Refrigerated van hire in the West Midlands

10 Tips When Purchasing A Refrigerated Van

When it comes to purchasing a refrigerated van, there are numerous factors to consider. Vanfridge Ltd, an established business since 2002, is here to provide you with some valuable insights and guidance. In this article, we’ll explore 10 essential Tips to keep in mind when buying a used refrigerated van. For your peace of mind, on ALL retail sales of Vanfridge Used Refrigerated Vans, each of these 10 items will have been discussed, investigated, checked and resolved prior to delivery:-

1. What Specification Suits Your Business Needs

Before you enter the potential minefield of used refrigerated van shopping, take a moment to understand your own specific business requirements. Consider the types of products you’ll be transporting, the quantity, and the distance you’ll need to travel whilst still controlling their temperature. To negate your risk during this process, ask Vanfridge for provide advice and assistance, to help you select the right refrigerated vehicle.

2. Determine Your Budget

Budgeting is a critical aspect of any business decision, and purchasing a refrigerated van is no exception. You should have a clear idea of how much you’re willing to spend. Keep in mind that while upfront costs are significant, ongoing expenses like maintenance and fuel efficiency should also be considered. Once again, Vanfridge can offer advice on a particular vehicle, therefore reducing your future operating costs.

3. Used Vans

Used vans should always be inspected for wear and tear. This can prove difficult when you are viewing a used vehicle on a website and the drive to its location for viewing may be many hours away. Once again using Vanfridge will help remove these risks. Before offering any refrigerated vehicle for retail sale, we will have carried out a full condition and history check on all parts of the vehicle and all remedial work required will be carried out before delivery to your premises.

We’ll also answer any questions you may have to save you the journey to view our vans, providing any photographs or written confirmations you wish to request. Of course, you can visit our premises during office hours, where you will be made very welcome.

4. Check Refrigeration Unit Specification

The primary function of your van is to maintain the temperature of your cargo. Ensuring the refrigeration unit is reliable and capable of maintaining the desired temperature range is essential prior to purchase. As an approved GAH and Hubbard Zanotti dealer, and approved Carrier installer, Vanfridge will have completed all these pre-retail sale checks, and any servicing or repair work required will always be carried out.

5. Used Vehicle Inspection

Whichever used refrigerated van you decide upon, be sure to review its complete maintenance records from new, on both the vehicle and its refrigeration unit. A refrigerated van which has been well-maintained is much less likely to encounter breakdowns and will save you money on potential future repairs. Wherever possible, Vanfridge will have comprehensive maintenance records with each of the used refrigerated vans we retail. If we don’t have this information, we’ll make you fully aware of its omission prior to any sale agreement.

6. Fuel Efficiency

In these days of high energy costs, fuel efficiency is always a top priority. Therefore, where possible, roof mounted refrigeration unit condensers should be fitted in a recessed condenser mould above the cab. This usually only applies to 3.5t GVW vans fitted with a medium or high roof, as it is unlikely to be achievable on vans below 3.0t GVW, which almost always have a low roof as standard and there is no choice other than to roof mount the refrigeration unit condensor e.g. Ford Transit Connect; Citroen Dispatch; Mercedes Vito. ALL retail Vanfridge used refrigerated vans with a High or Medium Roof (usually 3.5t GVW) will have recessed condensor moulds above the cab. If not, we will only sell them as trade vehicles, as they have a lower residual value and do not meet modern energy saving requirements.

7. Size and Storage Capacity

Always select a van size that suits your business needs. Make sure it has enough storage space for your products, either on pallets, plastic trays or handball. If required, we can add alloy shelving and alloy loadspace protection retrospectively to most used refrigerated vans prior to delivery. This also applies to many other options e.g. Hope T Bars; Parking Sensors; Alarms etc.

Vanfridge can also retrospectively fit Overnight electric Standby, but the fitting costs are high and usually its cheaper to find an alternative vehicle, where electric Standby was fitted from new.

8. Consider the Resale Value

Even if you plan to keep your refrigerated van for a long time, it’s essential to consider its potential resale value. Opting for a reputable original vehicle manufacturer, a good quality original conversion and an originally correctly specified and fitted refrigeration unit can positively impact a van’s future resale value. Vans originally supplied by Vanfridge, either taken in part exchange or de-fleeted from our own Rental Fleet always meet the above requirements.

9. Research Financing Options

Investigate the available financing plans and choose one that aligns with your budget and cash flow. Don’t base your purchase solely on the cost of the monthly payments you can afford.

Check the vans actual market price before buying, and how much interest you will be paying over the agreement term to achieve the “attractive monthly costs”. High percentage interest charges can easily be hidden by an overall higher van sale price. Once again, Vanfridge can help.

We have long term relationships with a number of Finance Brokers and Companies who will give you good sound advice. Vanfridge will not be part of this process, merely offer suggestions of companies we trust and use regularly to finance our own Rental Fleet vehicles.

10. Safety Features

Last but not least, prioritize safety features. Your refrigerated van should come equipped with the latest safety technologies to protect both your cargo and your drivers. They are both very valuable items for your business.

In conclusion, purchasing a high-quality retail used refrigerated van is always a significant investment. By following these 10 Tips and considering your own specific business requirements and budget you can make a well-informed decision that ensures your products stay fresh and your business can provide great solutions for your customers.

Give Vanfridge the opportunity, we’ll give you sound advice and provide a high quality used refrigerated vehicle that suits your business.

QUESTIONS?

Get in touch with the team.

Call: 01299 253 478