The shortage of service vans has caused many industries to look for alternatives to store their tools and equipment. One popular alternative is the use of utility beds and service bodies. 

In this article, we will break down the differences between each. We’ll help you decide which option is best for your business and explain why Spacekap’s service bodies are superior to utility beds.

What is the difference between a service body and utility bed?

Service bodies and utility beds are two different types of truck bodies. Service bodies are typically enclosed utility body with many compartments and storage areas inside, while a utility bed is an open truck body with fewer storage options.

Service bodies and utility beds are designed to work with trucks, but there are some critical differences between the two. A service body is a box that sits either on the frame of the work truck or directly on the pickup’s regular bed and is used to carry tools or other equipment.

Typically, service bodies can come in both open and enclosed body styles. A utility bed is a platform body that sits on the truck’s frame and can be used to carry cargo.

What Are The Pros & Cons

Service Body

Service bodies offer many advantages over traditional utility beds. Here are just a few:

Pros

• Service bodies are more secure than utility beds.
• Service bodies are more durable than utility beds.
• Service bodies offer more storage space than utility beds.
• Service body installations are typically much less expensive.

Cons

Service bodies also have a few essential cons, including:

• They can’t accept bulk or large items
• Service bodies require special equipment and tools to remove the body from the truck.

Utility Bed

Alt text: Genco Royal – Utility Bed | Genco Manufacturing

Utility beds provide many benefits:

Pros

• A utility bed can sometimes cost less than a service body upfront.
• Utility beds can haul cargo, tools, and other bulk materials.
• Utility beds are easier to install and remove.

Cons

Utility beds also have significant drawbacks:

• Utility beds often require additional features like a bed liner and a toolbox to be genuinely effective.
• Utility beds are not as comfortable as service bodies.
• Utility beds do not offer the same level of storage space.

Things to Consider When Choosing Between a Service Body & Utility Bed for your Business or Work Vehicle

When choosing between a service body or utility bed for their truck, the most important considerations are your budget, tools and equipment, truck compatibility, advertising, and field of work.

Budget

The price difference between a service body and a utility bed can be significant, so coming up with a budget and estimated cost for both is essential.

Spacekap services bodies are very fuel-efficient and have a great ROI. They are highly durable, and Spacekap service bodies are designed for easy installation and use, saving time and money.

Your Tools & Equipment

Having enough space for your tools, such as ladders, saws, and drills, is essential. Your tools must be accessible as well, which service bodies and their side compartments are best equipped for.

A service body is the best option if you need to carry a lot of tools and equipment. But a utility bed will work better if you just need to transport large items.

Pickup Truck Compatibility

Determining your pickup truck’s compatibility with either option is essential. Luckily, Spacekap service bodies are easily transferable to any model pickup truck. This saves time and labor and makes it possible to transport larger quantities of goods simultaneously.

Advertising

Service bodies and utility beds are great options, but which is better for advertising? Service bodies usually offer a more extensive surface area for advertising since they tend to be taller. This makes them an excellent option for companies that want to impact their branding significantly.

Your Field of Work

There are many different types of vehicles on the market, and each has advantages and disadvantages for specific fields of work. For example, a service body is excellent for tradespeople who need to carry tools and equipment with them securely, while a utility bed is better suited for those who need to transport large items.

Which Option is Best for You?

The best transportation option will depend on your unique industry needs. Our Spacekap service bodies are a great alternative to a service or cargo van, and we offer various models. If you want to learn more about the best choice for your job, you can always speak to one of our experts.