7 Questions To Ask When Spec'ing A Service Body

Are you a field technician looking for a reliable and convenient work ute? If so, it’s important that you understand that a standard ute just won’t cut it if you are looking for improved efficiency, performance and productivity in your job. Field technicians working across a variety of industries from plumbing, telecommunications, gas, HVAC and construction typically carry a wide range of parts, equipment and tools for their jobs. For proper material storage, you need a dedicated service body. Service bodies are basically heavy-duty tool boxes on wheels. A service body allows you to carry everything you need wherever you go so that you never miss out on a job. A service body can help you stay organised and also boost your productivity while you are out in the field. Service bodies are available in a wide variety of configurations, designs, sizes and materials. When spec’ing a service body, it’s important that you ask the right questions in order to get the best results. Here are some of the questions you should ask:

1). What Do You Intend To Carry In The Service Body?

The first question you should ask yourself is what kind of materials do you intend to carry in your ute. Are they heavy materials or lightweight parts? This is very important because the materials you will be carrying will determine the load requirements that your service body must meet. It’s advisable to make a list of everything you intend to carry in the truck from parts, equipment and tools. For each item, take note of the approximate weight and quantity. 

2). Will You Be Hauling Anything Outside The Service Body?

Field technicians are known to haul everything from ladders, pipes, conduits and more on top or on the sides of their utes. Also, a good number of service trucks also include special work equipment like generators and compressors. With that said, it is important to establish whether you will be hauling anything outside the ute so that the necessary racks and reinforcements are added to the specifications of the service body.

3). Do You Need An Enclosure And, If So, What Kind?

A standard service body is similar to the typical bed of a ute in that the rear end is open. This type of service body may not be ideal for you if you intend to carry items that can be stolen, damaged or are prone to corrosion. Most field technicians prefer to have some form of enclosure (full or partial) included with their service body for better protection of their tools.

4). What Will Be The Maximum Load Weight?

The maximum load weight is the maximum weight your truck can pull. Your service body has some weight of itself depending on the material it’s made of. Your service body can be made from steel, aluminium or fibreglass, or a combination of these materials. The important thing to remember is that a heavier service body means higher fuel consumption and reduced load capacity.

5). Will You Be Going Off-road?

The terrain or environment you will be operating is another relevant question to consider when spec’ing a service body. If you intend to go off-road, you may need to invest in a 4-wheel, spring-mounted chassis for optimal performance.

6). Will You Be Pulling A Trailer?

Again, knowing how much overall weight your ute will be pulling is extremely crucial when spec’ing a service body. A trailer is part of the overall weight you will be pulling.

7). Will You Be Working In A Corrosive Environment?

Last but not least, it is important to find out the specific area or region you will be operating in because some places have corrosive elements such as working near the coast. Constant exposure to coastal areas can actually cause corrosion with your service body, especially if it is made from materials like steel.

For more information regarding high-quality service bodies, please call us today at MFI Automotive Group on 1300 634 669 or get in touch with our friendly sales team here.