BODY & SOUL: TRUCK BODY GUIDE

When the time comes to upgrade an old work vehicle you may find yourself at a truck dealership, umming and ahhing over which model and all importantly, which body type will suit you down to a T.

If you’re a first-time buyer it can be daunting. To help kick things off, we have a look at useful examples and trucks already in action for some local trades and services, and also talk pre-bodied versus custom-build.

BUY FOR CUSTOMER DEMAND

A previous rig may have served loyally for quite some time but ultimately most people move into a truck because of the demands of a growing business.

The latest models—decked out with all the driver comfort and safety bells and whistles you could hope for—are more accessible and affordable than ever before… even compared with any smaller cousin ute counterparts.

Whether you’re a sparky, chippy or landscaper, there’s sure to be truck which can be tailored to what you need.

Buying something that’s ready-to-work from like a pre-bodied truck (versus a custom-build), won’t cost you too much time in research, build time (current supply chain issues aside) or staff re-training. Any model under a 4.5 tonne Gross Vehicle Mass can be driveable on a standard car licence which can be a bonus if you need your staff to drive it.

On the other hand, getting a custom-built truck may have you standing out from the crowd or be a necessity due to your work (crane trucks, waste disposal for example).

It all comes down to what will work best for the business and your wallet.

TRAY BODY

A logical step up from the standard ute is a truck with a versatile tray body. This is an open topped body with (in some cases) removable drop sides around and rear tailgate around 3,500 mm deep. This is a go-to option for those who carry a lot of varied equipment to and from the job site.

Typical tray lengths measure around 3,150 mm and with light truck payloads varying from approximately 1,500 kg to 1,800 kg, there’s plenty of scope.

You’ll find many customisations available on a tray model and also many pre-bodied options too— like this Isuzu Tradepack on the job for Fourth Phase Electrics in Victoria which comes stacked with extras like ladder racks, toolboxes and safety steps as standard, helping the business get bang for buck. Importantly, with a pre-bodied truck designed and fully fitted by the manufacturer, you’ll also know exactly how much weight you’re packing, helping you to factor in your loading and towing capacity.

SERVICE BODY

If business is booming and you’re investing in the tools of the trade, it can paint a target on your back. With the price of equipment as steep as it is, theft is not a problem you want to encounter.

If your work truck is going to be out in the open, a service body might be a good option to minimise risk without affecting your ability to do your job.

Unlike a ute or a trailer, a service body offers reinforced lockable toolboxes built into the tray, providing excellent access and importantly keeping tools organised, stowed and secure.

This is handy for field service technicians and tradies like Justin from JLM Plumb’N’Gasfit in Melbourne who opted for a pre-built Isuzu Servicepack X with remote central locking to carry his crown jewels.

TIPPER

Designed with construction and heavier applications in mind, a tipper body makes light work of carting materials like sand, rocks and soil. The hydraulic lift allows for efficient unloading and can be a great pick for landscapers, builders, council contractors or anyone who could benefit from the productivity gains that a tipper can offer.

Having a tipper on your side not only saves unloading time. With impressive payloads like this Ready-to-Work Isuzu Tipper with Sydney’s Diverse Building and Construction they reduce the number of runs required, saving time at the site and in traffic. Isuzu also currently offers a versatile Tri-Tipper which opens up options for unloading in tight situations, with a pre-fitted tipper body that can tilt to the left, right and rear.

VAN

Australia is pumping more money than ever into retail therapy. Online shopping is booming in the wake of the pandemic and in the face of this marked increase in goods movement on the road across the nation, people in the business will see the value in investing in a truck with a van (or pantech) body.

A van body is a fully enclosed hard-shell container on the chassis, accessible via rear barn or sliding door on the rear or side. It’s a staple for removalists, refrigerated goods, vehicle hire services and businesses needing a volume mover—like not-for-profit Green Collect who use an Isuzu Vanpack with hydraulic tailgate as a smart city transport solution. The end game with a van body truck is likely always the same: move bigger loads safely and efficiently while retaining the maneuverability required to tackle urban streets and lanes.

GO BIGGER

Larger pre-bodied options such as Isuzu’s Freightpack curtain-side range are highly practical and can make it an easy prospect to load pallets and restrain loads.

Fitted with a range of timesaving features like a 10, 12 or 14-pallet footprint, side rails, tie-down points and lightning quick-release catches and docking rubbers, they are built in the same vein as other Ready-to-Work models and can be put straight to work without having the need for further modifications. If you’re seeking further advice on any of the body types listed here, don’t hesitate to visit your local Isuzu dealership. Our nationwide dealer network is ready to offer guidance and options for a transport solution tailored to your business.

Check out this blog for must-have accessories for your truck.