Need to haul larger equipment or tools around town? Looking for a better way to transport materials? Here’s how a service body and a truck cap actually compare.
Key Takeaways
- A service body offers significantly more storage space than a truck cap, but weighs more and costs more upfront.
- A truck cap is lighter, which helps fuel efficiency, but has a smaller cargo area and less capacity for equipment like ladder racks.
- SpaceKap’s service bodies fit full-size pickups with a 6.5′ or 8′ bed, and transfer easily to a new vehicle.
What’s the actual difference between a service body and a truck cap?
A service body is a compartment mounted on a pickup truck’s chassis or regular bed, used to carry tools, equipment, or accessories. It can be an open or enclosed service body, with compartment doors made of fiberglass, aluminum, steel, or other materials. Service bodies are used across construction, landscaping, and delivery work.
A truck cap covers the bed of a pickup truck, usually made of fiberglass or plastic, protecting the bed from weather and scratches while adding some storage capacity. For a work cap built like a service body, see SpaceKap’s commercial truck caps. Truck caps generally have a smaller cargo area than service bodies, with less capacity for equipment like ladder racks or roof racks, which is why they’re sometimes called leisure caps.
What are the real pros and cons of each option?
Service Bodies
Pros:
- Doors protect equipment from damage
- Easier to carry large items
- Built-in storage compartments
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- Can require more time and effort to maintain
- May need periodic updates to stay current
Truck Caps
Pros:
- Extra storage space over a bare truck bed
- Protects cargo in the truck bed from the elements
- Makes it easier to transport pets safely
Cons:
- Can also be expensive
- Heavy and can be difficult to install
- Can block the driver’s rear view
What should actually decide the choice between the two?
Budget
A truck cap is less expensive than a service body but offers much less storage space. A service body costs more upfront but provides significantly more storage. On fuel efficiency, a truck cap has an edge over a service body simply because it’s lighter. SpaceKap service bodies still offer a strong ROI thanks to quality construction, standard features, and versatility, making them an attractive option for business owners focused on long-term value.
Storage Space Needed
Having a service body or truck cap that’s easy to transfer onto a vehicle matters for a real reason: it provides extra storage compartments, easy access to tools and accessories, and protection from theft or the elements. That’s especially useful for contractors who need convenient access to tools throughout the day.
Compatibility with Different Pickup Truck Models
Anyone shopping for a truck cap should consider how well it installs on a specific truck body. Switching vehicles usually means buying a new truck cap to match. SpaceKap’s service bodies, by contrast, fit full-size pickups with a 6.5′ or 8′ bed, and are designed to be easy to install and remove as needed.
Advertising
Advertising a company on a service body or truck cap is a real way to get a name out there. Both offer space for a logo or message, but a service body has more surface area, making it the stronger option for vehicle advertising.
Which option is actually best for your business?
The right choice depends on specific needs. SpaceKap service bodies are a strong alternative to a service van, cargo van, or truck cap, with a range of models available. Talk to a SpaceKap expert to learn more.
See it on real trucks
Spacekap units in service with our customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a service body or a truck cap more fuel-efficient?
A truck cap is generally more fuel-efficient since it’s lighter than a service body.
Does a SpaceKap service body work on any pickup truck?
Yes. SpaceKap’s product line fits full-size pickups with a 6.5′ or 8′ bed, and units are designed for easy installation and removal.
Which offers more advertising space, a service body or a truck cap?
A service body typically offers more surface area for advertising than a truck cap.
