If you’re shopping for an aluminum service body, two names come up again and again: RKI and CM. Both brands build rugged, corrosion-resistant bodies trusted by fleets and independent contractors across Texas and Louisiana, and both are available through Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX. But the two bodies aren’t identical, and picking the right one comes down to how you actually use your truck every day.
Why Choose Aluminum Over Steel
Aluminum service bodies weigh significantly less than comparable steel bodies, which means more usable payload for tools, parts, and equipment — a big deal if you’re running a mechanics truck, HVAC rig, or electrical service vehicle near its GVWR limit. Aluminum also resists rust naturally, which matters along the Gulf Coast where humidity and road salt take a toll on steel over time. Both RKI and CM lean on these same advantages, but they execute the design differently.
RKI Aluminum Service Bodies
RKI (Rawson-Koenig), manufactured in Houston, TX, builds aluminum service bodies with a reputation for tight compartment tolerances and smooth-operating rotary latches. Compartments are deep and evenly spaced, which makes them a favorite for technicians who carry a lot of small parts bins and need predictable, repeatable storage. RKI’s Houston manufacturing base also means shorter lead times for Texas buyers compared to some out-of-state competitors.
CM Aluminum Service Bodies
CM Truck Beds has built its name on no-nonsense durability at a competitive price point. CM’s aluminum service bodies favor wider door openings and simpler compartment configurations, which crews appreciate when they’re loading bulkier tools or larger spools of wire and conduit. CM also offers a broader range of stock configurations, so it’s often easier to find a unit ready to go without a custom order.
Head-to-Head: What Actually Matters
- Compartment precision: RKI edges ahead for organized parts storage and tighter tolerances.
- Door/opening size: CM often wins for bulky tools and larger equipment.
- Availability: CM’s wider stock range can mean faster turnaround; RKI’s Houston plant keeps lead times short for custom orders.
- Weight savings: Both bodies are true aluminum construction and deliver similar payload advantages over steel.
- Corrosion resistance: Both hold up well in Gulf Coast humidity — a real advantage over steel bodies for coastal Texas and Louisiana fleets.
Neither brand is the “wrong” choice — it really comes down to your trade. Electricians and plumbers hauling bulky spools and fittings often lean CM. Mechanics and HVAC techs who live out of organized parts bins often prefer RKI. If you’re still deciding between a mechanics truck and a standard service body altogether, that’s worth settling first before comparing brands.
See Both in Person in Wharton, TX
The best way to choose between RKI and CM aluminum service bodies is to see both up close. Star Truck Equipment stocks and installs both brands at our Wharton, TX facility, and we serve fleets and independent operators across Texas and Louisiana. Our team can walk you through compartment layouts, weight ratings, and installation timelines for your specific truck.
Call us today at (979) 532-1486 to talk through your options, or browse our full lineup of service bodies and truck beds online.
