Different Types of Chassis Trucks and What Each One is Best For

Chassis trucks are commercial vehicles that are typically sold without a finished bed installed. Instead, a chassis truck is sold with just the cab and rear framework in place. The owner of the truck can then finish their vehicle according to their own professional needs. These trucks are designed for function, and not necessarily for their driving capabilities. In most states, drivers are required to register a chassis truck as a commercial vehicle, rather than a personal one. It would be impractical to operate a chassis truck for personal use anyway, as they are intended solely as utility vehicles.

But not all chassis trucks are the same. There are different chassis frameworks available, and each one is suited to different needs. Your choice of truck chassis will vary depending on your profession. We’ve broken down the key types of chassis trucks here, to make it easier to identify which type is needed for different types of work.

Truck Chassis Types

Service Body Chassis

Some service body truck chassis more closely resemble a typical pickup truck than most others on this list. A standard service body chassis will have an extra wide bed with added compartments for storage. Some service body trucks will have fully covered back sections for added storage and equipment protection. 

These trucks are commonly used by contractors and utility workers who typically need a wide variety of equipment throughout their day. Service body trucks allow for easier storage and compartmentalizing of work equipment. Electricians, carpenters, and plumbers are some examples of workers who might benefit from a service body truck chassis.

Platform Body Chassis

A platform body truck chassis has a long, open flatbed attached to the rear of the cab.  A platform body truck chassis is fairly versatile and extremely useful. Anyone whose work involves hauling heavy, bulky, or irregularly-shaped equipment can benefit from having a platform body. As a result, many different types of workers use platform body trucks. They can be used for towing vehicles, hauling bulky landscaping equipment and materials, or transporting building materials. Most large contracting companies should have at least one platform body truck in their fleet.

Stake Body Chassis

A stake body truck chassis is similar to a platform body. The difference is that a stake body truck typically has vertical stakes installed around the edge of the flatbed to create a sort of fence around it. Stake body trucks sacrifice a bit of the versatility of platform bodies in favor of better hauling security. While platform trucks are best used for hauling any large materials, stake body trucks are used for hauling heavy loose materials. Another name for a stake body truck is a concrete body truck because these vehicles are commonly used by concrete workers.

Dump Body Chassis

A dump body truck chassis is exactly what it sounds like. These trucks are essentially smaller-sized dump trucks that allow for the transportation of bulk materials like gravel or dirt. A dump body truck has a rear bed that can be lifted or opened from the back to dump the material for easy access. These trucks are often used in landscaping, construction, and roadwork. 

Buy a Chassis Truck in Seminole, FL

These are just some of the most common forms of truck chassis available. Other types include a hauler body, a refrigerated body, or a welder body. Whatever your needs, the best place to buy a chassis truck in Seminole, Florida, is at Suncoast CJDR. As a licensed Ram dealer, we carry all the best Ram chassis truck models. Need something unique and specific? Our service team can help you install your custom frame on one of our chassis trucks. Visit us in person or browse our chassis truck stock online.