While there are several types of service bodies available for your work ute, it can be difficult to determine which is best for you. The type of vehicle you currently drive will ultimately determine the right service body style and features that work best for your needs. For example, if you already have a ute, then you may have fewer options available as you will need to work around what you currently have. However, if you are looking to buy a ute, then you can design your service body down to the very last detail.So taking the above into consideration, we have created a buyer’s guide with helpful tips and information about heavy-duty and light-duty service bodies. If you would like to learn more about this topic, please feel free to continue reading as we explore the following topics:

• What is a service body and what are they used for?

• Heavy-duty vs light-duty service bodies

• Pros and cons of heavy-duty service bodies

• Pros and cons of light-duty service bodies

• Things to consider before choosing either type of service body

What Is A Service Body And What Are They Used For?

In the past, it was a common practice for tradies to throw their tools and equipment into the back of their ute, panel van or even station wagon, and not give much more thought to it. The problem with doing this is while you were able to transport the things you needed, it usually created a very disorganised mess. This meant that sometimes it was difficult to pinpoint the location of a particular tool or item which meant one of two things: You wasted time digging around in the back of your vehicle looking for things or worse still, realised you had either forgotten the item and had to waste more time either going back to your factory or workshop to get the item or go and buy it.

However, nowadays, we have service bodies. A service body refers to an additional compartment that can be installed onto a ute, or even a truck. Usually, this service body will contain tools or other supplies no need to carry them separately in a separate vehicle or even with a trailer. Service bodies are usually designed so they don't impede on the work being done. This means they have compartments to safely store and secure your items in an organized manner which means you can operate efficiently because you know exactly where everything is. You can even have extendable benchtops and surfaces to work on.

Heavy-Duty vs Light-Duty Service Bodies

Generally, you will find two categories of service bodies: heavy-duty service bodies and light-duty service bodies. Heavy-duty bodies are made with thicker steel and have structural reinforcements that make them better suited for heavier use or more hazardous tasks. They offer increased payload and durability, meaning they can handle anything from construction tools and materials like bricks or concrete pipes, to step ladders and welding equipment. On the other hand, light-duty versions provide an affordable alternative that's not quite as durable but will still stand up under pressure if they are carefully designed and well manufactured. While both of these service bodies are different from each other, they both offer their own advantages and disadvantages which we will be discussing below.

Pros And Cons Of Heavy-Duty Service Bodies 

A heavy-duty service body is a perfect option for those who have a ute that will be used as both an everyday vehicle and a commercial vehicle. Some of its pros are as follows:

Pros

• Are known to be rugged and durable due to their stronger materials which means they are great for transporting bulky tools and equipment.

• Can provide optimal protection against day-to-day wear and tear without compromising performance under tough environments.

• Can always grow into more than just what it was originally intended by adding things such as racks on the side or roof. This makes heavier duty service bodies great for transporting items on rough or bumpy terrain.

Just as there are pros of heavy-duty service bodies, there are also cons. Some of these cons include the following:

Cons

• Known to be quite costly due to the heavier materials used to manufacture it. If you pick this type of service body, be sure this fits within your budget! 

• Due to the extra size and weight, fuel efficiency and overall vehicle maintenance costs can increase.

Pros And Cons Of Light-Duty Service Bodies 

Light-duty service bodies are popular for their versatility and durability. Some of their pros include the following:

Pros

• More flexibility when it comes to the design and layout of the service body due to the lighter materials used in the construction (more scope for doors, drawers etc).

• Comes with varying degrees of durability which provides more options when it comes to design and usage.

• Low ground pressure on lighter vehicles allows them more leeway while driving over uneven terrain without damaging surfaces or getting stuck.

• Can be manufactured at various and more affordable price points than heavy-duty service bodies depending on what features and specifications you require. 

• Can be used to transport a wider variety of cargo without compromising fuel efficiency as much as heavy-duty service bodies. 

The cons of light-duty service bodies are enlisted below:

Cons

• Not designed for heavy load capacity, which means there are times you'll be unable to accommodate large items or have difficulty transporting heavier cargo safely. 

• May not be as secure and durable over the long term compared to heavy-duty service bodies.

Things To Consider Before Choosing Either Type Of Service Body

Heavy-duty and light-duty service bodies are a purchase that you should consider carefully, as they have different purposes as we have seen from the above. For example, if you are hauling bulky, awkward shaped items, then the heavy-duty option may be better for you. However, if fuel efficiency or having a sleeker, more streamlined finish to your ute is more of a priority, then going with a light-duty service body would be better suited towards what you're trying to accomplish overall. An important aspect in choosing either type of service body is to analyse your needs and budget before choosing between a light-duty or heavy-duty service body. Both styles are available in different lengths, widths, heights, and weight capacity for payload weight depending on whether you're running smaller loads or larger items with heavier weight. 

Final Thoughts

A heavy-duty service body can be the best option for a business that needs to carry larger cargo loads. However, if your need is to transport lighter loads or you have an older vehicle with limited carrying capacity, then a light-duty service body may be the better choice. Either way, having a service body allows you to properly organise your work vehicle so that you can operate more efficiently and save time and money in the process

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.