RVL’s Rear Door Concept Offers Impressive Weight Savings
September 2008
Specialist bodybuilder, RVL has recently introduced a new rear door assembly for a range of 3.5 tonne box bodies. The innovative Modular Triple Rear Door Concept was originally designed in response to a client’s need for increased payload to suit its city-based multi-drop delivery operation. After extensive research and development and field testing, RVL added this design element as an option in its build portfolio.
RVL is adept at developing ideas and design solutions for its clients, and this new Modular Triple Rear Door Concept is no exception. This special vacuum-formed door assembly was developed to minimise the body’s overall weight and enhance the vehicle’s pristine appearance. With an approximate weight saving of up to 175kg over a standard rear frame and door assembly, this lightweight 3500kg vehicle can achieve an impressive one tonne payload.
The design, which revolves around a unique RVL hinge-point and utilises a slam lock rear end, offers many advantages over and above those associated with weight. Ease of repair is just one benefit, as is price. Safe and simple operation and easy access to the load compartment from the rear are amongst other features of this design.
Naturally the door assembly has been designed with temperature control in mind and is currently available for a range of 3500kg chilled specification box bodies. The company also intends to develop the concept for frozen applications. RVL has always stuck rigidly to the principle of only using the very best quality materials across its entire product range and, as one would expect, this new rear door concept adheres to this rule.
RVL believes that this new development will be a definite boon to those operating 3.5 tonne vehicles and the company is excited about the prospect of this design feature really taking off. In addition to operational and practical benefits, users can also expect this new rear door concept to enhance the overall good looks of the completed vehicle.
For more information, please call 01825 840733
Weddel Swift Selects RVL
September 2008
RVL has just completed a multi-vehicle order for fresh meat specialist, Weddel Swift Distribution Ltd. These new, high quality RVL Insulated Conversions were designed as single compartment for chilled operation and feature many functional and practical build elements to satisfy Weddel’s delivery operation. The 5600kg Mercedes Sprinter vans were supplied through contract hire specialist, Petit Forestier Refrigerated Vehicle Solutions.
Weddel Swift Distribution Ltd has been serving high street butchers for over 100 years and has an enviable status in the domestic and international meat trade. With a comprehensive range of home-produced carcase pork, beef, lamb and primal cuts, along with an efficient nationwide chilled and frozen distribution network, Weddel Swift is able to provide a dedicated personal service to caterers and butchers regardless of their location.
Weddel selected RVL to perform these new van conversions, as it had confidence in the company’s ability to produce high quality and innovative vans and box bodies. Indeed, RVL’s approach to bodybuilding and vehicle design has been a major factor in the company's success, with orders having been secured from many of the country’s leading food manufacturers and distributors.
Amongst other design elements, these latest vans feature a special meat unloading system which RVL designed to suit Weddel’s operational requirements. This bespoke unit works in conjunction with the meat rails and hooks, and assists the process of unloading meat carcases from the van’s rear.
To access the van’s interior from the kerbside, the original factory side door was removed and replaced with a single low temperature door, providing an effective barrier from the ingress of heat. In addition to superb thermal efficiency, this door also produces a clean and polished look and works beautifully with the Sprinter’s form. Furthermore, it has been finished in a gel coat that matches the Mercedes paint code, alleviating the need for painting, whilst enhancing the overall look of the van.
With 25 years’ experience in the refrigerated transport market-place, RVL is able to provide fully integrated temperature-controlled solutions which satisfy clients’ requirements, and these latest vans for Weddel Swift are a fine example of this capability.
CV Show Success for RVL
April 2008
RVL, one of the UK's premium insulated bodybuilders, recently exhibited at the CV Show in Birmingham and was delighted by the level of interest shown in its products. RVL's three exhibits were fine examples of the company's innovative design capabilities, and attracted a variety of visitors – both existing and prospective clients alike.
The emphasis for the 2008 show was on all things ‘green' and the vehicles displayed highlighted RVL's ability to develop vehicle solutions that take account of environmental issues in addition to other key factors, such as payload, performance and practicality.
The first crowd-puller was an all-electric, zero-emission vehicle developed in conjunction with leading Italian electric powered vehicle manufacturer, Micro-Vett. The 3500kg box body vehicle was designed for a supermarket's home delivery operation within central London, and as well as being ‘clean' is also beautifully quiet, producing minimal acoustic emissions. An impressive range and a re-charge cycle of just four hours add to this vehicle's appeal, as does a good operating speed. In addition to the electrically powered engine, the vehicle is also home to an innovative electric refrigeration system – yet another element selected with the well-being of the environment in mind.
