6 min reading time · Sortimo Station Essen
Which van racking suits which van?
From the Caddy to the Crafter: what the vehicle class decides about the right racking — and what to watch out for at each size.
Compact class (Caddy, Kangoo, Partner)
In a compact city van every centimetre counts. What works well is single-sided, shallow racking with small-part drawers and a few case holders — the second side stays free for bulky items. Important: watch the low permissible gross weight; here lightweight construction is not an option but a must.
Mid class (Transporter, Vito, Custom)
The best-selling class offers room for full racking on both sides — but does not have to use it. Typical: driver's side fully fitted with shelving and drawers, passenger side half height so that long materials can lie across. Here it is the stocktake that decides, not the space.
Large class (Crafter, Sprinter, Ducato)
In a large panel van the racking becomes a mobile workshop: work bench modules, a vice, long-goods trays and a well-considered zoning concept — small parts and tools at the front, machines and material at the back. On high-roof versions a second shelf level is worthwhile.
Special cases: dropside, crew van and electric vans
Dropside vehicles work with underbody boxes and tool cases, crew vans with compact rear modules behind the seat row. With electric vans the weight question is even more critical — and the racking must not touch any high-voltage components. There are tested solutions for that too.