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Fiberglass Truck Bodies: Pros & Cons

Fiberglass Truck Bodies: Pros & Cons
January 26, 2018 TheHoth
fiberglass truck bodies

Your truck should be your bedrock, a trustworthy asset that you can count on. The truck’s body needs to be able to last through years of abuse while also being easy to maintain.

The choice between steel and fiberglass truck bodies is often difficult.

What are the perks of going with the pricier, more attractive fiberglass utility body? Do the pros outweigh any cons? To answer that question, we’ll assess all the common needs and everyday usage situations.

Let’s jump right in and find out if this is the right choice for you!

Fiberglass Truck Bodies

Fiberglass truck bodies are not for everyone. Despite their proven benefits, there are drawbacks too.

Pros

Let’s start with the obvious difference between steel and fiberglass: their weight.

Fiberglass truck bodies are lighter, and therefore, make your truck lighter. This will lead to improved gas mileage.

The light design also translates into a higher hauling capacity that your truck can handle on its chassis. This would mean less wear and tear on your truck, and fewer trips to the mechanic over time.

Fiberglass utility truck bodies are easier to handle on the road, especially on uneven terrain. Driving a lighter truck allows you to make quicker turns to avoid hazards or accidents.

Lightweight trucks are one of the major trends in the truck market.

Durability

This is one subcategory that is a bit of a mix of fiberglass and steel bodies.

On one hand, fiberglass is flexible but easier to damage. Steel won’t crack or be pierced but can be susceptible to the elements.

For example, any snow or rain exposure can cause steel to rust or corrode in the long run.

Fiberglass is impervious to the elements, so it’s a better choice if you plan on hauling a lot of wet cargo. The downside is that, under constant heat, fiberglass will bend and warp.

Cons

Well, the most obvious con of fiberglass truck bodies is the upfront cost. It can be easy to fall for “sticker shock” when shopping for a deal. However, you have to look at it as an investment.

Fiberglass bodies last longer than steel bodies. It’s not uncommon to see fiberglass bodies that last over 20 years with little signs of wear.

Steel truck bodies, on the other hand, will go through many repairs, patches, and resurfacing.

Just compare the costs over time, and you’ll see which one comes out on top.

Customized Truck Bodies

Based on your driving habits and needs, your truck body purchase will vary from others. You can request a free quote to see what is available within your budget.

Sure, some folks prefer steel because they don’t do a lot of driving and expect rust like it’s a hood ornament. If you don’t fall into that category, start searching for a better solution. We proudly sell the best fiberglass truck bodies from Spacekap!

Knowing the potentials of your truck and what can be accomplished can help broaden your horizons. Contact us if you have any questions about truck interiors, custom bodies, accessories, or other utility services.