If it’s time to invest in a new work truck, it’s important to do your research and determine exactly what you need in a vehicle before purchasing one. As we’ve said before, choosing the right truck for your business is a big decision; remember, an efficient truck can significantly impact your earnings. Whether you’re in the construction business, or in landscaping, chances are your company vehicle is necessary to ensure your business can run smoothly on a daily basis. Explore the information and truck terminology below to better understand what you should look for in your next work truck.
What is a Chassis?
A chassis, or a cab and chassis describe parts of the body style of your truck. Most work trucks do not come with a truck bed or flatbed manufactured onto the vehicle. End user flexibility is increased by leaving off the truck bed. Upfitters complete the vehicle to the specification of the buyer. This would include not only the bed/box but also items like plows, cranes, etc. So, a chassis is like a blank canvas. You get to add whatever truck body works for you industry.
Understanding Payload
Payload refers to the objects and amount of weight that a truck is hauling. An important calculation related to payload is a vehicle’s gross weight rating. According to “How Payload Works,” gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum allowable weight of an entire vehicle when it’s packed up and ready to go — that includes the weight of the vehicle itself, all of the necessary fluids for operation (gasoline, diesel, oil and so on) and any cargo, passengers and tools.
If you’re in an industry that requires you to consistently haul heavy materials, it’s important to understand the GVWR your job requires of a work truck. Truck manufacturers list the GVWR on the side of the vehicle door, within the owns manual or on their official website.
Keep in mind that consistently overloaded trucks can cause issues like premature tire wear, decreased fuel economy, and downtime due to engine or transmission repair (Automotive Fleet, 2016) as well as the risk of DOT fines.
Truck Body Types
Although many of our truck bodies can handle a range of applications for your industry – from farming needs to hauling various large equipment – each body specializes in a specific use. Explore basic information below on our platform truck bodies, dump truck bodies and service bodies:
Platform Body
- Efficiently and safely transport large bulk materials and equipment to and from your job sites.
- Ideal for contractors, landscapers and a variety of other hands-on trades.
- Numerous available upgrade options to customize for your specific needs (such as floor materials, etc.)
Explore additional information on our Platform Bodies today »
Dump Body
- Typically used in construction, landscape, and demolition fields of work.
- DuraMag Smooth Side & HD Models are designed for heavier commercial use. The DuraMag Eco Dump Body is a light-duty body that’s an affordable option for residential or light commercial use.
Explore additional information on our Dump Bodies today »
Service Body
- 6 Premium roll-up safety designed doors— “Most Heavily Water-Resistant Door on the Market”
- Extreme duty .625 interlocking extruded flooring and continuous-Weld HD fender flairs
- Sand-blasted Preparation for Powder Coating (Not Inferior Wash/Zinc Phosphate)
- DuraMag Standard Service Bodies include 6 Swing Doors
Explore additional information on our Service Bodies today »
Are you or your company currently in the process of spec’ing out a new work truck or work van? If so, give us a call and our team can walk you through the best fit for your business. Our factory is open Monday–Friday at (207) 660-4700. We’re more than happy to answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and help you invest in your next work vehicle.
Summary
Before committing to a new work truck for your business, understand how you’ll be using the truck on a daily basis and what specific needs you require from a vehicle. To get started, review basic information around a cab and chassis and hauling payload. Next, explore various truck body types. Choosing the right truck body for your business directly impacts the productivity of your company. If you have any questions, please give our experienced team a call.
Sources: Wikipedia, How Stuff Works, Automotive Fleet, DuraMag