The 2024 Ram 3500 is one of the most capable heavy-duty pickups on the market, and it’s a top choice for Texas and Louisiana contractors, ranchers, and tradespeople who need a serious work truck. With Cummins diesel torque, available dual rear wheels, and a wide range of cab-to-axle (CA) lengths, the Ram 3500 is purpose-built for upfitting. At Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX, we install truck beds and work bodies on Ram 3500s every week. Here’s your complete guide to the best options.
2024 Ram 3500: SRW vs DRW — Which Should You Choose?
Before picking a truck bed, you need to know your configuration:
- Single Rear Wheel (SRW) Ram 3500: More nimble, easier to park, tighter turning radius. Works with standard flatbeds and service bodies in 8–9 ft configurations. Max payload typically around 3,800–4,500 lbs.
- Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) Ram 3500: Higher payload capacity (up to 7,680 lbs on the 3500), wider stance, and better stability when fully loaded. Required for heavier service bodies, crane bodies, and large flatbeds. Wider cab-to-axle dimensions give you more body room.
Most commercial truck buyers running a service body or crane body on a Ram 3500 should spec the DRW (dually) — the extra payload and stability justify the slightly wider footprint.
Cab-to-Axle Measurements on the 2024 Ram 3500
The cab-to-axle (CA) length determines which truck body lengths will fit your Ram 3500. The Ram 3500 Crew Cab DRW with the long frame gives you the most flexibility. Common CA options on the 2024 Ram 3500 include approximately 56″, 60″, and 84″ depending on cab style and wheelbase configuration. Always confirm your specific CA before ordering a body — we can help measure your truck during an in-person consultation at our Wharton, TX location.
Best Flatbed Truck Beds for the 2024 Ram 3500
Flatbeds are the #1 choice for Ram 3500 owners in ranching, hauling, and agriculture. They maximize payload area and give you unlimited tie-down flexibility.
CM Truck Beds — Most Popular Choice in Texas
The CM RD flatbed is the best-selling flat-top flatbed in Texas for a reason. Available in 8, 9, and 11-foot lengths, the CM RD is engineered to fit the Ram 3500 DRW perfectly. It features a full-length fold-down toolbox-mounting rail, integrated stake pockets, rub rails, and a clean powder-coat finish. If you’re running a gooseneck hitch setup, CM also offers the rugged CM SK Series with extra frame reinforcement for towing applications.
For ranchers and hay haulers, the CM Midwest hay bed pairs perfectly with the Ram 3500 — the wide flat surface and low profile make loading and stacking bales far easier than from a factory bed.
Norstar Truck Beds — Heavy-Gauge Texas-Tough
Norstar flatbeds are manufactured with thicker steel than many competitors, and they have a loyal following among Texas ranchers and farm operators. The Norstar SD Series is an excellent all-around flatbed for the Ram 3500 DRW, offering a solid 3-inch channel main frame, LED lighting, and a lifetime structural warranty. If you want something a step up in build quality from the standard CM RD, Norstar is worth the look.
Bedrock Granite Series — Premium Flatbed
The Bedrock Granite 9G flatbed is the premium option for Ram 3500 owners who want the best. The 3-piece bolt-together design makes it easy to repair individual sections without replacing the entire bed. The Granite 9G features 3/16″ formed diamond plate flooring, LED lighting, and extra-thick structural tubing. It’s available in configurations that fit the Ram 3500 DRW with an 84″ CA. If you’re running the heaviest loads and want a body that will outlast the truck, the Bedrock Granite is the right choice.
Pronghorn Flatbeds — Budget-Conscious, Solid Build
Pronghorn flatbeds are popular with buyers who want a solid Texas-made flatbed at a price point below Bedrock and Norstar. They carry standard features like LED lighting, stake pockets, and powder-coat finish. A good fit for the Ram 3500 SRW owner who needs an 8 or 9-ft flatbed without the premium price tag.
Best Service Bodies for the 2024 Ram 3500
Service bodies are the go-to choice for contractors, technicians, and tradespeople — electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, and oilfield workers all run service bodies on Ram 3500s. The Ram 3500’s towing and payload capacity make it an ideal platform for a heavier service body setup.
CM Service Bodies
The CM SB and SSB service bodies fit the Ram 3500 DRW and offer 6 or 8 lockable aluminum compartments, a full-length fold-out step, integrated tie-down rings, and LED lighting. The SSB wide-body configuration is ideal for the DRW Ram 3500 and gives you maximum compartment volume on each side. CM service bodies are one of the most popular upfit choices for Texas tradespeople.
STI Service Bodies
For oilfield workers, pipeline crews, and heavy-duty tradespeople, STI (Service Trucks International) service bodies are the premium choice. STI builds heavier-gauge bodies with more compartment options, better corrosion resistance, and specialized configurations for lube trucks, mechanics trucks, and fuel service setups. If you’re running a Ram 3500 in oilfield or heavy industrial service, STI is worth the premium.
Best Crane Bodies for the 2024 Ram 3500
A Ram 3500 with a crane body is a serious machine — popular with pipeline contractors, utility crews, and heavy equipment support operations. The combination of Cummins diesel torque and dual rear wheels gives the Ram 3500 the payload and stability to handle medium-duty crane bodies and truck-mounted cranes.
We carry STI crane bodies and Tiger Cranes — both are excellent choices for Ram 3500 upfits depending on your specific tonnage requirements and crane reach specs. Tiger Cranes are particularly popular in Texas and Louisiana for utility and light oilfield crane work. Give us a call and we’ll spec out the right crane configuration for your Ram 3500.
Why Buy Your Ram 3500 Truck Body from Star Truck Equipment?
At Star Truck Equipment, we’ve been upfitting work trucks across Texas and Louisiana for years. We stock a wide selection of flatbeds, service bodies, crane bodies, and accessories, and we handle every installation in-house at our facility in Wharton, TX. You’re not shipping your truck off to a warehouse — you’re working with experienced installers who know the Ram 3500 inside and out.
- Authorized dealer for CM, Norstar, Bedrock, Pronghorn, NXG, STI, Tiger Cranes, and more
- In-house installation by experienced technicians
- Wharton, TX location — convenient for Houston, Victoria, San Antonio, and all of South Texas
- We serve Texas AND Louisiana buyers
- Financing available through multiple lenders
- We handle all wiring, lighting, and hitch connections — complete turnkey upfit
Ready to Upfit Your 2024 Ram 3500?
Whether you’re looking for a flatbed, service body, hay bed, or crane body for your 2024 Ram 3500, we have the brands, the inventory, and the expertise to get you set up right. Call us at (979) 532-1486 or stop by our lot at 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX 77488. We’ll help you pick the right body, confirm your CA measurements, and get you scheduled for installation.
Also check out our guides to best truck beds for the 2025 Ram 3500, Ram 2500 truck bed options, and Ram 4500 truck body options for more year and model-specific guidance.
