What upfits change about odor
A bare cargo van is a metal box, which is easy to clean. Once a business adds a wood or composite floor, wall panels, a partition behind the seats and bolted shelving, the van gains a lot of surfaces that absorb liquid and a lot of gaps where debris collects. Plumbing, HVAC, electrical and flooring trades all carry materials that can leak or shed: drain cleaners, sealants, wet insulation, food for the day, and mud from the job site.
The partition matters too. It is meant to keep cargo from sliding into the cab, but it also separates the cargo area's air from the cab's air. A smell that builds in the back can be strong enough to notice every time the rear doors open, yet the driver barely detects it up front. When that van comes up for sale or reassignment, the person opening the back doors for the first time gets the full effect.
Inspecting an upfitted van
Work from the back of the van forward, and take photos as you go.
Empty the cargo area completely
Remove bins, tools and stock so shelving and floors are fully visible.
Check under and behind shelving
Look at the floor directly under each shelf unit and the wall area behind it, where leaks pool and debris gathers.
Inspect the floor panel edges
Look for darkened, swollen or soft spots in a wood floor, especially near the rear and side doors where water enters.
Look at the door seals
Torn or flattened rubber at the rear and sliding doors lets rain and snowmelt in; look for rust lines or water stains below them.
Lift a floor section if possible
If a corner of the floor can be raised, check the metal underneath for standing water, rust or mildew.
Check the partition gaps
Debris and spilled liquids often collect at the base of the bulkhead where it meets the floor.
Terms you may hear
- Upfit
- Equipment added to a van after manufacture, such as shelving, racks, partitions and flooring.
- Bulkhead or partition
- The wall between the cab and cargo area.
- Floor liner
- A wood, composite or rubber layer installed over the factory metal floor.
- Wall liner
- Panels fastened to the van's interior walls to protect them and give a mounting surface.
- Source removal
- Taking out or cleaning the material that holds odor before any deodorizing treatment.
General information for Arvada, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.