A La Carte Aftermarket Van HVAC from Webasto
New HVAC will be available in the Type B motorhome aftermarket
Image Caption:
Webasto North America introduces a new aftermarket HVAC kit for Type B motorhomes in what the company says is a first in the industry. The system can upfit Ford Transit, RAM ProMaster or Mercedes Sprinter vans with auxiliary HVAC systems faster while carrying less inventory.
“Webasto has been making aftermarket van HVAC kits for years, and we alone made twenty-two separate systems, each designed to fit the leading van makes and models,” said Mike Cicioni, HVAC application manager. “Our systems work seamlessly, but our distributors had to carry multiples of all twenty-two kits if they wanted to be stocked and ready to meet the marketplace variables.”
Previously, those seeking auxiliary, tie-in heating/cooling or stand-alone HVAC kits would have to first obtain a model-specific system designed to fit a particular vehicle, according to the company.
“However, with the popularity of vans and the variety of models out there, chances are that one of the 25-30 most popular kits might not be in inventory locally or otherwise readily available,” Webasto stated.
To help customers choose the right system components, Webasto created a decision-tree method based on eight simple questions, which are also included in a brochure to assist customers.
“Our objective was to find a way to remove the burden from our customers, enabling them to carry a reduced inventory of the constituent components, instead of 22 or more vehicle-specific kits,” Cicioni added. “Essentially, the concept was to provide lower-cost unbundled components that could later be re-bundled, based solely on application and demand.”
