White & Company expands fleet of low loading LCVs

Trucksmith has provided Vauxhall Movano KneeHi vehicles to nationwide removals firm, White & Company.

The Trucksmith KneeHi is a Vauxhall-approved conversion based on the Vauxhall Movano platform cab. It overcomes the historic issues of poor aerodynamics and handling associated with Luton vans, using innovative manufacturing methods to achieve an outstanding payload that has become the hallmark of all Trucksmith vehicles.

Ian Palmer, CEO at White & Company, said: "The Trucksmith KneeHi® will enhance our ability to provide a fast, efficient and competitive removals and storage service. We initially ordered two and put them through their paces, and saw the advantages in terms of loading height and payload immediately. We’ve taken delivery of an additional six vehicles in our fleet with an order for eight more in 2017.

“We now have a fleet of more than 200 vehicles, from LCVs to artics, and the Trucksmith KneeHi® fleet broadens our capabilities, in particular making us more nimble in cities and in areas with poor accessibility.”

The Trucksmith KneeHi loading height of 550mm (450mm if air suspension is specified) is the lowest in its category, eliminating the need for a heavy tail lift. It offers a payload of 1,300kg, with fuel, the spare wheel and toolkit taken into account. Fuel consumption averages at 27mpg fully laden but can be significantly more on a run. Trucksmith builds the body using aluminium as standard rather than composites, which significantly reduces body weight, is stronger and increases payload.

Daniel Trebble, managing director at Trucksmith, said: “We are proud to be contributing to the continued success of White & Company. Their faith in our conversions demonstrates the increasing popularity of our low-loading concept within the UK removals market.

“We are able to undertake these conversions and any other specialist requirements within our own production facility that is Vauxhall accredited, and all our vehicles carry EWVTA and match the manufacturer’s warranty. We find the 3.5 tonne configuration popular because drivers do not need to obtain a specialist operating licence.”

Further features of the Trucksmith KneeHi include double rear doors that open to 270 degrees, anti-slip plywood flooring, opalescent glass fibre roof panel to improve internal visibility and an interior lamp and strong steel bulkhead to provide additional cab security.