Ordering an upfit for your work vehicle should be straightforward. You need shelves, drawers, and maybe some ladder racks. How complicated can it be?
Well, here’s the thing: While it might seem simple on paper, a whole lot is happening behind the scenes that most people don’t realize until they’re deep in the process.
The good news?
Most of the struggles—the delays, the surprise costs, the “wait, that won’t work?” moments—can be avoided with a little upfront know-how. So, let’s pull back the curtain and talk about what your distributor wishes you knew before placing that order.
Custom or Standard Vehicle Upfits: Which Upfitting Process Is Best?
This is the fork in the road where you need to get honest about what you actually need versus what would be nice to have.
Custom upfits are the bespoke suit of the work vehicle world. They’re tailored to your exact workflow, fit like a glove, and handle whatever curveball your job throws at you.
But like that bespoke suit, customized vehicle upfitting services take longer and cost more. If you’ve got specialized tools, a unique workflow, or you’re running an unusual vehicle setup, custom might be worth every penny.
Standard upfits, on the other hand, are your reliable, off-the-rack option. They’re quicker, more budget-friendly, and honestly?
They work great for some general contractors, plumbers, electricians, and service pros. If you’re hauling common tools in a standard cargo van, a standard upfit will probably do you just fine.
The key is being realistic about your needs and timeline. Don’t pay for custom if standard gets the job done, but don’t cheap out if your work demands something more specific.
Know Your Vehicle Inside and Out Before Discussing Customizations
Here’s where most upfit orders either sail smoothly or hit the rocks: knowing your vehicle inside and out.
Your distributor needs the specifics—make, model, year, and configuration. Sounds basic, right?
But you’d be surprised how often a small detail gets missed. A roof height that’s two inches different, a wheelbase that’s slightly longer, a door configuration that’s not standard—these seemingly minor variations can completely change which upfit options will work for your rig.
Pro Tip: Have your VIN handy when you call. Better yet, snap a few photos of your vehicle’s interior or swing by so your distributor can eyeball it in person. Nothing beats seeing the actual truck or van you’re working with.
Accurate information saves everyone time, money, and frustration. Get the details right upfront, and you’re already ahead of the game.
Understand Project Timelines Before You Schedule Your Vehicle Upfitting
Now, about those anticipated timelines.
When your distributor gives you a timeline, they’re not being pessimistic—they’re being realistic. Project timelines exist because quality work takes time, and getting the right parts for your business equipment isn’t always instant.
Ask about timelines early so you’re not stuck without your existing vehicle when you need it most. Understanding how long things take helps you plan better and avoid downtime.
And here’s the thing: accurate specs speed everything up. Wrong information can trigger restocking fees, reorder delays, and installation setbacks. Nobody wants that.
Talk to Your Distributor Like They’re on Your Crew
Here’s a little secret: your distributor wants your upfit to work perfectly just as much as you do. But they can’t read minds. The more details you give them, the better they can help you.
So what does good communication look like?
Start with the basics. Show them photos or videos of your vehicle’s interior. Tell them what tools and materials you’re hauling daily—and what industry you work in.
Describe how you actually use your vehicle so they can help make it more efficient. Are you in and out 50 times a day? Do you need quick access to certain items? Are you working solo or with a crew?
When you talk through your setup, make sure to cover things like:
- Vehicle Details: Roof height, wheelbase, door type, and any aftermarket mods.
- Daily Workflow: What tools you grab most often, how often you load/unload, and where you work from.
- Storage Preferences: Where you want shelving or drawers placed.
- Access Needs: Which tools do you use most often, and which do you rarely use?
- Crew Size: Whether it’s just you or multiple people using the same vehicle, it’s a good idea to share how many drivers or employees would be impacted if the vehicle were left unchanged.
Get specific about preferences, too.
And if something’s unclear, ask.
Your distributor would much rather answer 20 questions upfront than troubleshoot a problem after installation.
Think of it this way: You’re helping your distributor help you. The clearer the picture you paint, the smoother everything goes.
You Need to Start Customizations Early So They’re Finished on Time
Nobody loves planning for everything. But here’s why it matters with upfits: early planning is the difference between a smooth project and a scramble.
When you give yourself a solid timeline before you need the vehicle in service, a few things happen:
- Parts get secured without rush fees.
- Your distributor has time to really rein in the design.
- Installation doesn’t get crammed into some impossible window.
- You avoid changing orders that nickel-and-dime you.
And let’s talk about the real cost of waiting: Every day you’re working without the right upfit is lost productivity. You’re wasting time digging through a disorganized truck bed. You’re making extra trips because you can’t carry everything you need. That’s money walking out the door.
Ready to Get Your Upfit Started?
Here’s the bottom line: Know your vehicle specs, understand lead times, pick the right upfit style for your needs, communicate clearly, and give yourself some breathing room on the timeline.
These aren’t complicated steps, but they make all the difference between an upfit that’s a hassle and one that fuels your hustle.
Contact your local Adrian distributor today and let’s plan an upfit that actually makes your job easier.