If you spend your workday behind the wheel of a van, you already know—an unorganized van is more than just an inconvenience. It costs you time, money, and sometimes even tools. In fact, according to industry data, tradespeople lose an average of 38 hours per year just looking for misplaced equipment in their vehicles. That’s nearly a full workweek gone.

The right work van accessories don’t just make your van look sharp—they turn it into a mobile workshop built for speed, safety, and efficiency. Whether you’re an electrician, plumber, HVAC tech, or general contractor, the gear you choose matters.

In this guide, we break down top work van accessories by trade and by type, so you can upgrade your setup with purpose. From smart shelving systems to ladder racks and lighting, we’ve pulled together real-world recommendations trusted by crews across Oregon and beyond.

Let’s get into it.

Work Van Accessories by Industry: Top Picks 

Work vans are the backbone of countless industries—electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, contractors, and more. But no two trades use their vans the same way. That’s why choosing the right work van accessories starts with understanding how you use your rig on the job.

Whether you’re hauling pipe, storing tools, or charging batteries between stops, your van setup should work as hard as you do. Here’s a breakdown of essential accessories tailored to the way real crews operate—trade by trade.

Best Work Van Accessories for Electricians

Electricians rely on precision tools and small parts—losing time hunting for a wire nut or circuit tester can throw off your whole day.

Recommended Accessories:

• Shelving systems with labeled bins — look for modular setups you can customize by job type (outlet boxes, breakers, etc.)
• Lockable drawer units — critical for keeping power tools and high-value testers secured after hours
• Power inverters — make sure you get one with enough wattage to charge multiple devices at once
• Conduit carriers — opt for enclosed roof tubes to keep long materials dry and dent-free

Pro Tip: Think vertically. Maximize wall space and leave room for your step ladders or larger gear below.

Top Commercial Van Accessories for Plumbing

Plumbers juggle bulky parts, pipe sections, and wet tools—so your setup needs to be clean, durable, and water-resistant.

Recommended Accessories:

• Interior or rooftop pipe racks — look for ones that secure both short and long runs of pipe without sliding around
• Waterproof storage bins — essential for organizing hand tools that can’t get wet
• Adjustable shelving — gives you flexibility for carrying odd-shaped tools like drain machines or water heaters
• Exterior ladder racks — free up floor space and reduce damage risk to fragile fittings

Pro Tip: Keep heavy tools low and centered—this improves weight distribution and safety when driving.

Must-Have Van Accessories for HVAC Technicians

In HVAC, you’re balancing sensitive components, bulky parts, and dangerous tanks. Your van needs to be as organized as your shop.

Recommended Accessories:

• Gas cylinder holders — make sure they’re DOT-approved and mounted securely to prevent shifting
• Fold-away shelving units — ideal for combining larger part storage with usable work surfaces
• Bright interior lighting — especially if you’re working early or late; LED strip kits work great
• Ladder racks with drop-down arms — make loading/unloading safer when working solo

Pro Tip: Use color-coded bins or labels to quickly grab the right fittings and avoid return trips.

Handy Work Van Accessories for Contractors

Contractors often wear multiple hats—framing one day, and finishing the next. A flexible, all-purpose setup is key.

Recommended Accessories:

• Adjustable shelving with removable bins — lets you customize the layout based on the project
• Secure tool lockers — look for reinforced locking mechanisms if you’re storing high-value tools overnight
• Full partitions with pass-throughs — helps control dust, heat/cool loss, and adds safety
• Roof racks for lumber or ladders — choose heavy-duty systems with easy tie-down points

Pro Tip: Group tools and supplies by job type—framing, electrical, finish—so your van stays clean and quick to load.

Cargo Van Accessories By Type: Picks from the Pros

Once you’ve got your trade covered, it’s time to think about the gear itself. From shelving to lighting, the right cargo van accessories are what transform your van from just transportation into a fully functional mobile workspace.

Here are some of the most popular categories of van storage accessories and what to look for—along with a few of the trusted brands we install every day at Pacific Truck Colors.

