Norstar builds two very different flatbed configurations under its lineup, and buyers cross-shopping the
brand often aren’t sure which one actually fits what they’re hauling. The Norstar SD is the
skirted flatbed the brand is best known for — an enclosed, lockable-side-box design built for ranch and utility
work. The Norstar WH is an open flat deck configuration built for heavier towing and equipment
moving. Both mount on the same pickup chassis, but they’re built for different jobs. At
Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX, we stock and install both
lines for fleets and individual buyers across Texas and Louisiana, and here’s how they actually compare.
Norstar SD — Skirted Flatbed
The Norstar SD is a skirted flatbed with
enclosed, lockable side boxes running the length of the bed, LED lighting, and both gooseneck and bumper-pull
hitch capability built in. The side boxes give you secure, weatherproof storage for chains, tools, and gear
without taking up deck space, which is why it’s the most popular Norstar line for ranchers, ag haulers, and
utility crews who need to haul equipment and carry tools on the same truck. We stock the SD in 40″,
56″, 58″, and 60″ cab-to-axle (CA) sizes, with units starting around $9,550
plus installation.
Norstar WH — Flat Deck Hauler
The Norstar WH is a flat deck configuration built for heavier towing and equipment moving, without the
skirted side boxes of the SD. That open deck design means a lower deck height and unobstructed loading surface
for equipment, pallets, and oversized cargo — the tradeoff is losing the enclosed, lockable storage the SD
offers. We stock the WH in 56″ and 58″ CA sizes, with units starting around
$10,450 plus installation.
Which One Fits Your Truck?
- You need secure, lockable storage for tools and gear — Norstar SD’s skirted side boxes keep everything weatherproof and out of sight
- You’re hauling heavier equipment and need an unobstructed deck — Norstar WH’s open flat deck design
- Ranch and ag work with daily gooseneck or bumper-pull towing — Norstar SD, the brand’s most popular configuration
- Frequent loading of pallets, machinery, or oversized cargo — Norstar WH’s lower, open deck
Both lines also depend on getting your cab-to-axle
measurement and single-rear-wheel vs. dual-rear-wheel chassis configuration right before ordering — the
wrong CA measurement is the most common mistake we see buyers make when shopping a flatbed swap. If you’re
deciding between Norstar and another brand entirely, see how the SD stacks up against our
CM and
Bedrock lines as well.
Get the Right Norstar Flatbed for Your Truck
Star Truck Equipment stocks and installs Norstar SD and WH flatbeds for fleets and individual buyers across
Texas and Louisiana from our shop in Wharton, TX — most installs completed in one business day. Call us at
(979) 532-1486 or browse our Norstar
truck beds and truck beds for sale to check
current inventory and pricing.
