Space varies by Regions! Mini HVAC/Plumbing/Phone Service vans are easier to park in cities that have narrow parking spaces. ie what is easy to park in Mayberry NC with mile long parking spaces is hard to park in Seattle. Thus a Midwesterners battleship giant vehicle when used in say Seattle has parking far away using handcarts to carry one's stuff. I saw a plumber using a Prius Car in Seattle!. In Toyko, all the service vehicles are smaller since there is no place to park battleship vehicles. Few years ago I was uses a Ford Ranger shortbed pickup truck in Seattle with a carrier on the bed and it was sometimes way too big. ie Zillions of tiny cars parking close together on a streeet and thus one could not park the giant beast. It was like the Ranger was a land barge since local cars were spaced so tight.

[@dwight.bennett]

You hit the nail on the head! .It's much easier to throw some essentials in the hatchback (car) especially if it's an evening/weekend emergency call in an urban neighborhood where parking goes from tight in the day to full and tight at night!

[@DaveVanWest]

Also, parking in apartment or condominium parking spaces here in Southern California. With some service trucks you wouldn’t be able to access the side doors because of small parking spaces. ‘

[@americanrambler4972]

Dang! This is the first time I have ever heard of a Ford Ranger being described as too big! I am familiar with Seattle and how they have ratcheted down the parking space and driveway size over the years. But a white standard cab short box Ranger pickup is about as small as you can get and still carry a tool box. The only thing smaller are those really small mini trucks from Japan which are generally not street legal in the large metro areas like Seattle anyway.

[@mexifornia56]

Great video thanks , helps a lot of people I’m sure

[@thomasroberts8021]

This was a very good video. I am about to start my on HVAC business and looking to buy the nv200 over the nv1500. My only concern is how does everyone get there condensers and furnaces to the job site when they only own a small van? Thanks in advance.

[@PublicEnemy04]

Company I used to work for used these little vans for “Level 1 and 2” Technicians. Techs that were either doing nothing but Inspections and PMs, or they were not selling that much for the company. Once you made it to level 3 and above, you got the big boy van. Install got the box trucks. 😂

[@johngrant1337]

The only way to do service work in a small van is with floor drawer system (alum)and have a tank rack. No wall racks or shelves. The drawer system is the only way to do service work in any size van.

[@JayMoneyProductionz]

But can you fit a 2 or 3 ton condenser in the back? Maybe if a side rack was out in back?

[@fitter5423]

I noticed your black and yellow steamfitters sticker in the background. Pittsburgh Steamfitters Local 449. I’m a sprinklerfitter from Pittsburgh. Got a bunch of buddies that are steamfitters.

[@ThermalDynamicSevices]

Really awesome organization!

[@mr.b6972]

Dang there little babie vans. I like them though. It's extreemly organized 💪👊💯

[@chrismoody1342]

Never work for me. Ok for hauling tools etc. But I need to haul equipment; furnaces, coils and condensers, plus vent pipe, ductwork, plenums etc all in one trip. Not to mention the normal assortment of motors and a good stock of parts and filters. Plus I need the hp to pull a 20’ trailer to haul RTU’s.

[@AMStationEngineer]

Add a "teardrop trailer" on to one of those Dodge Promaster City's, and you'd have an unstoppable installation vehicle. Making me (almost) wish that I didn't retire!

[@robolson1576]

When I graduate I will be doing what Brian is doing.

[@jacobscyphers3630]

Kind of miss this fella.

[@derickkenny3110]

You have any extra solderweld hats?!?! Keep up the good work AK! Love the videos!

[@averagebloke4474]

Overall looks like a nice van I guess I agree with what you think it's situational. But I wouldn't mind a van like that. Random question but how long have you been doing hvac? You seem like you know your stuff.

[@lopaka79]

Just waiting for that 2019 Service Jet-Pack!

[@patmcb4]

This is exactly what I needed.

[@ganderson7014]

Great video !! Always looking for more ideas.

[@backyardtoolreviews9179]

I have been wanting to get a Chevy express for dryer vent cleaning, appliance repair, basic HVAC. Anyone have a video with a truck mount compressor?

[@separation32]

Got the 250 medium roof transit . Never will I go back to the low roof again… ever

[@StephenRardon]

i like the tote idea!

[@nathantsakos3474]

I got a Peugeot partner 1.6 hdi as my van. It has an extremely reliable engine. But i need a bigger 1 . i was thinking the Peugeot boxer since their engines havnt failed me yet

[@twiz8789]

Nice setup for sure. Of all the trucks I've ever worked out of, Chevy, Dodge, and Ford, I prefer the 1/2 ton Ford full size. They get around pretty good in the winter compared with a 3/4 or 1 ton with the stiffer suspension and stiffer tires. For me, the Fords have been by far the most reliable and loyal. Running one now with 272k on the ticker with no signs of any issues

[@oliverachbauer635]

Your bil should have his own channel.

[@ryoung212]

Nice organization just a little small for us

[@TySterling1]

Yet another great video Andrew

[@cranium33333]

Great video as always thanks for the tips!

[@tinymanthebeast]

I think the company wants maximum profit. The mpg is really high on the small vanes. I've meet a few techs how drive those. They do residential. Those vanes don't do to good in car accidents. I think the max speed is 70-75 MPH.

[@arthurjeyes5988]

max speed is a good bit higher than that

[@Eddy63]

Good vid Drew ... Full of idea's ...

[@creativetradesman6833]

Are you diffusing essential oils in the background?

[@meanlsmachine527]

Jacob Mullis that’s the only thing I could focus on. Lol

[@AKHVAC]

Yes but don't worry, I was diffusing POE oil, not eucalyptus😉.

