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This is a van that has been amazingly popular over the last few years, for very good reason. There’s something about the quirky French styling that attracts customers, and after all that’s what we’re all here for, to help you sell more.
We’re going to tell you who it works for and why, and explain how you can get the most output from this conversion. We’ll also tell you some of the pitfalls and how to get around them.
It’s very well suited for street food trading, and while the footprint is small, over the years we have worked out how to overcome this with clever design processes to maximise the available space.
So our summary is that the Citroen H Van is definitely quirky, visually attractive and with careful planning can be a highly effective functional catering unit that can be used at all sorts of events. If you plan to use the unit at larger events where you will attract large crowds, some thought is needed on how you maximise your throughput.
It can also be used as a non-runner and of course that means more space to prepare and sell food. You will probably need a flat bed trailer to move it around.
With our experience of converting a lot of Citroen H Vans, we’ll be happy to advise you.
It may appear that this style of catering van is more about the external visual aspect, but when well thought out it can be converted into an efficient and functional food business.
The footprint is small but workable, however you can maximise the space available in lots of clever ways:
For larger events – a pop-up kitchen to the rear, making the Citroen van your shop window but allowing you to maximise your capability to increase the covers
With a full-length hatch opening it gives the feel of a bigger space. With simple “tricks” we’ve learned over the years, we can utilise the space inside your van to show what you’d want to show and hide what the customer doesn’t need to see. How do we do this?
By cleverly tucking away and disguising things like hand wash areas, which you require legally but are not visually attractive. Or we can fit worktop covers for equipment to maximise on worktop space for prep areas before service.
It’s all in the planning, years of experience have taught us the pitfalls to avoid and the “tricks” we can use to offer safe working practices for you and your team in a small footprint. We take onboard your food offering, the equipment you need to offer that and the space you have, and accommodate the legal requirements. We design and plan the conversion with you, with the end result in mind. The design isn’t over until we have overcome any difficulties that we meet along the way.
Nothing (or perhaps very little) is impossible, but sometimes the solution is just different.
As with all our units, every one is built to take into account the highest standards of food hygiene. Catering food units are under constant scrutiny. After a busy shift in a tight space you want the quickest and easiest clean down for you and your team.
With space being tight, we use clever design to eliminate hard to reach areas where food waste can get into. That means you can clean down quickly and thoroughly and be satisfied to know you have had a good day from start to finish.
To make that as simple as possible for you, here’s how your unit is designed and built to make that work:
You must get this right, for performance, safety and certification.
You’ll realise that with the age of these vehicles, when you first acquire them, bodywork and paintwork is generally poor. After all, even the very latest Citroen H Vans are almost forty years old.
You have to make certain the vehicle is as good on the outside as we know it will be on the inside. We normally arrange restoration of the body for you. We know what the end design will be and how its use will affect any potential rusting over the years.
We ensure the vehicle is completely watertight to make 100% sure the inside of your van stays in good condition. You should always start with the lifetime use and then resale value of your van in mind.
The quality of the build means the unit will look pristine and clean, both inside and outside. We show you how to look after it. We design your van with branding opportunities right at front of mind. So you’ll have space for signs, logos and menus. We can arrange for signwriting and design so when you take delivery, you’re ready to go.
All of this is included at the design stage. Get this right and you attract more customers. The appearance of the unit and the way your food is displayed will have a huge positive impact on your average value sale. The more clearly people see more of what you sell, the more they buy.
You’ll have everything taken care of by 4Sure, or as much as you want us to take care of. Our long-standing clients just agree the detailed design and wait to collect their finished units, ready to go straight out for business. If you need advice and training on how best to use, maintain and clean your new catering van, that’s all part of the service.
With the Citroen H Van, while it is visually attractive, there may be some adjustments you need to consider before you make a decision whether this van is right for you.
These particular style vans were originally brought in from France, the vans are brought over and re-registered in the UK. At that point they are treated as any other vehicle and if they are a driveable vehicle and are to be driven on the highways, they are subject to MOT testing every 12 months. Remember they’re left-hand drive!
This van was built long before power steering was invented. 40 to 45 mph is certainly top whack for these vehicles, you won’t be breaking land speed records.
While there is no road vehicle tax to pay due to the age of the vans, they must still be registered every 12 months with the DVLA for road tax.
You’ll be aware that if the vehicle breaks down, you may lose business until it’s repaired and back on the road. Obviously, given the age of the van reliability becomes a factor. Remember, when these vehicles were originally built, 3,000 miles a year was getting close to high mileage. To reduce the risk you may want to consider our GT Supa Van or a vehicle conversion on a slightly newer, more reliable van.
There are a couple of options with regards to the Citroen H Vans.
Having worked with several previous customers, why not let us help you source and supply a vehicle through our trusted network of importers?
We work with them on your behalf to find a van that is suitable for your requirements, and that is of a good sound mechanical state. We can work with our suppliers to sort out the legal side of things and save you the headache and worry.
Alternatively, if you want to be part of this exciting journey and want to purchase one from France yourself, do call us first. We can work with you to offer guidance and support. We’ll help you identify what will work and point out the styles/vehicles that won’t, and the potential pitfalls. We’ve saved some of our customers a lot of money in the past.
The original engine was a 1,911-cc petrol unit, also available later as a 1,600-cc petrol engine. From 1963 a diesel engine was available. That has plenty of torque but is inevitably noisier than the petrol engines
(You’ll love No 11)
1, If you’re not happy with your design when it’s finished, whatever you’ve paid at that time, just ask and we’ll refund it.
2, Our products are always easy to operate, with no sharp edges or poor workmanship. If you don’t agree or you find sharp edges, we’ll fix what’s wrong for free.
3, Our design process will always identify more money-making opportunities than you planned for.
4, Your safety is our No 1 concern (actually it’s our No 1 concern only just ahead of you making profits from your unit). You’ll have every relevant safety certification when your unit is ready to leave our workshop.
5, You’ll always benefit from talking to us, even if you don’t buy from us. We’ll always give you our best advice and we won’t be too salesy (but we don’t mind if you decide to buy).
6, When we agree a completion date, it’s a drop-dead date.
7, We never skimp on the quality of materials we use. Never.
8, If you want your unit to be ready to go when it leaves our workshop, that’s what it will be, ready to go, straight to the pitch.
9, Our support doesn’t end when you get your hands on your finished product. We’re there for any help, advice or guidance you need. Just call, we’ll help.
10, You’ll realise we have to put a time limit on our guarantee against defects in parts or workmanship but we give you an industry leading no quibble full 2 years (we ask that you return the unit to our workshop)
11, We always stand behind points 1 to 10, but here’s my personal guarantee, from Gary Wagstaff, owner of the business:
“If you order a catering unit from 4Sure and there’s anything you’re unhappy about, at any time, just call me and we’ll fix it.”