Norstar SD vs CM RD: Comparing Two Popular Steel Flatbeds
If you’re shopping for a steel flatbed for a Ford, Ram, or Chevy work truck, the Norstar SD and the CM RD are two of the most common flatbeds you’ll run across at dealers across Texas and Louisiana. Both are workhorse steel flatbeds built for ranchers, contractors, and fleet operators — but they’re not identical, and the right choice depends on how you actually plan to use the truck.
At Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX, we stock and install both Norstar and CM flatbeds, so we get this comparison question from buyers every week. Here’s the honest breakdown.
Deck Construction and Build
The Norstar SD (Standard Duty) uses a formed steel floor with a clean, low-profile rail design. It’s built to be simple, functional, and easy to maintain — a good fit for daily-driver work trucks that need a dependable deck without a lot of extras.
The CM RD (Deluxe Steel Flatbed) is CM’s higher-spec steel bed, with heavier-gauge steel, a more robust underframe, and standard features like a headache rack, D-ring tie-downs, and LED lighting built into the design. It’s a step up in structural rigidity and comes better equipped out of the box.
Weight Capacity and Durability
- Norstar SD — lighter-duty steel construction, ideal for lighter hauling, everyday ranch and utility work
- CM RD — heavier-gauge steel and reinforced crossmembers, better suited for frequent heavy loads, hay hauling, and equipment transport
- Both hold up well to Gulf Coast humidity when properly powder-coated, but the CM RD’s heavier steel gives it an edge for long-term flex resistance under repeated heavy loads
Price and Value
The Norstar SD generally comes in at a lower price point, making it an attractive option for buyers who want a solid, no-frills steel flatbed without paying for extra features they won’t use. The CM RD costs more but includes more standard equipment, which can actually make it the better value once you price out adding a headache rack and tie-downs separately to a bare-bones bed.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re running a lighter-duty daily driver and want to keep costs down, the Norstar SD is a smart, dependable choice. If you’re hauling heavier loads regularly — hay, livestock equipment, tools, or oilfield gear — the CM RD‘s heavier steel and included features make it worth the extra investment. Ranchers and contractors across our Texas and Louisiana service area frequently go with the CM RD when the truck is a primary work vehicle, and the Norstar SD when it’s a secondary or lighter-use truck.
We also carry Bedrock, RKI, and Pronghorn flatbeds if you want to compare even more options side by side before you buy — see our full flatbed truck bodies lineup.
Get a Side-by-Side Look in Wharton, TX
The best way to decide between the Norstar SD and CM RD is to see both in person. Our team can walk you through the construction differences, help you match a flatbed to your specific hauling needs, and get you a straight price on installation.
Call Star Truck Equipment at (979) 532-1486 or visit us at 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX 77488. We proudly serve work truck buyers across Texas and Louisiana.
