Open vs. Closed Service Bodies

Many options are available for truck service bodies, but they all boil down to two main categories — open vs. closed service bodies. Your choice depends on your service needs and what you’ll carry on the trucks. Each option has its benefits and limitations, and you need to weigh these factors when planning to modify your truck with a new service truck body. 

What Are Open Truck Bodies? 

The main distinction between a closed and open service body is the cargo area. An open service body, also simply known as a service body, retains an open cargo area similar to a pickup bed. An open truck doesn’t have an enclosure that you can enter into. 

Benefits of Open Truck Bodies

Given the two broad options of open vs. closed service bodies, you may ask yourself why you should choose one over the other. These two options come with unique benefits. Here are some advantages of open truck bodies:

• Increased utility: The open space behind the truck gives you access to items and it’s easy to organize your tools and equipment. Many service truck bodies have multiple storage compartments for easy storage of the tools. The compartments also make it easy to identify the exact location for each type of tool or equipment, compared to letting the tools lie on a truck bed. 
• More storage space: Open truck bodies come with several storage compartments. The multiple compartments allow you to use space efficiently, and you can also take advantage of horizontal and vertical space by placing items on top of each other in the stacked compartments.  
• Better visibility: If you frequently haul larger items, this body type makes loading and unloading the cargo easy. The open space also gives you better visibility of the cargo you carry.
• Light: Trucks with open bodies tend to be lighter than those with enclosed service bodies. 
• Professional presentation: A well-done service truck body can elevate your truck’s appearance and create a good impression on your clients. In addition, it makes your business or company look legitimate. You can include your logo stickers with important information new customers would want to know, such as your name and phone number. 

What Are Enclosed Truck Bodies?

An enclosed truck body, also known as an enclosed utility body, has a fully enclosed cargo area similar to a van. 

Benefits of Enclosed Truck Body

The following are the benefits of  enclosed service bodies:

• Weather protection: An enclosed service body protects your tools and equipment from harsh weather. Whether it’s snowing or raining, your tools will stay dry because of the enclosed design. The utility body provides protection from extreme temperatures, which is crucial for items that are sensitive to temperatures, such as paint. 
• Fuel economy: The utility body can create a more aerodynamic shape for the truck, which helps reduce wind resistance. This reduction in wind resistance can improve your truck’s fuel economy.
• Increased storage: This is a common advantage of an enclosed body over an open truck bed. Both have more storage compared to trucks or pickups without service bodies — however, an enclosed service body offers enclosed space as well as compartments for storing your tools and equipment. 
• Mobile workspace: An enclosed body gives you room to work inside, which can help you maximize your productivity. You, your colleagues or your employees can work on projects inside the truck with a roof.
• Secure cargo area: You can store and secure valuable items and tools in an enclosed body because the storage space is not exposed. The secure cargo area protects your equipment, materials or supplies from theft and damage. The secure latches and lockable doors add a layer of security needed when transporting valuable items. 
• Security for occupants: Trucks with enclosed service bodies have a higher level of security for the occupants. 
• Branding opportunities: Like the open truck body, you can brand your enclosed truck body for a more professional look. However, because of the roof, the enclosed body has more branding space than an open truck body. In addition to your logo and company information, you can include eye-catching designs on the body of the truck to attract new customers and increase your brand recognition.

Tips for Choosing Which Is Right for You 

When looking for the right service truck bodies for your vehicle, there are several factors you should consider.

Protection From Elements

If you frequently carry items or equipment that need protection from the elements, an enclosed body would be the better option. For example, if you’re carrying items for electrical installation, you wouldn’t want them to be rained on. The utility body has a roof that ensures the items inside are insulated from external elements. If the tools or equipment you carry are not sensitive to weather changes or get dirty during use, then an open truck might be the better option.

Type of Equipment or Luggage

Long or bulky items such as pipes and ladders need a specific type of storage that makes service bodies the better option. These items may need some extra space to hang on the edge, and this is only possible on a truck with open space.  

Security

Some large equipment, such as generators, welders and compressors, is vulnerable to theft. If you carry these items regularly, an open truck may not be the ideal vehicle. You’ll need a utility service truck to transport this type of equipment. 

The security of the area you work in will also determine your choice of truck body, regardless of the type of equipment you carry. If you work in areas considered unsafe or prone to opportunistic theft and you often need to leave your vehicle unattended for long periods of time, you should use an enclosed utility body. You can lock the truck while you’re away to protect the items inside. 

An open truck may have lockable storage compartments, but the items stored in them are still more vulnerable than if stored in an enclosed body. However, if you work in a safe area or the items you carry don’t require tight security, you can use service bodies. 

Aerodynamic

Utility service bodies tend to be more aerodynamic than open truck bodies. Their shape improves the vehicle’s performance and, depending on the load, potentially reduces fuel consumption. 

Cost

Cost varies based on the type of truck body you choose, but open truck bodies tend to be less expensive to maintain than utility service bodies. 

Get New Truck Service Bodies From Truckfitters 

Both open and closed service bodies have unique benefits, and your choice will depend on what’s appropriate for the things you carry and the type of work you’re doing. Get your new service bodies from Truckfitters. We provide fleet-focused services with fast turnaround times and unbeatable customer care. Contact Truckfitters for more information.