When Texas and Louisiana contractors start shopping for a crane body for their work truck, two names come up regularly: RKI (Rawson-Koenig) and CM Truck Beds. Both are solid manufacturers with loyal followings, but they approach the crane body market differently. This guide breaks down the differences so you can make the right call for your application and budget.
RKI Crane Bodies: Built for Heavy-Duty Service
RKI is manufactured in Houston, TX — close to the Gulf Coast oilfield and industrial markets that demand the toughest equipment. RKI’s crane bodies are built around heavy steel construction, high payload ratings, and configuration flexibility. They’re a popular choice for oilfield service trucks, pipeline contractors, and industrial fleet managers who run their equipment hard and expect it to last.
Key features of RKI crane bodies:
- Heavy-gauge steel construction designed for demanding work environments
- Integrated crane mounting provisions for telescoping and knuckle-boom cranes
- Available with underbody storage compartments for tools, hoses, and equipment
- Compatible with a range of truck-mounted cranes including Tiger Cranes
- Custom configurations available for oilfield, utility, and pipeline applications
RKI crane bodies are frequently paired with medium-duty and heavy-duty chassis cabs like the Ford F-450/F-550, Ram 4500/5500, and Chevy 4500/5500. Their full RKI lineup at Star Truck Equipment includes both service bodies and crane-ready configurations.
CM Crane Bodies: Versatile and Value-Driven
CM Truck Beds is one of the most recognized truck body brands in the country, and their crane bodies offer a strong combination of versatility and value. CM crane bodies work well for construction companies, electrical contractors, municipalities, and utility crews who need crane capability without breaking the fleet budget.
Key features of CM crane bodies:
- Steel construction with good corrosion resistance for Texas and Louisiana climates
- Available in multiple lengths and configurations to match different chassis cab sizes
- Crane mounting provisions compatible with popular crane brands
- Tool compartments, drawer packages, and accessory options available
- Proven track record across a wide range of trades and industries
CM crane bodies pair well with the full range of work trucks and medium-duty chassis cabs. View the CM lineup to see current configurations and availability.
RKI vs CM Crane Bodies: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | RKI Crane Bodies | CM Crane Bodies |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing origin | Houston, TX | Madill, OK |
| Build weight | Heavier duty construction | Mid-weight, versatile |
| Target market | Oilfield, industrial, pipeline | Construction, utility, municipal |
| Crane compatibility | Wide range, including Tiger Cranes | Wide range, major crane brands |
| Customization | High — built to application | Good — standard options + add-ons |
| Price point | Mid-to-high range | Mid-range, strong value |
| Availability at STE | ✅ In stock and orderable | ✅ In stock and orderable |
Which One Should You Choose?
Go with RKI if: Your crew runs in demanding oilfield, pipeline, or heavy industrial environments. You need a heavier-duty crane body that can take punishment, handle high payload requirements, and integrate with high-capacity crane systems. RKI’s Texas roots also mean it’s built with the Gulf Coast climate and work conditions in mind.
Go with CM if: You need a reliable, versatile crane body that fits a broad range of applications — from construction and electrical work to municipal maintenance and general utility. CM delivers consistent quality at a competitive price point, and their wide availability makes parts and service straightforward.
Both brands work well with popular crane bodies and truck-mounted crane systems like the Tiger Crane lineup. If you’re not sure which configuration fits your truck and your job, we can help you spec it out.
The Crane Question: Don’t Forget the Crane
Choosing a crane body is only half the decision — you also need the right crane. At Star Truck Equipment, we carry Tiger Cranes, which are available in multiple boom lengths, capacities, and configurations. Tiger cranes mount cleanly on both RKI and CM crane bodies and are a popular choice for Texas and Louisiana contractors who need a capable, reliable truck-mounted crane.
Whether you’re spec’ing a complete crane truck from scratch or adding a crane to an existing chassis, we’ll help you match the right body and crane to your application and your budget.
See RKI and CM Crane Bodies in Wharton, TX
Star Truck Equipment is located at 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX 77488 — convenient for contractors across Houston, the Gulf Coast, and into Louisiana. We stock both RKI and CM crane body configurations and can help you choose the right setup for your truck and your work.
Call us at (979) 532-1486 to discuss your application, check current inventory, or get a quote. We serve contractors, fleet operators, and owner-operators across Texas and Louisiana.
