2025 Ram 5500 Truck Body Options — Heavy-Duty Flatbeds, Crane Bodies & Service Bodies

The 2025 Ram 5500 is Ram’s heavy-duty commercial truck, with a GVWR up to 19,500 lbs — significantly more than the 4500. It’s the go-to choice for crane trucks, heavy lube trucks, large service bodies, and dual-crane setups. At Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX, we stock flatbeds, service bodies, crane bodies, and hay beds compatible with the Ram 5500 chassis.

2025 Ram 5500 Cab-to-Axle (CA) Specifications

The Ram 5500 is available exclusively as a cab & chassis (no factory bed), making it ideal for commercial truck body upfitting. Key CA measurements:

  • Regular Cab 4×2 — CA 84″, 96″, or 108″
  • Crew Cab 4×2 / 4×4 — CA 84″ or 96″
  • Extended Frame — Available in 108″+ CA for longer bodies (10–12 ft)

The extra CA options on the 5500 make it ideal for 10 and 11 ft crane bodies or long-wheelbase service bodies used in the oilfield and utility industries.

Why Choose the Ram 5500 Over the 4500?

The Ram 5500 adds roughly 3,000 lbs of additional GVWR compared to the 4500, giving you more payload to work with. This is critical when:

  • Your crane body + mounted crane + tools exceeds 4500 payload limits
  • You’re running a lube truck with full fluid tanks
  • You need to carry a large service body fully loaded with parts and equipment
  • You’re outfitting for a DOT-regulated fleet with strict payload compliance requirements

Many oilfield service companies and Texas utility fleets spec Ram 5500s specifically for these applications.

Best Flatbed Bodies for the 2025 Ram 5500

All of the following flatbed brands are compatible with the Ram 5500 and available at Star Truck Equipment:

  • Bedrock Flatbeds — Bedrock’s premium powder-coat steel flatbeds are available in 9, 10, and 11 ft configurations. Gooseneck prep and cab guard options available. Ideal for the Ram 5500 DRW chassis.
  • CM Platform Flatbeds — CM’s commercial flatbeds are built to handle the 5500’s increased payload. Available with fold-down sides, headache racks, and 5th wheel prep.
  • Norstar Heavy-Duty Flatbeds — Norstar’s SD series is a top choice for Ram 5500 users who need a durable, no-nonsense steel flatbed. Available in 9–11 ft lengths.
  • Bradford Built Flatbeds — Bradford Built’s working flatbeds use high-tensile steel and are designed for the harshest job sites. Fits Ram 5500 DRW platforms well.

Crane Bodies for the 2025 Ram 5500

The Ram 5500’s high GVWR makes it the preferred base for crane body upfits. Whether you’re running a Tiger crane, AutoCrane, or Stellar crane, the 5500 has the payload budget to handle it.

  • STI Crane Bodies — STI is a leading manufacturer of crane service bodies. Their units feature integrated crane mounts, hydraulic system provisions, outrigger pocket reinforcements, and multiple body lengths from 10 to 14 ft. A top choice for oilfield and utility crane trucks throughout Texas.
  • RKI Crane Bodies — RKI crane and lube body configurations are available in sizes that work with the Ram 5500 extended CA frame.

Service Bodies for the 2025 Ram 5500

Heavy-duty service bodies that take full advantage of the 5500’s payload capacity:

  • STI Service Bodies — STI offers deep-compartment mechanics truck bodies with integrated compressor provisions, tool storage, and crane-ready options.
  • Norstar Service Bodies — Available in extra-wide configurations for the 5500 DRW chassis, with deep aluminum-door compartments.
  • RKI Service Bodies — Modular aluminum service bodies with customizable layouts. Popular with telecom, utility, and contractor fleets.

Ram 5500 DRW — Standard Configuration

Unlike the 4500, the Ram 5500 is almost exclusively sold in DRW (dual rear wheel) configuration for commercial upfitting. The dual rear wheels provide the stability and load distribution needed for crane bodies and heavy service bodies. This also means you’ll want to spec body widths accordingly — most commercial bodies for the 5500 run 94–96 inches wide.

Towing Capacity Context

When properly configured, the 2025 Ram 5500 can tow up to 31,210 lbs with a gooseneck hitch — one of the highest ratings in its class. If you’re hauling heavy equipment trailers while also needing a crane or service body, the 5500 is often the only truck that can handle both roles simultaneously.

Expert Installation — Star Truck Equipment, Wharton, TX

Located at 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX 77488, Star Truck Equipment installs all truck bodies including Ram 5500 upfits. We handle everything from frame mounting and wiring to LED lighting and accessory installation. Serving all of South Texas, the Houston metro, and Louisiana.

Get a Quote on Your Ram 5500 Upfit

Call (979) 532-1486 today. Tell us your CA measurement, application (crane, service, flatbed), and brand preference — we’ll put together a custom quote and check current inventory. We ship nationwide and install locally.