Enclosed service bodies make your workshop mobile.
As a result, they are indispensable for many fleet managers. But even if you know that you need to invest in one, it can be hard to narrow down your choices.
Are you in rural or urban areas? Will your truck need to tow anything? What about fuel economy?
To make it easier for you to figure out, we’ve created a guide to determining which enclosed service body is right for your business.
Types Of Enclosed Service Bodies
Bed Delete
A ‘bed-delete’ service body is exactly what it sounds like. You’d order a pickup without the bed, the bumper, or a spare tire. The frame that your enclosed service body will rest on is the same as a regular pickup.
Cab-Chassis
Cab-chassis body styles tend to be cheaper, and save you more money down the road. The frames are narrower and straight over the rear axle, not arched.
If you want a larger fuel tank and an engine with a longer life, a cab-chassis body is probably the right choice for you.
You should also consider the material your service body will be made of. Also think about what you want the structure to look like. Do you need more space for storage, or is space for your crew to work more important?
Now that you know the basic options, here are some tips for choosing the right one for you.
1. Think Of How Your Truck Will Be Used
One of the benefits of enclosed service bodies is that they’re super customizable. Before you start making any purchasing decisions, you need to make sure you’re buying the body that fit your needs.
For example, will you need to go off-road a lot, or will you be on smoother city roads? A truck that’s used in the city might need to be locked faster than a truck in the middle of nowhere. A truck that goes off-road needs a body with good suspension.
How much weight does it need to hold? (Don’t forget to take the weight of your crew into account, too.) What equipment are you hauling?
Take all of these questions into account before you go any further.
2. Consider Fuel Economy
The cost of your new service body doesn’t stop after you’ve made the initial payment. The specs you choose will also play a part in how much money you spend on gas.
You can use alternative fuels like propane. However, most truck owners go for diesel. It’s the most efficient fuel for heavy duty jobs.
If you still want to be environmentally friendly, try choosing an enclosed service body that’s made of aluminum rather than steel. An aluminum body can reduce fuel consumption by as much as ten percent. This can save you a ton of money in the long run.
Making Your Final Choice
When it comes to buying equipment for your fleet, you know best what’s right for you. Once you’ve made your choice, let us help you make it a reality.
PTC has one of the largest Truck Equipment Sales and Installation departments in the Northwest. Our installers can offer you over 75 combined years of experience to make sure that all of your specifications are met.
Request a quote today to find out how we can work together.