Work Van Shelving 

Your shelves set the tone for everything else inside your van. If they’re flimsy or poorly laid out, it doesn’t matter how nice the rest of your build is—you’ll be chasing tools and digging through bins all day.

At Pacific Truck Colors, we design and install custom shelving systems that match your specific van, trade, and daily workflow. Whether you’re a one-man crew or managing a fleet, we’ll help you build a layout that:

• Maximizes vertical space
• Keeps tools and parts secure
• Speeds up loading and unloading
• Reduces wear and tear on gear

We carry trusted systems from:

• Adrian Steel – Tough, configurable steel shelving built for the job site
• Sortimo by Knapheide – Lightweight, modular shelving ideal for precision setups
• Weather Guard – Heavy-duty options with an added focus on security and durability

The shelving itself is just the starting point—we tailor the full layout to how you work.

Learn more about our work van shelving in our complete guide. 

Van Ladder Racks & Roof Systems

Every square inch of van space matters, especially inside. If you’re still wedging ladders diagonally or wrestling conduit inside the cargo area, it’s time for a roof solution.

We recommend Adrian Steel ladder racks, built for professional use and Oregon conditions—no rust, no rattling, and no gimmicks. The key is choosing the right style:

• Drop-down ladder racks make solo loading safer and easier
• Clamp-style racks are lightweight but secure
• Conduit carriers keep pipe and tubing protected and out of the way
• Utility racks let you haul odd-sized materials like lumber or trim

We’ll help you match the rack to your roof height, vehicle model, and trade.

Work Van Storage Accessories

Beyond shelves and racks, the small accessories you choose can make or break your van’s organization. These are the pieces that bring your setup together and keep your gear exactly where it belongs.

At Pacific Truck Colors, we install a wide range of van storage accessories, including:

• Parts bins and totes for organizing fasteners, fuses, and fittings
• Drawer dividers that keep tools from sliding around
• Tool holders and cases mounted to shelving for fast access
• Cargo tie-down systems to secure larger items in transit

Whether you’re dealing with electrical components, plumbing fittings, or HVAC supplies, the right accessories help you find what you need fast—and keep your van from turning into a rolling junk drawer.

These storage add-ons are available across brands like Sortimo by Knapheide, Adrian Steel, and Weather Guard, depending on your van’s layout and trade.

Van Lighting & Electrical Upgrades

A dark van isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous. Whether you’re starting before sunrise or wrapping up at dusk, visibility inside your cargo area matters.

Our van lighting accessories include LED interior light strips that mount cleanly to your ceiling or walls. These provide:

• Even lighting throughout the van—no shadows in corners
• Energy efficiency with minimal draw on your battery
• Long lifespan and no bulbs to replace

Need onboard power? We also offer inverter systems sized for your tools and power demands, whether that’s charging batteries or running diagnostic equipment between calls.

Tool Security & Safety Features

The average tradesperson’s van carries over $5,400 worth of tools every day—and without the right security in place, that investment is at constant risk. 

We install professional-grade van security solutions that keep your tools safe and your van compliant with fleet standards.

Options include:

• Steel partitions that separate cargo from driver areas (also great for climate and sound control)
• Lockable drawer systems and cabinets that prevent theft and damage in transit
• Upgraded locksets and alarm tie-ins for added protection on job sites and overnight parking

We’ve helped Oregon tradespeople protect everything from basic hand tools to full inventories of high-value gear—and we know how to build it tough, clean, and dependable.

Shop Truck and Van Accessories for Every Trade and Task

Your van isn’t just a ride—it’s a rolling workshop and a storage unit all in one. Outfitting it with the right accessories makes every part of your day smoother, safer, and more efficient.

Whether you need van shelving, ladder racks, lighting, or secure storage, Pacific Truck Colors in Portland, Oregon has the experience to get it done right. We specialize in full-service van customization—from layout planning to professional installation—built around your trade, tools, and daily workflow.

Ready to plan your van build? Stop by the shop or contact us here—we’ll walk you through the options and get you outfitted with the best truck and van accessories for the job.