[@fixithvac9360]

POE oil is great. I use it everywhere. I even stopped using olive oil in my salad because POE is way better :))

[@creativetradesman6833]

AK HVAC Right on Andrew! My wife is obsessed with the theives but I like eucalyptus too.

[@creativetradesman6833]

AK HVAC BTW, is that really what some of your travel times look like throughout your day? 2-3 hours from home?

[@jacobscyphers3630]

A bread truck couldn't hold all my stuff lol.

[@itsaprankbro1437]

Yo AK, what part of KY do you work out of? I'm in Louisville and work in Lexington quite a bit. Love the content bro!

[@AKHVAC]

Lexington dude👍

[@leifhoganson4554]

I would definitely feel claustrophobic in a smaller truck then a Econoline 250.

[@prestonjones9290]

Some great ideas thanks

[@user-zi6os4jv6w]

Do u have an inventory list 4 ur van?

[@417HVAC]

I think we’re switching to trucks. We use the E350 XLs. But they’re so hard to come by. We’re all running 170,000mi+. Can you do more kitchen refrigeration/hot side videos?

[@417HVAC]

Or even this 290 shit. Turbo Air is claiming on nameplate that 2oz will cool a 3 door RiC.

[@AKHVAC]

So I personally do zero hot side and maybe 2% “reefer” work. I’m a comfort guy. My brother in law owns the “R” business, I will try to get out and film some more of what he does👍

[@417HVAC]

Thanks Boss. Done work in everything as is my life. Really enjoyed your video talking about moving forward and learning new stuff as you become unhappy in one setting. Really grew old of residential as my father owns his company. Moved to Pipe Fitting and Constructing Industrial penthouse units for Mammoth and then moved to Kitchen/Refer work as pay greatly increased. Hvac is life. Its all I’ve ever known.

[@michaelomalley709]

Awesome video!

[@Audaz_Firme]

Can Anybody do a full general list of their tools and stock inventory.

[@briansummerall105]

I have a 2006 dodge sprinter 140 in wheel base. Eventually I will need bigger.

[@lvali6867]

Wow nice video and van

[@jonnymac31]

Like the totes

[@johnd4348]

I can never keep my trucks organized or clean. Just the way it is.

[@marjones69]

@@HVACRDUDE ..ouch bro...kinda mean, no?...i feel his pain but you just gotta suck it up, clean and organize because tomorrow the mess will be worse and you'll waste a ton of time looking for shit...that couple with running to the van?. Forget about it

[@JoseLopes-sq9zt]

The Best

[@Fishyplumber1986]

Man thats a tidy van wow

[@BMRFARMSKY]

I ran a Ford Transit for about a year doing finish carpentry and flooring. Never again. Have a F250 with commercial cap, 12 foot enclosed tool trailer and 16 foot enclosed material trailer. It's a good setup but I don't do alot of city work. I was downtown for a month back in the summer and the parking killed me. I don't know how big city contractors do anything. I had to call police to block a lane and direct traffic while we unloaded material.

[@gbrietzke]

Thats how u do it. It forced me to be organized in a good way

[@ThePete2432]

I could do a microvan if customers would purchase refrigerant and let us stock the compressor rooms like the old days

[@utubepro7742]

Bigger the better too much time and thought back and forth just to save a little gas I would just put parts in truck and fill the truck up even if it’s small I have a small van it is tough for space but you can pack em with parts and tools Just wont look as neat

[@markbeiser]

I can barely get all my stuff in a T-250 with a KUV body!

[@guusdejong2523]

I have a small van and I really hate it. Wish I had a bigger one

[@JoseLopes-sq9zt]

Você é o cara

[@earthling94]

I live in my van. I meant work... I work in/out of my van. I live in and work out of my van.

[@honkwok5489]

how much mpg those promaster run?

[@AKHVAC]

no idea my man, id google that one.

[@EastDallasKicks]

0:22 funny joke 🐸💥

[@chicagomodzz]

Absolutely not! My Dodge Pro City might as well be named the Pro Shitty. I hate that roller skate with a boiling passion!

[@Oscarbm1234]

HAAAAAA. This is funny cause I just got one. And no..... no you can’t.

[@clintglasgow5633]

👍

[@harrydickson4575]

👍👍👍

[@mazzmari]

Too bad the promaster city vans are total garbage. we had to sell all 5 in our fleet. Constant breakdowns all under 50k.

[@meeder78]

It's a Fiat Doblo with a Dodge badge so what do people expect from a Italian vehicle ;)

[@Ruslan-ws5gk]

привет, сколько нужно работать , что бы накопить денег на покупку такого авто и его систему хранения?

[@AKHVAC]

Can anyone translate...?

[@Ruslan-ws5gk]

how long did it take to equip the van with the necessary supplies

[@Ruslan-ws5gk]

translate using an online translator, maybe something sounds clumsy

[@cristianrozadilla2783]

tienes un volcan detras haciendo erupcion detras jjaja

[@davejohnsonnola2758]

cristian rozadilla ese humo me tiene hypnotized!

[@cristianrozadilla2783]

jajaja ... que locoque me respondan en español.. muchas gracias

[@mrcrux213]

Esta la chimenea humeando del volcan. Pero esta bonito el volcancito para dar humedad.

[@HVACRDUDE]

Get a moped and just be done

[@sjefoekel6058]

Hahaha thats right. I bought a bigger van to get better organised, you cant reach the parts you need, when you cant get in your van because its to small.

[@mohammedsalman9045]

i need a job I'm from india and have a great interest in hvac