RKI vs CM Service Bodies: Which Is Right for Your Work Truck?
If you’re shopping for a service body in Texas, RKI and CM are two of the most commonly compared brands — and for good reason. Both are solid, professionally-built service bodies with strong track records. But they serve different customers and different budgets.
At Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX, we carry and install both. Here’s our honest comparison.
Brand Overview
| Category | RKI Truck Bodies | CM Truck Beds |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | Red River, TX | Madill, OK |
| Primary Market | Commercial service, oilfield, utilities | Farm, ranch, commercial |
| Service Body Line | Steel & aluminum service bodies, contractor bodies | Service bodies (SB series) |
| Construction | Fully welded steel or aluminum | Fully welded steel |
| Price Position | Mid to premium | Mid-range |
Key Differences
Construction and Durability
RKI is a Texas-based manufacturer with deep roots in oilfield and commercial truck equipment. Their service bodies are built to handle the abuse of oilfield service, utility work, and heavy commercial applications. RKI uses heavy-gauge steel with fully welded construction and reinforced doors — these bodies hold up on rough oilfield roads and high-use fleet vehicles.
CM service bodies are built to the same quality standards as their popular flatbeds — solid, reliable, and well-suited to contractors and tradespeople who need organized storage without the oilfield-grade overkill. CM’s SB series is a practical choice for electricians, HVAC technicians, and light-commercial service trucks.
Compartment Layout and Organization
| Feature | RKI Service Body | CM Service Body |
|---|---|---|
| Compartment Count | 6–10 depending on model | 6–8 depending on model |
| Door Type | T-handle locking, reinforced hinges | T-handle locking |
| Drawer Options | Yes (on premium models) | Limited |
| Top Storage Tray | Available on most models | Available on some models |
| Crane Body Compatibility | Excellent — designed for upfitting | Moderate |
| Custom Configurations | High — many layout options | Moderate |
RKI Pros and Cons
✅ RKI Pros
- Heavy-duty construction purpose-built for oilfield and commercial use
- More compartment and layout customization options
- Texas-made — strong parts and service support in-state
- Excellent crane body and upfitting compatibility
- Both steel and aluminum options available
❌ RKI Cons
- Higher price point than CM service bodies
- May be more truck than needed for light commercial trades
CM Pros and Cons
✅ CM Pros
- More affordable entry price for service body applications
- Same brand as their popular flatbeds — single-vendor upfitting solution
- Widely available across Texas with strong dealer support
- Solid quality for electricians, HVAC, plumbers, and light commercial
❌ CM Cons
- Less customization than RKI’s lineup
- Not as purpose-built for heavy oilfield / crane body applications
- Steel only on service body line
Which Should You Choose?
Choose RKI if: You’re in oilfield service, utilities, or any heavy commercial trade where your truck takes daily abuse. RKI bodies are built for it. Also the better choice if you plan to add a crane or need a highly customized compartment layout.
Choose CM if: You’re an electrician, plumber, HVAC tech, or light contractor who needs solid service body organization at a more accessible price. CM service bodies offer great value for trades that don’t need oilfield-grade construction.
Also Consider: STI Service Bodies
For heavy-duty mechanics trucks, lube trucks, and field service applications, also consider STI (Service Trucks International) — one of the most respected names in professional service bodies and mechanics trucks. STI builds purpose-designed service trucks for demanding commercial and oilfield environments.
Related Pages
- RKI Truck Bodies
- CM Truck Beds
- STI Service Truck Bodies
- All Service Bodies for Sale
- Service Body vs Flatbed for Contractors
Ready to spec your service body? Call us at (979) 532-1486 — we carry RKI, CM, STI, and other leading service body brands at our Wharton, TX shop. We’ll help you choose the right layout, compartment configuration, and upfitting options for your trade and truck. Serving contractors and fleets across Texas and Louisiana.