Reading Truck Body Alternatives for Texas Buyers

Reading Truck is a well-known name in the work truck industry, with over 65 years of experience building service bodies, crane bodies, and platform bodies. Their Arlington, TX location serves the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and they have a solid reputation for quality craftsmanship.

But Reading isn’t the only game in town — especially for buyers in Houston, the Gulf Coast, Central Texas, and South Texas. Here are the best alternatives available through Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX.

Service Body Alternatives

RKI Service Bodies — Made in San Antonio, TX. RKI’s service bodies match Reading’s build quality with Texas-based manufacturing and support. Their deep compartments and robust construction make them a favorite among contractors who need serious storage and durability.

CM Service Bodies — CM’s SB series provides a cost-effective alternative to Reading’s Classic II line. Heavy-gauge steel construction, powder-coat finish, and LED lighting come standard. A great option for buyers who want proven reliability without premium pricing.

STI Service Bodies — For specialized service applications — mechanics trucks, lube trucks, fuel service — STI offers fully integrated solutions that compete directly with Reading’s specialty lines.

Crane Body Alternatives

RKI + Tiger Crane Packages — Star Truck Equipment builds complete crane truck packages combining RKI crane bodies with Tiger cranes. The result is a fully integrated crane truck that performs alongside Reading’s crane body offerings at a competitive price point.

STI Crane Trucks — STI’s crane-ready service bodies come pre-engineered for hydraulic crane installation, offering a turnkey alternative to Reading’s crane body line.

Platform & Flatbed Alternatives

Reading’s platform bodies face strong competition from Norstar platform bodies and CM platform models. For pickup-specific flatbeds, Bedrock and Pronghorn are the clear leaders in Texas.

Why Choose Star Truck Equipment

Reading Truck has one Texas location (Arlington). Star Truck Equipment serves the entire state from Wharton — centrally located between Houston and San Antonio, with delivery available across Texas and Louisiana. We carry 10+ brands, offer professional installation, and provide honest guidance on which product is the best fit for your specific application.

Call (979) 532-1486 to compare options and get a quote. No pressure, just expert advice.

Star Truck Equipment — 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX 77488.