Join Elias as he builds his dream work van
This is what Elias’s Crafter looked like before PN Montage started installing the van racking.
How do you create the perfect work van for a carpenter handling everything from historic log houses to major renovation projects? For Elias Fredricson, better known as @fredthecraftsman on social media, it comes down to generous load space and smart solutions that work in everyday life.
As a carpenter and new ambassador for System Edström in Sweden, Elias takes us behind the scenes as the van racking in his Volkswagen Crafter takes shape, from initial 3D design to completed installation by our system fitters PN Montage in Timrå.
– It turned out great. It’s just how I imagined, only even better, says Elias Fredricson.
A business focused on building conservation
Elias was born and raised in Sundsvall. Today, he runs Holms Bygg och entreprenad AB alongside his father and five other colleagues. The company’s strength lies in combining traditional building methods with modern solutions tailored to the conditions of older properties.
On social media, Elias shares his construction projects, his daily life as a carpenter, and life behind the scenes.
– We’ve done all kinds of jobs, but recently we’ve been working more and more on older buildings, especially foundations for older houses, Elias explains.
An exciting project is also on the horizon:
– We’re extending a residential property and relocating an old timber bakehouse, which will be connected to the main house. The timber cabin will also get a new basement, says Elias.
PN Montage installs the van racking.
A Crafter with room for everything
The choice of work vehicle fell on a Volkswagen Crafter, primarily due to its generous cargo space. Elias needs to fit everything from hand tools to larger machinery and building materials inside. Before the van shelving was fitted, the load compartment was not being fully utilized.
– It was hard to reach things stored in the middle, and you only end up using a small part of the van space before you have to start stacking items on top of each other. It was pretty useless, actually, he laughs.
To find a solution that worked, Elias consulted our sales representative Miranda Tjärnström and our fitters at PN Montage, who have extensive experience installing van racking from System Edström.
A van slide out platform as a workbench
Elias wanted an interior layout where tools are visible and easy to access, almost like a showroom setup. At the same time, there needed to be plenty of storage space for equipment.
The result was a van shelving system along one side of the vehicle, featuring open storage and plastic bins for smaller tools. By one side door, there is a drawer system containing both small and large drawers, while the other side features a sliding platform that doubles as a workbench. Elias is particularly pleased with the collaboration with PN Montage.
– They’ve fitted so many vans that they can bring additional perspectives and refine your own ideas into something much better, he says.
The finished van racking in Elias’s Crafter.
Drawer system in one of the side doors.
Plenty of storage space and an open load area.
Sliding platform by the other side door.
A work van that keeps evolving
Although much is already in place, there are more ideas for the future. Among other things, Elias wants to find an efficient solution for transporting windows, as the company also carries out window restoration.
The goal is to turn the Crafter into an even more complete mobile workspace. Plans include a microwave, coffee maker, electrical system, and an awning on the side of the vehicle.
– We work out in the countryside a lot, where nothing is nearby. You can’t always step inside anywhere, and there isn’t always heating or facilities available, Elias explains.
This is just the beginning of the journey toward the dream work vehicle.
– We’re actually planning to produce a full multi-part YouTube series, so there’s more to come, says Elias. Here you can see the first video (in Swedish).
How Elias outfitted his Crafter
- Shelving system along one side with plastic bins and open storage space
- Pegboards plain sheet on the rear doors that are easy to customize
- Drawer system by one side door featuring both larger and smaller drawers
- Sliding platform by the other side door that also serves as a workbench
- Extended drawers beneath the sliding platform for screws and other small items
Would you also like to build a work van that makes it easier to stay organized and bring the right equipment to every job? We help you find van racking that works for your daily routine. Contact us to find the right solution for your work vehicle.
