Bedrock vs Reading Flatbeds: Which Is Right for Your Work Truck?
When Texas and Louisiana buyers start comparing flatbed truck bodies, two names that often come up are Bedrock Truck Beds and Reading Truck Body. Both make flatbeds, but they serve very different markets — and understanding those differences can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of frustration down the road.
At Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX, we carry the full Bedrock lineup and work with ranchers, contractors, and oilfield operators across Texas and Louisiana every day. Here’s how these two flatbed brands stack up head to head.
Bedrock Truck Beds: Built for the Work That Never Stops
Bedrock is a Texas-grown brand known for heavy-duty flatbeds built to take punishment. Their lineup includes the Diamond Series, Granite Series, and the economical Granite 9G — all built from high-strength steel with powder-coat finishes and gooseneck provisions that serious haulers demand.
- Steel construction — 11-gauge and heavier steel depending on model
- Gooseneck-ready — most models include ball and ring provisions standard
- Adjustable toolbox rails — configure for your specific setup
- Powder-coat finish — holds up in Texas heat, Gulf Coast humidity, and oilfield grime
- Multiple width and length options — 84″ to 96″ wide, 7’4″ to 9′ long, plus cab-to-axle matched sizes
- Available headache racks — bolt-on or welded, tube or pipe style
The Bedrock Diamond flatbed is our most popular model — it’s what serious ranch operators, oilfield contractors, and heavy haulers in Southeast Texas and South Louisiana reach for when they need a flatbed that won’t flex, crack, or quit.
Reading Truck Body Flatbeds: A National Brand with a Different Focus
Reading Truck Body has 26+ locations nationwide and is well-known for service bodies, crane bodies, and platform bodies sold through fleet dealers and commercial upfitters. They do make flatbeds, but it’s not their primary focus — most of their flatbed volume goes to fleet buyers through OEM partnerships.
- Primarily a fleet/commercial channel — harder to buy as an individual
- Steel construction, lighter gauge on some entry-level models
- Limited gooseneck options compared to dedicated flatbed brands
- Fewer custom size and configuration options for non-fleet buyers
- Service and warranty handled through authorized dealer network — fewer locations in TX/LA
If you’re a municipal fleet buyer buying 50 units at a time, Reading’s fleet channel makes sense. If you’re a rancher, contractor, or owner-operator in Texas or Louisiana looking for one truck built to work hard, Reading’s flatbed lineup is harder to spec and source in your area.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Bedrock | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Market | Ranch, oilfield, contractor, individual buyers | Fleet/commercial, municipal |
| Steel Gauge | 11-gauge+ high-strength | Varies by model |
| Gooseneck Ready | Standard on most models | Limited |
| Texas Dealer Access | Stocked in Wharton, TX | Limited distribution |
| Custom Sizes | Multiple widths and lengths | Limited SKUs |
| Powder-Coat Finish | Yes — standard | Varies |
| Installation Lead Time | In-stock options available | Dealer-order based |
Which Flatbed Should You Buy?
For the overwhelming majority of Texas and Louisiana work truck buyers — ranchers, oilfield operators, construction contractors, and owner-operators — Bedrock is the clear winner. Here’s why:
- You can buy it locally — we stock Bedrock at Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX
- Heavier construction for real-world ranch and field work
- Better gooseneck integration for haulers who pull trailers regularly
- More size options to fit your specific truck’s cab-to-axle measurement
- Faster turnaround — we can often install same-week or next-week
Reading makes great service bodies and crane bodies — but for a standalone flatbed truck bed on a working pickup or cab-chassis, Bedrock is purpose-built for that application.
Also Consider: CM, Norstar, and Bradford Built
If you’re comparing flatbed options, we also carry CM flatbeds, Norstar flatbeds, and Bradford Built flatbed bodies — each with its own strengths depending on your budget, truck, and application. We’ll help you find the right fit.
Ready to Spec Your Flatbed?
Star Truck Equipment serves buyers across Southeast Texas and South Louisiana from our location in Wharton, TX. We carry flatbed truck bodies from Bedrock, CM, Norstar, Bradford Built, and more — all in stock and ready to install on your truck.
Call us at (979) 532-1486 or stop by 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX 77488. We’ll help you pick the right flatbed for your truck, your work, and your budget.
