As service trucks change to meet the demands of fleet managers and mechanics, so does the design for service truck drawers and accessories.
“Field techs need to be prepared for any job,” says Sondra Kirby, sales support for cranes and drawer packs at Summit Truck Bodies in Wathena, Kansas. “With the limited space available on service trucks, organization is key – and that’s where a well-designed drawer pack can help.”
Material used in service truck drawers
“Material construction for drawers has changed quite a bit,” says Brian Richards, manager of interactive marketing and communications at The Knapheide Manufacturing Company in Quincy, Ill. “Historically, steel has been predominant – and it still is – but aluminum and alternative materials like advanced plastics have gained popularity within the last few years.” He says these changes are due primarily to available payload and improved fuel economy. But choosing the proper drawer material ultimately comes down to the service truck’s application and the specific tools that will be carried and used.
Drawers made of aluminum and advanced plastics can help prevent corrosion problems often seen with steel. But companies that use their service trucks in harsh work environments, such as mines or oil fields, typically prefer 14-gauge steel construction because of its durability, Kirby says.
Steel also allows mechanics to carry more load (and heavier items). “The steel drawers we commonly utilize have a 500-pound rating per drawer, while the aluminum drawers have a 250-pound rating per drawer,” Richards explains. If aluminum drawers are overloaded, they might eventually fail and need to be replaced.
If you’re considering a change from steel to aluminum, Summit Truck Bodies engineering manager Jim Harris notes that making the switch isn’t as simple as just changing the construction material noted on production drawings.
“The difference in raw material characteristics means that the grade and thickness of the aluminum selected are important parts of the design equation,” Harris said. “With any material thickness change in a component, the overall drawer and cabinet designs need to be reviewed to keep gaps and tolerances in line.”
Innovative drawer design features
From one-handed operation and slam-shut prevention to creating drawers in custom sizes, drawer manufacturers are developing new features based on user feedback and requests.
Larger T-style handles with plenty of hand clearance allow for one-handed operation, making it easier for mechanics to activate the drawers when their hands are gloved (or they don’t have both hands free to pull open a drawer).
“Mechanics typically have their hands full with tools and equipment for the job; they need their hands as free as possible,” says Knapheide’s Richards. “Any feature that allows them to complete a task hands-free, like closing a drawer with an elbow or shoulder, or opening a drawer with a finger, can save a trip back and forth and improve overall productivity and efficiency.”
Removable drawers are also a popular option being integrated into service trucks. Not only do these types of drawers allow for easier installation, but they also let mechanics take drawers with them to the work site to save multiple trips back to the service truck.
A dual-locking drawer option offers many benefits to service truck mechanics as well. With this feature, drawers can be locked into position both in the “open” and “closed” positions. “This feature is especially helpful when service trucks are parked on an incline,” explains Tom Wibben, sales and service manager at Maintainer Corporation of Iowa in Sheldon, Iowa.
Any design upgrade that maximizes storage space is also a commonly requested option.
“End-user requests have recently driven us to standardize our bolt-in dividers in a side-to-side layout versus a front-to-back layout,” says Nathan Schiermeyer, engineering manager at Maintainer. “This allows customers to store long wrenches and tools without having to sacrifice divider space when needed.”
Fabricated single-point latches that often latch only on one side have also given way to a much more user-friendly, full-width latching mechanism, says Schiermeyer. “The rollers themselves also have improved as far as capacity and options.”
Newell says that concealed latch mechanisms are another new alternative, offering both better protection and improved aesthetics.
Customizing drawer designs
Fleet managers appreciate the ability to customize and make the most of the drawer space. Even within the same fleet, service trucks don’t all need to be outfitted with the same type of drawer system. With the variety of customization options available, tool storage can be created based on the service truck’s application and the types of tools on board.
Drawer system size is just one component that can be customized.
“Some managers are actually choosing to install smaller drawer systems so the mechanics can’t fit as many tools in the truck, which helps avoid overloading,” says Jeff Newell, sales manager at American Eagle Accessories Group in Garner, Iowa. Most manufacturers offer drawer heights ranging from three to 12 inches to fit as many drawers in the truck as possible while also accommodating a range of tool sizes.
Drawer depth and width can be customized as well. For example, Harris says that Summit Truck Bodies’ drawers range in depth from 12 to 24 inches; width varies from 12 to 48 inches.
“Many of these newer drawer options have been implemented to reduce user frustration,” explains Wibben. “Too much weight in the drawer sets may limit the amount of equipment that can be stored on the truck. Steel components tend to see corrosion over time. Drawers rolling in and out can be frustrating while you’re trying to work. Some drawer sets are cumbersome (or unsafe) to operate while wearing work gloves.”
These types of requests are what drives product development, Newell emphasizes. “You have to build what the customer wants and needs.”
Leah Grout Garris is a full-time freelance writer, editor, and marketing consultant based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.