Aluminum Truck Bodies VS Steel Truck Bodies

Jul 15, 2024

Aluminum truck bodies and steel truck bodies are the two most popular options for upfitting your work vehicle. Whether you work for a private or public company, you want a cost-effective option that will maintain its quality and durability for many years.

The major decision you’ll have to make is whether to use an aluminum truck body or one made of steel. Wilcox Bodies has provided truck bodies vehicles with both types of bodywork for decades. Both truck body materials have their uses and are appropriate for different enterprises and budgets.

If you’re still unclear about the material to choose for your truck body, we can help by offering a thorough analysis of all your options. Our extensive industry experience allows us to assist you in selecting the best truck body at a fair price.

Advantages of an Aluminum Truck Body

Aluminum truck bodywork are ideal for the vast majority of businesses. Even though aluminum bodies are more expensive than steel bodies, they provide a number of advantages. Aluminum is lighter and inherently more corrosion-resistant.

Here are the advantages of aluminum truck bodies:

Gasoline Savings

Because aluminum bodies are lighter, your vehicle will consume less gasoline. Even while aluminum is more expensive initially, you will repay the cost at the pump for years to come. This might be a decisive factor for contractors who travel to job locations in different counties and states on a daily basis.

Improved Payload and Efficiency

Another advantage of aluminum’s lower weight is that an aluminum body allows you to carry greater cargo.

Less Body Maintenance

Because aluminum naturally resists corrosion, you can maintain your aluminum vehicle body in good condition for longer with less maintenance. Once again, choosing an aluminum body saves you money in the long term, which helps to compensate for the higher initial cost. Cracks in the paint on a steel body are reason for concern since corrosion can begin to occur; however, on an aluminum body, it is not a problem.

An Option for Lighter Trucks

Returning to the decreased overall weight, aluminum truck bodies are an alternative for smaller commercial vehicles that cannot accommodate steel bodies. Depending on the truck you want to upfit, aluminum bodywork may be the only option. Upfitting a ¾ ton truck with an aluminum body is possible, however a steel truck body may not be suitable owing to weight considerations.

Better Resale Value

Because aluminum bodies are resistant to corrosion, which devalues a used steel body, they have a significantly better resale value on the secondhand market. When you need to improve, you can recoup part of your initial investment.

Aluminum bodywork are a fantastic investment for enterprises and governments looking to improve their long-term ownership experience, as well as those looking to convert to lighter cars. This makes aluminum bodies a popular choice for both commercial firms and government entities.

Steel Truck Body Advantages

Although aluminum may appear to be the ideal option for many firms based only on convenience, steel truck bodies may be just as effective.

Here are the steel truck body benefits that make them the option for some businesses:

More Economical Upfront

While aluminum bodies save money over time, they are more expensive to purchase initially. This might be a deal breaker for some budgets, thus steel bodies are a preferable option. Steel truck bodies cost around 30% less than aluminum choices.

Perfect for heavy-duty operations

For example, if you’re a landscaper who uses stones to create hardscapes, a steel body may be the greatest option for your landscaping truck body owing to its endurance while dumping big loads.