A Minimalist's HVAC Install and Service Van

When I talk to guys at the various outlets and shops, you know, we have a different approaches to what our vans are like.
Some of them take a very comprehensive and over-the-top, if you will, approach to inventory, and tools and I take more of more of a minimalistic approach.

Fits It All for Installs

This van was specifically set up to be capable of doing installs, as well as service. To have the space for large equipment, they measured the boxed sized of equipment and chose shelves and organizers to fit around those dimensions.

They can slide any size condenser or furnace they want in through the side cargo door and they still have the back cargo area available.

On occasion, they've hauled 2 full systems at a time, including a furnace/air handler, condenser, and evap coil.

One Ladder

There is only one ladder on the truck, a Werner collapsible unit that expands into a 7' step ladder or unfolds into a 17' extension ladder. It fits neatly behind the bulkhead and takes up very little space.

A ladder on a roof rack is often slower and more difficult to get - it's high and has awkward tie-downs. Since this ladder is inside, grabbing the ladder is simple and painless.

The only downside is the weight:

This Werner MT-17 weighs 33 lbs.

A 6' fiberglass stepladder is about 22 lbs and an aluminum one is about 15 lbs.

The Better Torch

He prefers the Victor oxy-acetylene torch kit for one reason: the handle on the carrying case. It's solid and makes for good day-to-day carrying.

As he points out, you're going to lose your shiny, new tanks at the gas house, and he doesn't care too much about the gauges.

Minimal Kits

There are very small organizers with copper fittings, electrical parts, and iron fittings mounted next to the side cargo door.

There is an installation bag, a heater bag, and a small tackle box dedicated to plumbing.

The shelves have a surprisingly minimal amount of inventory, especially compared to some other Texas HVAC van setups.

A small shop vac head that snaps on to a 5 gallon bucket sits on the shelf. It can work with the bucket that holds the collapsible hose, which saves a lot of space.

Even on the most disorganized shelf, it's pretty easy to see what tools are there.

Keep the Noise Down

HVAC and plumbing trucks have tons of metal parts and usually metal shelves, so the rattle is real!

This truck has thin rubber matting on shelves to reduce sound. Foam pipe insulation is wrapped around a roll of copper tubing to keep it from banging against the end of the shelves.

He says:

You don't think it's much, but when they start squeaking all day long and you're riding in this thing, you'll change your mind real quick.