How can I prepare my work vehicle for the new year?
The Holidays are almost upon us....but just round the corner is a brand new year...setting up your work vehicle for the new year will help you feel organised and prepared. Here are some tips to help you get started -
1. Clean & Declutter - Remove everything from your vehicle, give the interior a thorough clean, and discard unnecessary items.
2. Inventory - Create a list of all tools and supplies you need to carry. This ensures you have everything you need and can keep them organised.
3. Install Storage Solutions & Shelving - It depends on your trade, but Shelves, bins & drawers can be customised to your requirements.
4. Label everything - use labels to define where every tool and part goes. This will save you precious time when trying to find something.
5. Safety Measures - Take time to securely fasten any heavy items to prevent damage should they move while you're driving. Keep a fire extinguisher and first aid kit handy at all times. A torch, batteries, water, snacks and a blanket can be stowed for use in an emergency.
6. Maintenance - Take the time to perform a thorough maintenance check on your vehicle. Check oil, tyres, brakes, lights and your towbar if you have one.
7. Digital Setup - Update or sync any digital equipment or apps you use for work. This included GPS, job management apps and any other software that is part of your work life.
8. Creature comforts - Consider the things that make your vehicle comfortable for long hours on the road; install seat covers, phone holder/charger, fridge etc. Also, if you have any creatures who travel with you - make sure they have shade, water, and a soft place to sit during the day.
9. Diary / Planner - Treat yourself to a new planner for the year - digital or paper - take the time to discover what format works for you, and designate a daily appointment time to check it and update the details of your work day.
Great Job! Enjoy the rest of your holidays, knowing that your work vehicle is primed for a powerful start to the new year!
Can organising my work vehicle affect my productivity?
it might come as a bit of a suprise, but a well organised van or ute can have a major impact on productivity at work - and the absence of clutter frees up brain space and gives a sense of calm.
Consider these tips for an organised space -
Declutter - remove all the gear, throw away the obvious trash, discarded packaging and broken equipment.
Take stock - group like items together, and create an inventory list - handy to trigger reordering and ( dare we say it, in case of vehicle theft)
Lay a solid base and work your way up - just as a house relies on a solid foundation, secure your large and heavy items on the floor first.
Think storage solutions -
cable reel holders
gas bottle cabinets
Organise based on usage and task - if using specific tools or items frequently, make sure they're easy to access
Add light - purchase inexpensive battery powered lights or strip lighting for those hard to see spots
Use all available space - even the back of the swing out door an hold clear magazine racks for cleaning supplies, or a plastic shoe holder with multiple pockets.
Having an organised work vehicle increases productivity throughout the day, for tradies, knowing exactly where everything is and being able to easily access it - try it...
How should I maintain my aluminium tray?
Here are some tips to help maintain an aluminium tray and extend its lifespan.
Regular Cleaning - Clean you tray regularly with warm water and a mild detergent. Use a soft sponge or cloth to avoid scratching.
Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners or cloths as these can damage the aluminium surface.
Dry off the surface with a chamois or soft cloth.
Regularly check your tray for any signs of damage or wear. Addressing small issues early can prevent them from becoming bigger problems.
Proper storage - where possible, store your tray in a dry place to avoid exposure to excess moisture, which in turn can lead to oxidation.
Good maintenance can keep your aluminium tray in great condition for many years.
What are the benefits of fitting an alloy tray to my ute?
1. Weight reduction - Alloy trays are significantly lighter than steel trays, which can improve you Vehicle fuel efficiency and handling. Eg An alloy tray can weight aroun 160kg compared to 308kg for a steel equivalent.
2. Payload Capacity Increase - The lighter weight of an aluminium tray means you can carry more cargo without exceeding your vehicle GVM.
3. Corrosion Resistance - Aluminium is naturally resistant to rust, making it a great choice for environments where your ute might be exposed to moisture or harsh weather conditions.
4. Fuel Efficiency - The reduced weight of an aluminium tray can lead to a better fuel economy, especially if you frequently drive long distance.
