Shopping for a steel service body and narrowed it down to two great options — the CM SK and the RKI service body? You’re not alone. These two brands consistently top the list for contractors, trades professionals, and fleet buyers across Texas and Louisiana. At Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX, we carry both lines and help buyers make this exact decision every week. Here’s the honest breakdown.
CM SK Service Body — Overview
The CM SK is CM Truck Beds’ flagship aluminum-reinforced steel service body. It’s built for tradespeople who need maximum storage in a clean, professional package. The SK features:
- Formed-steel construction with smooth sides and a polished look
- Multiple door configurations — single rear, dual rear, or combo
- Available in 8′, 9′, and 11′ body lengths
- Full-width rear compartment and front-mounted headache rack (optional)
- Powder-coat finish in multiple colors
- Gooseneck and fifth-wheel prep available on most configurations
The SK is especially popular with HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, and service fleet operators because of its high-capacity tool storage and clean presentation. See the full CM truck bodies lineup on our site.
RKI Service Body — Overview
RKI (Rawson-Koenig Inc.) is manufactured right in Houston, TX — making it a Texas-made product. RKI service bodies are known for their heavy-duty construction, deep compartments, and exceptional fit on 3/4-ton and 1-ton platforms. Key features include:
- All-steel construction with reinforced crossmembers
- Deep side compartments with plenty of vertical clearance for tall tools and equipment
- Available in top-mount and under-bed configurations
- Multiple lock options and door styles
- Powder-coat finish standard
- Built to handle heavier payload demands in oilfield and utility environments
RKI bodies are a go-to for pipeline contractors, utility companies, and oilfield service fleets across Texas and Louisiana. Explore the RKI truck bodies page for more details.
CM SK vs RKI: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | CM SK | RKI Service Body |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Steel w/ aluminum reinforcement | All-steel heavy-duty |
| Made In | Madill, OK | Houston, TX |
| Body Lengths | 8′, 9′, 11′ | 8′, 9′, 10′, 11′ |
| Best For | Trades, HVAC, fleet service | Oilfield, utility, heavy-duty service |
| Compartment Depth | Deep with tool tray options | Very deep — built for oversized tools |
| Finish | Powder coat (multi-color) | Powder coat (multi-color) |
| Gooseneck Ready | Optional | Optional |
| Price Range | Mid-range | Mid-to-upper range |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the CM SK if: You want a polished, professional service body for a trades business — HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or general contracting. The CM SK delivers a clean look with excellent storage organization and fits most 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks without issue.
Choose the RKI if: You’re in oilfield, heavy industrial service, or utility work where the body will take a beating and needs to accommodate oversized equipment. RKI’s all-steel build and deeper compartments give it an edge in rugged, high-demand environments. And as a Texas-made product, turnaround times are often faster.
Truck Compatibility
Both bodies fit on popular chassis like the Ford F-350, Ram 3500, and Chevy Silverado 2500HD/3500HD. For heavier payload needs, both can also be spec’d for F-450, F-550, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 chassis cab trucks. Your cab-to-axle (CA) measurement is critical — our team at Star Truck Equipment will help you match the right body length to your specific chassis.
Talk to an Expert Before You Buy
At Star Truck Equipment, we’ve installed hundreds of CM and RKI service bodies across Texas and Louisiana. We’ll help you compare options, check fitment on your specific truck, and give you an honest recommendation — not just a sales pitch.
📞 Call us at (979) 532-1486
📍 Located in Wharton, TX — serving all of Texas and Louisiana
🔗 Browse our full service body inventory or compare CM bodies and RKI bodies side by side.
Whether you need one body for your personal truck or you’re outfitting an entire fleet, we’ll make sure you get the right fit at the right price. Reach out today.
