Dude, just cut to the chase instead of leap frogging there. Go back to the 10' utility body like the first one you had, that thing was amazing.
Set it up right and you'll never look back.
If the one thing holding you back is gas mileage well then, suck it up! If it's making you money then stop pinching pennies. It's a write off anyway.
As Starsky says: Do it....Do it...


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When you have sold a large system, you have probably covered lots of options and further selling is not likely needed.

It's the small upgrades and troubleshooting calls where you should be ready with upgrade paths. Sonos always deserves a mention, and I keep some basic gear on the truck. I keep a few URC remotes when one is not currently used at all or an old text remote is on the premises. Network gear.

You don't have to hard sell, nor should you. But if you educate and there are good reasons behind the gear you are carrying, there will be add-ons.

To not be prepared for it is not good business!

I agree with Tom:

URC remote, base station, LAN switch, router, WAP, surge protection, Sonos (but I struggle with which SKU?).

This is exactly right in my opinion. During service calls and (for us) yearly check-ups for customers on service plans you have a great opportunity for additional sales. As much as we like to believe that customers think about us around the clock...they don't. But when we are in their homes we have a great opportunity to meet their needs. If we can provide instant gratification we have a better chance of completing additional sales.

If all of your jobs are $150k+ this might not be as true, but when you are doing $10k jobs and budget is a big issue every trip back is a good chance to meet another need you weren't able to touch in the original install.

Installed AP's, but not a new router? Now you may be able to.
Installed a Playbar but the sub wasn't in the budget? Maybe it is now.
Installed a great remote in the family room? Why not the master now?
See iPad's lying all over the place? What about a Launchport?

We don't stock all of these things on our vans, but every van has a full network (router, APs, PoE switches, basic switches, and wireless bridge.) Power line adapters, URC remotes, an Elan HR200, a couple of IP cameras, and a small IP Wattbox. We also have someone at the warehouse during work hours, so if a Sonos Sub or Launchport needed to be delivered to a jobsite it wouldn't take long at all.

What are these rack demo kits you speak of?

The last 3 months or so i've been eating healthier and bringing my own lunch instead of leaving jobsites, which also makes me more efficient.
Colder weather is about here and it's nice to have hot food if I want it.
Today i'm installing a microwave in my truck.
Yes, I have the space :)

You need two vehicles. The install vehicle...big box truck or van with everything on it and a service vehicle that you can fit a ladder, tools, parts in.

I used to drive a big box van back in the early days (15-20 years ago). 3 days a week it was great because it had everything in it and we were doing prewires and delivering gear. 2 days a week it sucked because you couldn't park it in any garage down town, you could barely get it down the alleys and it was basically a rolling graffiti canvas that cost $20 a day in gas to go pick up VCR's to take in for service.

You should have kept the mini. Beep Beep.

I actually hated the look of the Nissan NV when they first came out. I now like them. I think they are a better value then the ford. Better built, warranty and less expensive. I am just afraid of the gas mileage. I heard they are around 12-13. My buddy is getting around 17 an a standard height Transit. I also have the Connect. I want to change to carry product as well..Need it on the truck, not in the garage...

We have the same truck (and I love it). I put an inverter and microwave in mine last year. The guys love it. Hot lunch, and we have popcorn on the way home in our CT traffic.

I recently added a transit connect to the fleet. It's a great service, or hang n' bang van. It's easy to fit around the city, and the mileage is fantastic.I can't see working out of it full time though. I love the fact the I can stand up in my truck. I dint need to empty the thing to get any tools or parts with the compartments on the outside. I can fit almost any job in it. I love having anything I need on any job.

Thanks again Zohan for posting your van up! I wouldn't have gotten mine without you.
Cheers!
JT

I think this is my next install truck.   Except fully wrapped and with a large storage compartment in the back for tools, parts, equipment  (similar to the RV trailers with cycle storage in the rear)

Customer needs a demo on site, done.
No time to run out for lunch, done.
Rough day and need a nap, done.
Black Ops III just came out and you really want to get a few hours in without your wife busting your balls, done.​​​
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I nearly bought one of these for the purpose of a mobile showroom...and '2nd home'; but didn't have enough space out front of my house to park it...then we got our new showroom instead. If we get to the point of doing a fair amount of out of town work (eastern Washington - Grow and resort homes), we may revisit it.

Have you guys actually ran the numbers on the milage annual savings?
If we lived in Europe with gas being $/gal, it might make sense to base vehicle purchasing decisions on MPGs, but in current environment, if smaller vehicle is going to cost you in efficiency and/or on the spot upgrades, it just doesn't make sense.

In your example, difference between 12 & 17 MPG with average of 15,000 miles/ year is about $820 per year.
That's couple of APs or a playbar.

[Link: fueleconomy.gov]

Love the Seminole colors!!!!

Bingo! ^

Jason, no problem. I'm still waiting to see pics of yours though! :)