RVL’s Rear Door Concept Offers Impressive Weight Savings
12th 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
12th 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.