How to Spec the Right Truck Service Body
Choosing the right chassis size and layout for your truck service body is essential to getting the most from your work truck. STAHL’s SpecTips worksheet helps you evaluate service body specifications such as storage, mounted equipment, lighting, towing, and security before you place an order.
What Should You Consider When Spec’ing a Truck Service Body?
The right truck service body depends on your chassis size, storage needs, equipment requirements, lighting preferences, towing needs, and jobsite workflow. Start by identifying how the truck will be used, then confirm the service body specifications needed for cargo space, compartments, mounted equipment, and security features.
What Size Truck Service Body Do You Need?
Use the Get Started Diagram and SpecTips worksheet to confirm the key chassis measurements needed before choosing a body. After completing the worksheet you can upload it on the product inquiry form. This gives you a strong starting point for selecting the right truck service body for your application.
Get Started Diagram
What Service Body Configuration Is Right for Your Work?
Consider how you want the load space between the side compartments to function.
- Open
- Enclosed with a low sliding roof
- Enclosed with a high roof and double swing rear door access
Also, think about whether your application requires easier side access, more weather protection, or enclosed rear storage space.
Open vs. Enclosed Service Body: Which Is Better?
- Choose an open service body if you need easy side access and flexible exterior storage.
- Choose an enclosed service body if you need greater weather protection, cargo security, or interior workspace.
- Choose a high-roof enclosure if vertical storage or rear interior access is important.
- Choose a low sliding roof if overall height and clearance are bigger concerns.
What Features and Equipment Should You Plan For?
As you spec your truck service body, think through the tools, storage systems, and mounted equipment required for your daily work.
For lighting, you may want:
- Stop/turn/tail lights recessed in body end panels
- Stop/turn/tail lights recessed in bumper
- Additional security or work site lighting packages
For truck-mounted equipment, you may need:
- Crane
- Generator
- Liftgate
- Vise or vise bracket
- Welder
For tool and material handling, you may want:
- Drawer packages
- Compartment top tool boxes
- Ladder rack
- Pipe or conduit carrier
- Tank compartment
- Tie-down rings recessed in the load space area
What Security and Towing Requirements Should You Consider?
Security and towing needs should be reviewed early in the spec process to avoid conflicts later.
Security device options may include:
- Bar locks
- Power door locks
Towing considerations may include:
- No towing requirement
- OEM factory hitch
- After-market hitch package
What Should You Do Before Finalizing Service Body Specifications?
Because certain option combinations can create functional conflicts, review your final truck service body specifications with your nearest STAHL distributor or STAHL sales representative before ordering. This helps confirm fit, functionality, and long-term productivity.
A member of the STAHL team can help ensure your work truck is designed around your application for maximum productivity and years of dependable service.