The body also features RVL's new Modular Triple Rear Door Concept which provides access to the load compartment from the rear. This special vacuum-formed door assembly has been developed to minimise weight and enhance the vehicle's looks. With an approximate weight saving of up to 175kg over a standard rear frame and door assembly, this lightweight vehicle achieves an impressive one tonne payload.
RVL's second exhibit, representing the company's mid-to-large build capabilities, was a dual compartment 18000kg distribution vehicle designed for use during unsociable hours. To help reduce noise levels when the vehicle makes its deliveries in the very early hours, RVL designed the vehicle with specialist low-noise equipment, including insulated roller shutter and column tail lift. A Carrier Supra ultra low-noise refrigeration unit was also featured, providing an ideal solution for the client's urban delivery operation.
The side of the RVL Box Body featured the new Traxx framing system which allows for campaigns to be printed on large sheets, known as ‘skins', and changed as regularly as needed. This means there is less vinyl wastage after a promotion, as the skins can be re-used as often as needed. The Traxx system is a more environmentally considerate way of vehicle branding; campaigns that are seasonally repeated can be promoted without the need for re-printing vinyl on each occasion, and when the skins do come to the end of their life, they are biodegradable.
Representing the smaller end of RVL's product range was its third exhibit; a Mercedes Sprinter insulated panel van. The van was specified as dual compartment (frozen and chilled) suitable for carrying wet and frozen fish, and features many beautifully designed build elements. Amongst these are items such as RVL's low temperature side door which is hinged on the right and, when opened fully, sits flat against a buffer on the side of the panel van. The door is held open with a strong magnetic catch, offering the operator clear and safe access to the load compartment.
The conversion features RVL's high specification, three-element panel kits which fit neatly around the interior walls of the load compartment. The panels feature high density insulation and a layer of special plywood finished with a high gloss gel coat for easier cleaning. The smooth contours of this lining work well to complement the van's interior, whilst at the same time providing a thermally efficient insulator which is vital in ensuring correct temperatures are maintained. Featuring a dual evaporator refrigeration unit, this conversion is able to cope with the demands of the client's multi-drop operation. A drainage gully and a 45-degree angle between the walls and floor were incorporated into the build to aid waste water flow. The result is improved hygiene and a reduction in possible bacteria build-up.
The exhibits represent just a fraction of RVL's extensive build capabilities which range from car-derived insulated van conversions, right through to 26 tonne temperature-controlled rigid box bodies. These products are all built to ATP class C standards and carry a ten-year manufacturer's warranty. RVL also offers a ‘Specials' range which caters for dry freight vehicles, car transporters, mobile shops and portable cold stores.
In addition to new build, RVL also has an efficient nationwide after-sales operation which undertakes chassis renewals, re-paints, refurbishments and body repairs. To get a more complete view of RVL, add to this an in-house vehicle graphics service, fridge design, consultancy and installation, plus in-house panel manufacture, with panel kits available for export.
RVL Exhibits Green Vehicle Solutions
April 2008
The Commercial Vehicle Show 2008 Preview
NEC Birmingham
15-17 April 2008
Hall 6
Stand 6-350
At this year's Commercial Vehicle Show, the focus on the RVL stand will be on all things ‘green' and the exhibits will illustrate the company's ability to develop vehicle solutions that take environmental issues into account. The RVL stand will be ‘green' at every corner and is certainly one not to be missed. With three very exciting and innovative examples of RVL's high quality insulated box bodies and van conversions on show, a visit to Stand 6-350 is a must.
With innovation always at the forefront, there is clearly more to RVL than just building bodies; ideas, ingenuity and invention are all very much part of the company's ethos. With so much emphasis on reducing one's carbon footprint, RVL has been carrying out extensive research into ways of potentially lessening the impact that its commercial vehicles may have on the environment. In line with its eco-policy, the company is constantly looking at environmental issues in the transport refrigeration world, with areas such as emissions, noise pollution, insulation K factor values, refrigeration capacity and long-term equipment capability being carefully considered. RVL was keen to develop vehicle designs that really embrace the ‘green' theme.
Example of RVL's high quality build
When used in the context of heavily congested urban areas, the word ‘diesel' may sometimes now be deemed as something of an expletive. RVL's first challenge was to find a vehicle powered by an alternative, non-fossil fuel. The project would need to promote environmental safety, human health and town and city beauty as a starting point, with vehicle range, speed and payload being other factors to consider.
