Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about what it takes to create the best van conversions, our frequently asked questions section can help explain everything from beginning to end. We understand you might have queries about our processes, so if you find you still have something you want to know, see our about page or get in touch! Read our full terms and conditions for more.
Vantastec as a Company
We are! We’re also approved installers for most refrigeration unit manufacturers.
For reliability and aftercare service, we highly recommend GAH.
Our customers come first at Vantastec, so every step of the process has you in mind, from beginning to end.
We’ll always make sure the van you’re looking to purchase has the specifications you need and the bespoke installations to fit your business.
We also do all our van conversions in-house, meaning we guarantee the best quality installations on your van. We’re really proud of our work and keep ourselves to a high standard.
As an added benefit of going directly through us, you remove any middle-man, reducing costs and how long it takes for you to receive your van.
We’ve been operating since 2006. Our birthday is on the 2nd of February.
We’re open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. You can also catch us on Saturdays, but these are by appointment only.
Of course. We’re located just north of Cardiff in South Wales with plenty of public transport routes nearby. Coffees are on us!
For vans advertised as ‘in-stock’ we can organise delivery as soon as we receive payment – we’ve even delivered vehicles just a day after the initial enquiry in the past.
For ‘in-build’ vehicles, it takes a couple of weeks for us to complete the conversion and get it ready for delivery or collection.
Vehicles with no labelled stock status or ‘factory order’ vary depending on availability with our suppliers. Some might have stock on the ground, others might require us to put an order in with the factory. As soon as we receive the vehicle, it takes roughly 4-6 weeks to get it converted, depending on our current workload.
Converting Vehicles
Lead times can vary depending on what kind of conversion you’re looking for and our current workshop schedule. We recommend contacting our team directly to get the most up-to-date lead time.
We’d love to see what we can do for you. Email us at sales@vantastec.co.uk with your query, or call us on 01443 811 630 to discuss.
We convert all major light commercial vehicle manufacturers. Ford, VW, Nissan – you name it.
We can indeed! We often fit tailor-made conversions for our customers – and we’ve made some exciting things in our time. What we do is entirely up to your imagination and our specialist team will be more than happy to help make your dream a reality.
We love making bespoke conversions for our customers and nothing is too complicated for us. Get in touch with our specialist conversions team to build a van tailored to your exact needs.
Purchasing, Leasing, and Finance
Most vehicles are registered a day before delivery to the customer. Log books are issued by the DVLA and should be dispatched within five working days. We do occasionally obtain pre-registered vehicles under ad-hoc agreements with manufacturers.
In these circumstances, Vantastec will be the first registered keeper and the V5 will then be transferred into your name. Please consult our sales team for more information on this.
A typical conversion can vary depending on the level of conversion and our workshop schedule. If the vehicle is ready and in stock, you can collect it or have it delivered to you. Again, get in touch for up-to-date stock statuses.
Yes. Vantastec Ltd is recognised by most financial institutions and we’re more than happy to directly invoice the finance house.
Unlike some van dealerships, we don’t rely on finance commissions to get by. Our focus is on the van itself.
We can put you in touch with our network of finance brokers to try and find you the best deal. If you can find cheaper finance elsewhere, go for it!
We do. Even better – delivery is FREE to mainland UK locations with all vehicles.
We do. Get a part-exchange valuation here.
Vehicle Operation
- Set the desired temperature on the in-cab controller
- Pre-chill the load space for approximately 15-30 minutes
- Switch vehicle engine off and remove the key from the ignition
- Switch the cab control panel off before starting to load the van
- Never load the van with the fridge running. This may lead to refrigeration failure as the vehicle tries to cope with the outside temperature
- If there is a distance to transport your goods, be sure to close the doors between loading
The simple answer is as long as possible, but we recommend at least 24 hours. Our vans have powerful refrigeration equipment and the cab control panel should indicate 2°c in less than an hour. It is important to note this will be the air temperature and not the actual product temperature.
There are a number of factors that affect how quickly items loaded at ambient temperature will take to chill. This includes the packaging, the initial temperature of the product and the temperature outside of the van.
Cases of wine will lose their heat faster if not stacked closely together. Setting the fridge controller (freezer spec only) to -5°c may also help remove the heat more quickly, but this may start to freeze bottles on the outside edge of the load after a few hours.
Fresh fruit and vegetables: 4°c – 6°c
Fresh meat and seafood: 2°c
Chilled drinks and outside catering: 2°c
Dairy products: 2°c -6°c
Frozen foods: -18°c
Yes, unless your vehicle comes with overnight standby, which is a single phase 240v hook up (blue round plug).
This is ideal for when the van needs to be stationary while loaded for catering events or parties.
Standard 13-amp domestic supply. If possible, do not use extension cables and never power any other equipment from the same socket if you do.
Alternatively, a 6kVA (minimum) single phase generator. It is important you do not share the power with any other equipment without consulting an electric supplier.
Due care must be taken to check the suitability of the power supply since low voltage can result in refrigeration equipment failure.
- Switch vehicle engine off and remove the keys from the ignition
- Switch cab control panel off before connecting the standby lead
- Connect the standby lead to the van and then connect the standby lead to the mains power supply or generator
- Turn the power on at the mains socket and then switch the cab control panel on.
It is very important you do not extend the standby lead in any way.
Aftersales
Your van itself is covered by the manufacturer’s full new vehicle warranty (term length varies per manufacturer.)
Your fridge system comes with a one-year GAH warranty, subject to servicing.
We also offer a 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty for our insulated lining – but we’re confident you won’t need that.
You don’t. We recommend getting all servicing and repairs done by GAH themselves.
But we can carry out service work at our HQ if that’s more convenient for you.
We don’t, unfortunately. However, we can put you in touch directly with GAH to set up a servicing plan through them.
Your GAH fridge unit needs to be serviced every six months.
Five months after you receive your new van, you’ll receive an email from us informing you your fridge service is due. The email will include contact details for GAH’s service department, so you can organise for their mobile engineers to carry out the work at a time and place that suits you.
We’ve already covered the cost of this first fridge service, so you won’t need to pay anything. You will then need to keep servicing it every six months to maintain performance and preserve all warranties.
