When you need a heavy-duty service truck that can take daily abuse in the Texas oilfield, pipeline corridor, or industrial construction site — the combination of a Ram 5500 chassis cab and an STI (Service Truck International) service body is one of the most capable builds available. At Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX, we build STI service body trucks on Ram 5500 platforms for operators across South Texas and Louisiana.

Why Ram 5500 for a Heavy-Duty Service Body?

The Ram 5500 is a Class 5 cab chassis with a GVWR up to 19,500 lbs — the most capable platform in Ram’s commercial truck lineup short of medium-duty Class 6/7 trucks. For service body applications, this matters because:

  • Maximum payload: More GVWR headroom means you can carry a heavy service body + a full load of tools, parts, and fluids without exceeding ratings
  • 6.7L Cummins diesel: Available on Ram 5500 — provides the torque for PTO operation and towing heavy trailers
  • Longer CA options: Ram 5500 regular cab with 84″ CA allows 12′ to 14′ service body fitments — the largest practical service body size on a pickup-derived chassis
  • Air ride rear suspension option: Helps smooth out rough lease roads and maintains body height under variable loads

STI Service Body Models for Ram 5500

STI (headquartered in Waco, TX) builds a comprehensive lineup of service truck bodies, and their heavier models are purpose-designed for Class 4–5 chassis platforms like the Ram 5500. Common STI configurations installed on Ram 5500:

STI Standard Service Bodies

STI’s standard service bodies feature all-steel construction, full-height compartments on both sides, and a generous tool storage layout. On the Ram 5500 with a long CA, you can run an 11′ or 12′ STI body with:

  • 8–10 full-height compartments per side
  • Top-opening crossover compartments for long tools and conduit
  • Heavy-duty door hinges and paddle latches
  • Rear hitch and tow package integration
  • Payload capacity for full tool loadout plus heavy parts inventory

STI Crane-Ready Service Bodies

STI’s crane-ready configurations include a reinforced subframe and factory crane mounting provisions — making them ideal for pairing with a Tiger Crane or Autocrane on the Ram 5500. The crane-ready STI body on a Ram 5500 is one of the most popular builds we do for oilfield service companies:

  • Factory subframe provisions for behind-cab or rear crane mounting
  • Reinforced body structure to handle crane operating loads
  • Compatible with Tiger Cranes 3-ton to 9-ton capacity units
  • PTO-compatible installation (hydraulic pump driven by truck transmission)

STI Mechanics Truck Bodies

STI also builds mechanics truck body configurations with integrated air compressor mounts, generator provisions, and deep-well compartments for power tools and diagnostic equipment. On a Ram 5500 with a 12′ STI mechanics body, you get a rolling shop capable of handling heavy equipment field repair anywhere in Texas or Louisiana.

Ram 5500 CA Measurements and STI Body Sizing

The Ram 5500 is available in:

  • Regular Cab 5500, 60″ CA: Fits a 10’–11′ STI service body
  • Regular Cab 5500, 84″ CA: Fits a 12’–14′ STI service body — the premium oilfield build option
  • Crew Cab 5500, 60″ CA: Fits a 9’–11′ STI body

We verify your specific truck’s CA and axle position before ordering any STI body. This prevents the costly mistake of ordering a body that overhangs the rear axle excessively, which creates weight balance and legal compliance issues.

STI vs Other Service Brands on Ram 5500

We also carry CM and RKI service bodies for Ram 5500. Here’s the honest comparison for heavy-duty builds:

  • STI vs CM: STI specializes in heavier-duty service and crane body configurations; CM has a broader model range and slightly lower price points on comparable configurations
  • STI vs RKI: RKI (made in Houston) and STI (made in Waco) are both Texas brands; RKI is stronger for standard contractor service bodies, STI has deeper options for crane-integrated and mechanics truck builds
  • STI advantage: Texas-built, strong oilfield pedigree, deep crane integration expertise, excellent parts and support through local dealers

Build Your STI / Ram 5500 Service Truck

Call (979) 532-1486 or stop by 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX 77488 to get your build started. We’ll spec the right STI body for your Ram 5500’s CA and your operational requirements — whether that’s a standard service body, a crane-ready configuration, or a full mechanics truck build. Browse our STI truck bodies page and our service bodies for sale page for current inventory and options.

Serving operators in Wharton, Victoria, El Campo, Houston, and throughout Texas and Louisiana.