Upfitting Saves Time on the Job
Often when a company works with Expertec the two things required in an upfitted truck or van are increased space and better storage. Ironically, when Comtek Security – a full service security and alarm company located in Terrace, BC – came to us for their next upfitting project, the end result ran counter to typical thinking.
Prologue
Several years ago, Expertec upfitted a Ram ProMaster for Comtek. Its co-founder Brett Walker worked closely with Rod Ridewood in Expertec’s Edmonton office to design a work van to handle all of Comtek’s needs. The ProMaster was upfitted with a full suite of shelving, a ladder rack, and a variety of smaller items, and it still serves in the Comtek fleet today.
While the ProMaster had proven its worth over thousands of kilometres, the changing nature of Comtek’s business meant a different vehicle would ultimately be needed. Comtek’s growing reputation in BC – especially in the northwest part of the province – meant more time behind the wheel.
Brett explained, “Many times over the last few years, business took us far from home. While the ProMaster offered a fantastic solution for getting the job done, ultimately, the lack of passenger space meant one thing – if I was bringing my team or if I wished to bring my family along, we were taking two vehicles. At the same time, the ProMaster simply didn’t have the towing capacity to handle a loaded trailer.”
It was time to find a better solution.
The Business
Comtek’s services range from home security systems to multiple-zoned commercial units. As the company has grown, their focus has remained on the customer and their needs, and while they specialize in Avigilon access control systems for commercial/industrial customers, Comtek’s team also has the ability to install and service nearly any type of security and alarm system. Even older units using analog technology are well within Comtek’s abilities.
Brett said, “When it comes to security, many people think it’s about protecting an asset. The truth is, it’s also about monitoring that asset. In the remote areas of Canada where we operate, companies may only have the ability to send one person to a job. Our systems can make sure that employee is safe.”
Regardless of what the threat is – theft, loss of power, or environmental challenges – Comtek creates and maintains the systems that protect Canadians’ investments.
The Challenge
The tools and equipment for security systems aren’t found in a local hardware store or big box retailer, making the first requirement for Comtek the ability to carry all parts and supplies with them.
Next was space. The Ram ProMaster had generous interior space, and with the upgrades by Expertec, storage was maximized.
In reality, changing expectations and the evolution of the business made the ProMaster’s large-sized advantages a drawback. A lack of towing capacity and passenger seating had Comtek requiring two vehicles for road trips and all the negative outcomes that implies.
Twice as much fuel.
Twice as much windshield time.
Twice as many miles.
Twice as much wear and tear on company assets.
The Solution
Comtek chose a diesel powerplant in a one-ton truck as the base for their new vehicle for power and efficiency. Working closely with the Expertec team, Brett shared how Comtek used their trucks. Challenges were uncovered and options were explored.
It was obvious the ProMaster had been too big. They instead chose the SpaceKap Wild, which is the middle-sized SpaceKap system. It was paired with a 4,000-pound bed slide to allow easy access to the interior and any bulky items. This is a proven time saver and a safety feature. Comtek’s team doesn’t need to worry about slips and falls while carrying heavier items.
Additionally, a ladder rack was fitted that serves double-duty carrying conduit.
The Denali was factory equipped with a power inverter and Expertec mounted a 120-volt receptacle to easily charge batteries and use electronics on remote jobsites.
A set of load-levelling airbags were added to help better handle the weight when the Denali would be hauling a trailer and to provide a more stable ride while unloaded.
In all, Brett and the Expertec team spent many hours in discussion and research, and in the end, executing the upfitting process took less than two days.
The Results
Comtek has been using their upfitted Denali for over two months, having racked up nearly 5,000 kilometres.
“This thing is just awesome! When we upfitted the ProMaster, my thought process was about being able to carry all the tools and equipment we’d need, no matter where we were. With the SpaceKap, we lost what felt like a lot of room, but, honestly? It was room we weren’t using intelligently,” Brett said.
“We know where everything is now. The storage bins in the SpaceKap are amazing, and our team all knows exactly where everything needs to be. It’s also making us far more conscientious about our inventory and storage systems because we know – before we ever leave the shop – we’re carrying the supplies we need.”
The upfitted Denali easily tows a trailer to the job, with room for up to five people in a spacious interior. Even with a much heavier vehicle – the full rig and trailer is nearing 20,000 pounds – fuel economy is much better.
