Work Truck Upfitting Tips To Help Optimize Equipment Performance

Upfitting and installation tips

Is the upfitting process for your work truck fleet helping you improve performance and save money?

There are specific considerations to keep in mind when upfitting a work truck with an all-in-one system. Taking the right steps during upfitting and installation can pay off in the long run.

Eight best practices for upfitting a work truck with an all-in-one unit:

• Tip 1: Mount the unit on a stand 

  All-in-ones mounted directly to the truck bed floor make it harder to perform routine service like oil changes; instead, mount the unit on a stand when possible. This makes it easier to perform service and drain out the engine oil from the unit. The easier it is to perform service, the more likely it is that the unit will be serviced as needed.

• Tip 2: Optimize fuel line routing 

  When routing the fuel lines to connect the unit to the chassis fuel supply, be sure to use at least the minimum recommended hose diameter. The owner’s manual for the all-in-one will note recommended fuel hose diameter for the specific unit. As hose length increases, it’s a good idea to also increase the hose diameter to compensate. In addition, keep the routing straight, with as few fittings as possible. Snaking the hose through cabinets and using numerous elbow fittings will add restriction to the fuel line. This reduces the amount of fuel that gets to the machine and often causes low power that affects performance.

• Tip 3: Ensure proper airflow around the unit 

  Packing an all-in-one into a tight space on a work truck and surrounding it with other items or equipment limits the space for airflow. This can cause the machine to overheat. The owner’s manual will spell out space requirements to help optimize performance for each type of all-in-one unit. Be aware that space requirements can differ for each side of the unit. Some sides of the unit may require an inch or less of clearance. Other sides need more space depending on the design. For example, an EnPak® A30 pulls airflow through the end of the unit, while an EnPak A60 pulls airflow through the radiator grill on the back side.

• Tip 4: Provide space for service  

  When installing an all-in-one system, make sure there’s room to get into the top and side of the unit to access service points. When the space is too tight, it can prevent techs from performing basic service. It’s important to pay attention to both the top and side access panels. If a unit is mounted under a deck, for example, it can hinder the ability to open the top cover and a slide-out system may be necessary. The service points inside the unit can differ from model to model, so check the owner’s manual before installation.

• Tip 5: Take care with enclosed units 

  Whether the all-in-one is being installed in an enclosed truck or cabinet, be aware of proper installation methods for an enclosed unit. In an enclosed space, there must be proper exhaust routing, cooling airflow and ventilation for the unit to operate safely and efficiently. 

• Tip 6: Install an inverter to optimize Chassis Power 

  When using an EnPak A30 or EnPak A60, it’s beneficial to install an inverter that runs off the 12-volt battery system. An inverter ensures that fleets and technicians get the full benefits of the Chassis Power feature. On an EnPak system, Chassis Power monitors the truck battery voltage and automatically charges it as needed. Technicians can turn off their truck without worrying about jobsite tools draining the battery while they work. Installing an inverter allows technicians to utilize 120-volt power for things like battery chargers and tools, while the EnPak monitors the chassis battery to keep it fully charged. 

• Tip 7: Connect the all-in-one to the chassis battery  

  One common truck upfitting mistake with the installation of EnPak power systems is connecting the unit to a separate battery rather than to the chassis battery. Upfitters may think this is saving wear and tear on the chassis battery, when it really just results in fleets not getting the full benefits of the unit. To optimize setup, connect the EnPak to the chassis battery. This allows the unit to charge the chassis battery when necessary as detailed above regarding the Chassis Power feature.

• Tip 8: Put remote panels where work is done  

  Remote panels allow technicians to access the all-in-one unit’s controls from outside the truck bed, increasing convenience and efficiency. To optimize versatility, be sure to install the remote panels in the most convenient, usable location for the tech. Place the remote control panel in a cabinet, close to the main work area.

Optimize performance

Taking the time to follow best practices when upfitting a work truck with an all-in-one unit will result in optimized performance and cost savings in the long run — and more satisfied technicians. Learn more about the versatile all-in-one solutions from Miller.