When Texas and Louisiana contractors start shopping service bodies, two names come up again and again: RKI (Rawson-Koenig Inc.) and Norstar. Both are made in Texas. Both are sold right here at Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX. But they serve very different buyers — and choosing the wrong one for your application can cost you money, efficiency, or both.
Here’s a no-fluff breakdown of how RKI and Norstar service bodies stack up, who each brand is built for, and how to decide which one belongs on your truck.
About RKI (Rawson-Koenig Inc.)
RKI is manufactured right in Houston, TX — one of the few major truck body brands with full Texas roots. RKI is known primarily for its high-quality steel service bodies and toolboxes. Their service bodies are built for serious work: oilfield service, utility line work, plumbing, HVAC, electrical — anywhere a contractor needs maximum storage, clean organization, and long-term durability from a chassis cab platform.
RKI service bodies are also crane-ready. If you’re planning to mount a crane body or a Tiger Crane on a heavy chassis cab (Ford F-450, F-550, Ram 4500, Ram 5500), RKI’s bodies are engineered to handle that kind of build. This is a big reason RKI is popular in oilfield country and Gulf Coast utility work.
About Norstar
Norstar is manufactured in Clarksville, TX — another homegrown Texas brand. Norstar is best known for its flatbed truck beds (particularly the popular SD and SM models), but they also produce solid service bodies for contractors who want a reliable, value-priced option. Norstar’s service bodies pair well with 3/4-ton and 1-ton pickups (Ford F-350, Ram 3500, Chevy Silverado 3500HD) for trades like HVAC, plumbing, landscaping, and general construction.
Norstar’s service bodies are a smart buy for contractors who need organized storage without going into the premium price tier. They’re popular among small fleets and owner-operators who want a step up from a pickup bed without the full investment of a heavy-duty body.
RKI vs Norstar Service Bodies: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | RKI | Norstar |
|---|---|---|
| Manufactured In | Houston, TX | Clarksville, TX |
| Primary Use | Oilfield, utility, heavy contractor | General contractor, trades, small fleet |
| Crane-Ready Builds | Yes — chassis cabs | Limited |
| Best Chassis Fit | F-450, F-550, Ram 4500/5500 | F-350, Ram 3500, Silverado 3500HD |
| Construction | Heavy-gauge steel | Steel, value-tier construction |
| Price Point | Mid to premium | Value to mid-range |
| Finish | Powder-coat | Powder-coat |
| Internal Links | Best for serious service/crane builds | Best for pickup-based contractor fleets |
When to Choose RKI
RKI is the right call when your work demands more from the truck body. Choose RKI if:
- You’re mounting on a cab chassis or medium-duty truck (F-450+, Ram 4500+)
- Your work involves oilfield service, utility line work, or heavy crane applications
- You need a body that can accept a Tiger Crane or other truck-mounted crane
- You operate in high-corrosion environments — Gulf Coast, South Texas, or Louisiana coastal parishes
- You’re building a multi-unit fleet and need consistent, heavy-duty quality across every truck
RKI bodies also come with excellent toolbox options — their standalone toolbox line is popular on pickup trucks for contractors who want the extra storage without a full service body conversion.
When to Choose Norstar
Norstar is the smarter choice when budget matters and the work doesn’t require a heavy-duty chassis cab build. Choose Norstar if:
- You’re running a 1-ton or 3/4-ton pickup and want an organized service body without breaking the bank
- Your trades include HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or landscaping — organized compartment storage is the priority
- You’re an owner-operator who needs reliable storage and a clean professional look on a tighter budget
- You already own a Norstar flatbed and want to stay in the same brand ecosystem for your next truck
- You’re in the early stages of building your fleet and need to stretch your equipment dollar further
What About the Other Options?
RKI and Norstar aren’t the only service body brands we carry. STI (Service Trucks International) is the top choice when you need a fully integrated mechanics truck, lube truck, or crane body built from the ground up. CM Truck Beds offers an excellent entry-level service body that works well on 3/4-ton and 1-ton pickups — similar territory to Norstar but with CM’s wider distribution and parts availability.
If you’re in Louisiana or across Southeast Texas and you’re trying to decide between multiple brands, the best move is to tell us your application first. What chassis are you running? What do you carry? Do you need crane-ready provisions? That conversation helps us match you to the right body faster than any spec sheet.
Ready to Get a Quote?
Star Truck Equipment is located in Wharton, TX and serves contractors and fleet buyers across Texas and Louisiana. We carry service bodies from RKI, Norstar, STI, CM, and more — and we can help you spec the right build for your truck and your work.
Call us at (979) 532-1486 or stop by and talk to our team. Whether you’re upfitting one truck or building out a fleet, we’ll get you set up right.
Also explore: RKI vs CM Service Bodies | Norstar vs Bradford Built Truck Beds | What Is a Service Body Truck?