It’s a more versatile setup even though the actual workspace has been reduced, especially since one vehicle can get the whole team there safely and comfortably. And the SpaceKap is designed to be transferable, so even when Comtek moves to a newer truck, their SpaceKap Wild can go with them.
One unexpected benefit Brett has noticed is the positive reception from Comtek’s clients.
“In the last few months of driving the Denali, the reaction has been amazing. Our long-term clients see it as a reflection of the professionalism Comtek is known for. I’ve had clients compliment me on it, because they know how much time we spend on the road. I even had a customer say how happy they were we had moved up to what they felt was a safer vehicle for the remote work we are sometimes called to do.”
About Expertec
Expertec is the premier upfitter for trucks, work vans, and fleet vehicles in Western Canada. With over a decade of experience, we specialize in upfitting solutions for any business that relies on vehicles to help get the job done. We have locations in Calgary and Edmonton, AB, and Abbotsford, BC, as well as our online store for the do-it-yourselfer or fleet manager.
Despite the success Expertec has had, we hold firmly to our small-business roots and ties to the communities we serve. Our success is driven by a commitment to quality and a carefully chosen network of commercial suppliers across Canada and the US. By holding true to our core mission and vision, we promise every customer and client the service they demand and the solutions they need.
No matter the challenge you might have in creating the perfect truck or van for your business or fleet, the team at Expertec is more than capable of achieving the results you’re looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions About Service Truck Upfitting for Remote Work
Why did Comtek Security need a different vehicle upfit solution?
Comtek Security needed a vehicle setup that better matched the changing nature of their work. Their previous Ram ProMaster offered strong storage capacity, but the company needed more passenger seating, better towing capability, and a more efficient way to travel to remote job sites with both crew and equipment.
What challenges was Comtek Security facing with its previous van setup?
The ProMaster had the interior space Comtek needed, but it lacked the passenger space and towing capacity required for longer trips. This often meant taking 2 vehicles, which increased fuel costs, driving time, mileage, and wear on company assets.
What vehicle and upfit solution did Comtek choose?
Comtek chose a diesel one-ton truck paired with a SpaceKap Wild system. This gave them a more versatile platform with towing capacity, crew seating, organized storage, and the ability to carry jobsite equipment efficiently.
Why was the SpaceKap Wild a good fit for Comtek Security?
The SpaceKap Wild gave Comtek organized storage in a smaller, more efficient workspace. Even though the total interior space was reduced compared to the ProMaster, the storage layout helped the team use the space more intelligently and know exactly where equipment and supplies were stored.
How did the bed slide improve safety and efficiency?
Expertec paired the SpaceKap Wild with a 4,000-pound bed slide, allowing heavy and bulky items to slide out toward the user. This helps reduce climbing, reaching, and carrying awkward loads inside the vehicle, which can save time and reduce the risk of slips or falls.
What additional equipment was added to the Comtek upfit?
The upfit included the SpaceKap Wild, a 4,000-pound bed slide, a ladder rack that also carries conduit, a 120-volt receptacle for charging batteries and electronics, and load-levelling airbags to improve handling while towing or driving unloaded.
How did the new upfit help Comtek reduce travel costs?
The new truck setup allowed Comtek to carry equipment, tow a trailer, and transport up to 5 people in 1 vehicle. This helped reduce the need for a second vehicle on road trips, cutting down on fuel use, driving time, mileage, and vehicle wear.
Why is transferability important for a SpaceKap system?
A transferable SpaceKap system can move from one truck to another when the company upgrades its vehicle. This helps protect the long-term value of the upfit and gives businesses more flexibility as their fleet changes over time.
What results did Comtek see after the upfit was completed?
Comtek reported improved organization, better inventory awareness, stronger towing capability, better fuel economy compared to using 2 vehicles, and a more professional presentation to clients. The upfit also made remote work easier by allowing the team, equipment, and trailer to travel together.
Can Expertec create similar upfit solutions for other mobile service businesses?
Yes. Expertec designs custom truck and van upfits for businesses that need organized storage, towing capability, mobile power, crew transportation, and jobsite efficiency. The right solution depends on how the vehicle is used, what equipment needs to be carried, and where the team works.
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