5. Durability - Though aluminium trays are lighter, they still offer ample strength and rigidity for most applications. They are less likely to dent compared to steel trays.
Ultimately the choice depends on your specific needs and how you plan to use your ute.
What is the cost of a towbar
The price is different for each Make and Model of vehicle. Towbars are made specific to each different model of vehicle, mostly they are made to have a towing capacity to match the vehicle manufacturer's limit.
Example - toyota Corolla 2020> 2024 may have a 1600kg towing capacity, an a Lancruiser 2019>2024 has a 3500kg towing capacity.
This capacity can be found in your vehicle hand book, or by contacting the vehicle manufacturers helpdesk. It is advisable to do this by email so you have a record. Print this and keep it in the glove box in case you need to prove it when you are on a trip.
When we price a towbar, it has 4 sections, Towbar (the physical frame and the bolts) Wiring parts (includes the ECU), the trailer socket (this is the connection you plug your trailer into), and the labour cost to fit it.
The towbar wiring is designed to connect to the existing wiring in the vehicle, and in most cases this is a plug in system. Vehicles with a more advanced wiring system require a more advanced towbar harness and this increases the overall towbar price.
These prices vary greatly from vehicle to vehicle so SCVA price each vehicle separately. You could expect the completed project to cost you between $600 and $2500.
It is Transport regulation that if you are towing 750kgs or more (Trailer and load) you require the trailer to have brakes. These rules can be found on the Transport Department web site in your state, and we recommend you read them before you tow. There are 3 main types of trailer brakes, Hydraulic, Electric/Hydraulic and Electric, the last 2 mentioned require a controller to be fitted in the vehicle behind the dash, and in most cases this is an additional cost that will cost you over $700.
Read your handbook for the specification of your vehicle, some smaller vehicles the manufacturers require electric brakes if you are towing over 400kgs.
April 2024 Cooler weather = A good Time to clean your work vehicle
A change in the weather is a welcome reprieve from the long wet summer, and is a good chance to clean up and refresh your work vehicle.
Empty the cargo space of your van or the ute tray and toolboxes, and give the storage space a good clean with spray & wipe and some paper towel or microfibre cloth.
Wipe down the seats, the steering wheel, the door pockets and the glovebox. (Dump all the papers etc in a box to sort next weekend).
Leave it to dry and consider how you will reset the space once it is dry. Take the time to rehydrate with your favourite beverage and get some fresh air.
Restore your tools and equipment to their spots, make a note of what needs reorganising in your phone or calendar to tackle it another day (dont be tempted to organise today - otherwise the task becomes too overwhelming).
Once everythings away, give the outside of the vehicle a good wash with your favourite cleaning products (or run through the local carwash) - dont forget the wheels.
Start your work week feeling clean and organised.
March 2024 Maintaining a Management system for your Work vehicle
Many of us run our business from a vehicle these days - thanks to technology, so its important to have a management system so all important info is accessible when we are on the job.
Simple systems are the easiest to maintain - create a folder on your phone or laptop, of get an actual binder from Officeworks or the home office.
Firstly, note your vehicle details, when the rego is due, Insurance policy number, finance payment details, log book,etc.
Suppliers / Contractors- keep the contact details of your regular suppliers and contractors
Emergency contact details - partner's contact details, kids school number, Parents contact details, Dr's number, RACQ, Insurance Rep contact, worker contact info, workcover policy details, fire protection equiment Maintenance schedule
Accountant - keep the accountant contact details and a virtual file or zippered pouch for any receipts which apply to work
Forms & advertising material- invoices, advertising material, business cards, quote forms etc
Cash / Cards - Keep a small amount of cash and or Debit & credit cards to hand
Calendar - have a digital or paper calendar to refer to all work related dates
First Aid - keep a list of First Aid supplies and regularly check that they are in good condition and on hand
Once the system is set up and working, it can be expanded to include checklists for routine tasks, instruction for what details to capture in the event of an accident, reminders for equipment maintence etc.
