Getting in and out of the bed, and having a solid place to stand while loading or unloading, matters more
than most buyers expect when they’re speccing a service
body. The two most common ways builders handle rear access are a traditional rear step bumper and steps
integrated directly into the compartment structure. At Star Truck
Equipment in Wharton, TX, we build and outfit service bodies for fleets, tradesmen, and municipal crews
across Texas and Louisiana, and the access setup is one of the details customers often overlook until they’re
using the truck every day.

Rear Step Bumpers

A rear step bumper bolts on across the back of the body and does double duty as a step and as rear
protection for the compartments and taillights. It’s a familiar, proven setup — wide, stable footing, easy to
replace if it takes a hit backing into a dock or trailer, and it doesn’t add anything to the width of the
truck. The tradeoff is ground clearance: a low-hanging step bumper can drag on steep driveway aprons, curbs, or
uneven job sites, and it sits far enough back that it doesn’t help much with side or mid-body access to the
bed.

Integrated Steps

Steps built into the compartment structure — recessed into the body sides or tucked under the deck rail —
keep a lower profile and reduce the drag-prone overhang of a rear bumper step. They also often provide access
points along the side of the body, not just at the rear, which helps techs reach mid-bed toolboxes or deck
cargo without walking to the tailgate every time. Integrated steps typically cost more to build in and can be
narrower underfoot than a full-width bumper, so grip and tread design matter more for safety, especially in
wet conditions common in Gulf Coast weather.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Off-road, ranch, or job site use with poor ground clearance — integrated steps avoid drag and hangups
• Urban/fleet trucks backing into docks and tight spaces often — a rear step bumper is cheaper to replace after contact
• Techs accessing side compartments constantly — integrated side steps save time over walking to the rear
• Budget-focused builds — a standard rear step bumper is the lower-cost, proven option

We spec both setups on CM,
RKI, and
STI service bodies depending on how the truck
will be used, so drivers and techs get in and out safely every time, on the job site or on the road.

Spec the Right Access Setup for Your Service Body

Star Truck Equipment builds and outfits service bodies for trades, fleets, and municipal crews across Texas
and Louisiana from our shop in Wharton, TX. Call us at (979) 532-1486 or browse our
service bodies and
truck accessories to get started.