RVL's research led it to leading Italian manufacturer of electric powered vehicles, MICRO-VETT SPA. By itself or in partnership with big automotive companies and with important research groups, Micro-Vett offers vehicles that combine the comfort of large scale products – already appreciated in the traditional version – with the technology and reliability of its own zero emission electric traction.
Since their very first meeting in 2007, RVL and Micro-Vett have worked closely together to develop a lightweight vehicle that could be used for a supermarket's home delivery operation within central London. The resulting 3500kg build will be displayed for all to see on RVL's stand. Using advanced batteries, the vehicle is capable of operating at a good speed and with an impressive range. Furthermore a good payload has been achieved with no loss of performance. This new all-electric vehicle has no gas emissions to choke the City and, when operational, produces minimal acoustic emissions - little more than a gentle purr - and is sure to impress even the most sceptical.
RVL's second exhibit is a flexible and user-friendly hybrid panel van designed for a multi-drop distribution operation in the Capital. This fine example of an RVL chilled conversion also features an innovative electric refrigeration system – yet another element selected with the well-being of the environment in mind.
Also on display representing RVL's mid-to-large build capabilities is an 18000kg vehicle which will sit with pride on the stand amongst its high calibre equals. The vehicle features an RVL fully-bonded box body along with many other elements designed to help reduce noise levels when the vehicle makes its deliveries in the very early hours. Specialist low-noise equipment includes an insulated roller shutter and column tail lift at the rear and an extra low-noise refrigeration unit for urban deliveries at the front of the vehicle.
The vehicle is liveried using the new Traxx framing system which allows for campaigns to be printed on large sheets, known as 'skins', and changed as regularly as needed. This means there is less vinyl wastage after a promotion, as the skins can be re-used as often as needed. The Traxx system is a more environmentally considerate way of vehicle branding; campaigns that are seasonally repeated can be promoted without the need for re-printing vinyl on each occasion, and when the skins do come to the end of their life, they are biodegradable.
All three exhibits highlight RVL's commitment to providing complete refrigerated transport solutions that are at the forefront of innovation and technology. Whether seeking a large distribution vehicle for unsociable hours, a City-based multi-drop van, an all-electric home delivery vehicle, or indeed an extremely complex vehicle of a totally different nature, RVL will be able to satisfy your requirements. Think not of the company as just a bodybuilder, but as more of a pioneer; one whose vehicles aim to set the pace rather than follow it.
RVL to Launch New Look Repair and Refurbishment Service
April 2008
RVL's highly acclaimed repair and refurbishment service is itself about to undergo something of an overhaul. This sector of the business has been operating under the RVL banner since its inception in the early 1980s; indeed it was in this very area that the company first commenced trading. The operation will be re-launched with a new company name, ‘The Repair Network', and a re-branding program will follow, rolling out across all areas of the business over the next few months. The Repair Network will still, of course, be part of the RVL group, but will operate with its own corporate identity, offering complete repair and refurbishment solutions.
The range of services offered will remain unchanged, as will the high standards of customer service. Customer benefits will increase, however, with the introduction of additional remote depots across the country and increased staff levels. Dedicated depots will be dotted throughout the country, covering the North, the Midlands and the South West, which, along with the existing head office in the South East and a specialist mobile team, will enable the company to provide a truly nationwide service.
For those not familiar with the company's repair operation, a comprehensive refurbishment and repair service is offered. This ranges from accident damage, re-paints and chassis renewals, through to complete refurbishment of box bodies, chassis cabs and transport refrigeration systems.
Running alongside the workshop operation is the mobile service which caters for on-site repairs. A team of highly skilled technicians in fully equipped vans can visit the customer's site to undertake repairs to minor accident damage or to undertake repairs or modifications of a less significant nature that do not require workshop attention. This rapid response service helps reduce valuable vehicle down-time and therefore helps maximise operational efficiency. Furthermore, prompt attention to repairs helps avoid longer-term damage, thereby reducing overall maintenance costs.
Whether opting for work to be carried out at their own premises or at one of The Repair Network's branches, clients can be confident that an effective and professional repair will be undertaken in the best possible time-scale.
The Repair Network's services are not restricted to insulated vehicles or to any brand, indeed they cover many types and makes of commercial vehicles, such as dry freight and curtain-sider vehicles, for example. The Repair Network is focused on offering customers complete packages that take care of their every need, provide long-term peace of mind and help control fleet expenditure without loss of operation, professionalism or corporate image.