Mid-Year Check-In: 

We're already halfway through the year, and that's enough time on the road to know what's actually earning its keep on a work truck or van. Below is a look at the fuel handling, storage, and job site equipment that's been holding up its end so far this year, along with a quick breakdown of why each product works and what to consider if you're thinking about purchasing.

Fuel Transfer Equipment

If you're fueling equipment or other vehicles from your truck, this is the setup that keeps things moving. A transfer tank pump is the piece that does the heavy lifting. Mounted on pickup and flatbed trucks with transfer tanks, the pump dispenses gasoline, diesel, or kerosene into other vehicles and equipment right at the job site. A good pump means a strong flow rate and a dependable start each and every time.

Everything else in the fuel system supports that pump. A fuel hose swivel is a small part, but it keeps the hose from twisting and kinking on every pull, which makes the hose itself last a lot longer. 

For crews covering a lot of ground, an auxiliary tank/box combo is worth a look. These units are built to feed the main fuel tank of the truck, which stretches driving range and cuts down on fuel stops. Long distance drivers rely on this setup because it means fewer stops, the chance to fuel up where it's cheaper, and no need to navigate a large rig into a tight gas station. It also gives you fuel storage and tool storage in one unit, without giving up bed space for either one.

Van and Truck Storage

Truck Storage

On top of the truck, a ladder rack does the job for anything too long to fit inside. Mounted to the truck bed rails, it carries ladders, pipe, conduit, or lumber outside the cab, which frees up interior or bed space and keeps long material secured for the drive.

A crossover box is a great move if you're hauling a mix of tools and long material, and need lockable storage that doesn't compete for space. It also mounts across the bed rails, giving you dry, locked storage above the bed rather than inside it, so the rest of the bed stays open for whatever else you're hauling that day. For trucks running mixed loads regularly, it's worth the purchase.

Van Storage

Ask any tech running a van all day and they'll tell you organization is what separates a good day from a frustrating one. For organization outside the van, a van rack ratchet strap is one of the simplest fixes. These heavy-duty straps hook to the tie down points of your van racks, so nothing shifts or slides around while driving.

Once things are locked down, staying organized comes down to how the van is set up inside. A van shelf bin slides into van shelving to hold small parts, fittings, and supplies. It's a small change, but it keeps everything visible and within reach instead of buried in the bottom of a toolbox.

Job Site Gear

Once you're on site, small stuff like cords becomes a bigger deal than it seems. A cord holder keeps extension cords wound and ready instead of tangled in a bin or thrown loose in the back. It's a simple add-on, but untangling a cord at the start of every single job adds up to real time lost over a season, and a cord holder is one of the cheapest ways to get that time back.

Mid-Year Maintenance Checklist

Since you're already looking at this gear, might as well run through a quick check on a few things worth looking at:

• Transfer pump. Check flow rate and look for leaks around fittings
• Fuel hose swivel. Make sure it's turning freely, not stiff or seized
• Fuel meter. Test against a known amount to confirm it's reading accurately
• Tank accessories. Check caps, vents, and brackets for cracks or rust
• Tank/box combo. Check both the fuel side and storage side, not just one
• Ratchet straps. Look for fraying, rust on the ratchet, or straps that won't hold tension
• Shelf bins. Check for cracks and make sure they're still mounted tight
• Ladder rack. Check mounting bolts and crossbars for rust or bending
• Crossover box. Check the seals and make sure locks and hinges move smooth
• Cord holder. Check cords for wear while you're winding them up