If you run a construction crew in Texas or Louisiana, your work truck is one of your most critical investments. But one of the most common questions we hear at Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX is this: Should I get a flatbed or a crane body? The answer depends on your job type, load requirements, and long-term needs — and we’re going to break it all down.
What Is a Flatbed Truck Body?
A flatbed truck body is an open, flat platform mounted to your truck’s frame. No walls, no cab — just a clean, level surface for hauling materials, equipment, or supplies. Flatbeds are incredibly versatile for construction work because you can load them from the sides, rear, or top with a forklift, crane, or by hand.
Best flatbed brands we carry:
- CM Truck Beds — RD, ER, TM models in steel or aluminum
- Norstar — SM, SD, and WB flatbeds built for heavy Texas duty
- Bedrock — Granite 9G and Diamond series for demanding applications
- Pronghorn — Budget-friendly steel flatbeds
- Bradford Built — Premium aluminum and steel flatbeds
- Aluma — Lightweight aluminum for weight-sensitive rigs
What Is a Crane Body?
A crane body is a service-style body with an integrated truck-mounted crane — typically 2,000 to 10,000+ lb capacity. The crane is usually mounted behind the cab and can rotate 360°. Crane bodies typically feature side-opening compartments for tools and parts storage, making them ideal for crews that lift, position, and install heavy materials on-site.
Crane brands we install:
- Tiger Cranes — Rugged, reliable truck-mounted cranes built for oilfield and construction
- STI (Service Trucks International) — Full crane body packages with tool storage
- RKI — Crane bodies manufactured in Houston, TX
Flatbed vs. Crane Body: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Flatbed | Crane Body |
|---|---|---|
| Load capacity | Very high (limited by chassis) | Moderate (crane adds weight) |
| Lifting ability | None (need external equipment) | Yes — 2,000–10,000+ lb crane |
| Tool/parts storage | Minimal (open platform) | Excellent (locking side compartments) |
| Cost | $3,000–$9,000+ | $12,000–$35,000+ (body + crane) |
| Best chassis | F-350 to F-550, Ram 3500–5500 | F-450 to F-550, Ram 4500–5500 |
| Setup time | 1–2 days | 2–5 days |
When a Flatbed Is the Right Choice
Choose a flatbed if your construction crew primarily:
- Hauls lumber, steel, pipe, or roofing materials
- Delivers equipment that’s loaded and unloaded with a forklift or skid steer
- Runs multiple jobsites daily and needs flexibility
- Has a dedicated crane truck elsewhere in the fleet
- Works on tight budgets where the crane investment isn’t justified
A steel flatbed like the CM RD or Norstar SM on a Ford F-350 DRW or Ram 3500 gives you a rugged, low-maintenance workhorse that handles most construction hauling tasks without breaking the bank.
When a Crane Body Is the Right Choice
Choose a crane body if your crew:
- Regularly lifts heavy materials into elevated positions (HVAC units, steel beams, concrete forms)
- Does electrical or telecommunications work requiring equipment placement at height
- Works in oilfield, industrial, or commercial construction environments
- Needs a self-contained unit with built-in tool storage AND lifting capability
- Wants to eliminate the need for renting a crane or boom truck for routine lifts
A Tiger Crane body or STI crane body on a Ford F-550 or Ram 5500 cab chassis turns one truck into a complete mobile service unit — lift, store, and wrench all in one rig.
Can You Get Both? The Combo Approach
Some construction fleets run a mix: flatbed trucks for material hauling paired with one dedicated crane body truck for lifts and heavy installs. This is often the most cost-effective approach for medium-sized crews. The crane truck earns its keep on the jobs that need it, while the flatbeds handle the daily grind.
We can help you spec out both — from chassis selection to body configuration — for your specific type of construction work.
Get Expert Help in Texas & Louisiana
At Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX, we install flatbeds and crane bodies for construction crews across Texas and Louisiana. Whether you’re outfitting one truck or a whole fleet, we’ll help you pick the right body for the job.
📞 Call us at (979) 532-1486 or contact us online to talk through your options. We’ll match your workload to the right setup and get your rig working harder for you.
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