The Ram 4500 cab chassis is one of the most popular platforms for heavy-duty service body builds in Texas — and RKI (Rawson-Koenig Industries) service bodies are among the best-matched options for this chassis. At Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX, we spec and install RKI service bodies on Ram 4500 trucks for oilfield operators, contractors, and fleet managers across the Gulf Coast region.

Why RKI on a Ram 4500?

RKI is manufactured in Houston, TX — making it one of the few major work truck body brands built right here in the state where most Texas operators run their trucks. That Texas-built quality shows in how RKI service bodies hold up in the heat, dust, and rough road conditions of South Texas oilfield and construction work.

The Ram 4500 brings the muscle — it’s a Class 4 cab chassis with a GVWR of 14,000–16,000 lbs, available in Regular Cab, Crew Cab, and in both gas (6.4L HEMI) and diesel (6.7L Cummins) configurations. It’s the right platform when you need a serious work truck but don’t want to step all the way up to the Ram 5500 or medium-duty Class 5–6 trucks.

RKI Service Body Models for Ram 4500

RKI Standard Service Bodies

RKI’s standard service bodies feature all-steel construction with welded compartments, heavy-duty door latches, and a range of compartment configurations. Common setups on Ram 4500:

  • Body length: 8′ to 11′ bodies fit the Ram 4500 CA measurements — 9′ and 10′ are most common for Crew Cab builds
  • Compartment layouts: Single- or double-door top compartments, crossover storage, and deep lower compartments for power tools and heavy equipment
  • Steel construction: 14-gauge steel body panels and 11-gauge floor for durability in Texas heat and rough conditions
  • Powder-coat finish: Available in multiple colors — white, black, and fleet-match colors

RKI Contractor Bodies

RKI builds contractor-grade service bodies with additional headboard height, taller compartments, and configurations suited for plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and general contractors. The Ram 4500 pairs well with these builds because its longer wheelbase options give you more usable body length without overloading the rear axle.

RKI Utility/Service Body Combos

Many Ram 4500 buyers pair an RKI service body with an auxiliary crane or lift gate. RKI bodies come crane-ready from the factory — subframe mounting points and reinforcement are built in, so adding a small knuckle boom crane or liftgate is straightforward at our shop.

Ram 4500 Cab-to-Axle and Body Sizing

Getting the CA measurement right is critical when spec’ing a service body. The Ram 4500 is available in these CA configurations:

  • Regular Cab 4500: 60″ CA — typically takes an 8’–9′ service body
  • Crew Cab 4500: 60″ CA — same CA, crew cab moves weight forward; 9′ body is common
  • Extended CA options: Some Ram 4500 orders come with longer CA for 10’–11′ body fitment

We measure your specific truck’s CA before ordering the RKI body — this avoids the common mistake of ordering a body that hangs too far behind the rear axle, which creates handling problems and can put you out of compliance on weight ratings.

RKI vs Other Service Body Brands on Ram 4500

We also carry CM and STI service bodies for Ram 4500. Here’s how RKI stacks up:

  • RKI vs CM: RKI tends to be heavier-gauge steel with tighter compartment tolerances; CM is slightly more affordable and very widely available
  • RKI vs STI: STI specializes in crane-integrated builds and oilfield-specific bodies; RKI is more contractor and utility-focused
  • RKI advantage: Texas-made in Houston, strong dealer support in the Gulf Coast corridor, excellent parts availability

Get Your RKI / Ram 4500 Build Quoted

Call (979) 532-1486 to get a quote on an RKI service body installed on your Ram 4500. We serve contractors and fleet operators from Wharton, Victoria, Houston, and across Texas and Louisiana. Visit our RKI truck bodies page or browse all service bodies for sale to see what’s in stock.

Stop by our shop at 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX 77488 — we’re happy to walk you through the RKI lineup and help you spec the right body for your Ram 4500 and your work requirements.