Productivity is one of the many keys to your success, and making the right decisions on the tools you use on a daily basis is vitally important. One of the most important tools that a tradesman or company chooses is their work vehicle. This choice is crucial to not only your bottom line but also to your company’s image. But how do you know if you are making the right decision? What are the key factors to consider as you make this huge investment? It fundamentally boils down to three key steps: Selecting the right body, choosing the right vehicle or chassis, and picking the right accessories to make a custom-tailored work vehicle for your job and application.

Selecting the right body
When selecting the right body for your needs, it is critical that you make a very accurate and all-encompassing inventory of what your job requirements are. Do you need something enclosed, or can you work with an open body? How much cargo space and capacity do you require? What about enclosures and security? What types of tools and equipment will you be hauling – both in and out of your truck body? 

These are all questions that you need to answer as you sort through the almost endless selection of body options that are available on the market today. Understanding your needs will get you off to a good start in determining the right configuration and size of body needed to allow you to operate efficiency. 

Finally, what material should your body be made of? Today, there are three main types of materials to consider: steel, aluminum, and fiberglass composite. When selecting a body material, keep in mind the environments you will be working in and also the level of abuse that your vehicle body will be taking as you go about your jobs and locations. Again, the numbers of body configurations and types are almost endless, and making the right selection is crucial.

NOTE: This is the first in a series of three guest blogs by Mandar Dighe, vice president of marketing for The Knapheide Manufacturing Company. Next month: Choosing the right chassis or vehicle.