Choosing a service body for your work truck in Texas or Louisiana? STI (Service Truck International) and NAP (National Aluminum Products) both build quality service bodies, but they take very different approaches to materials, weight, and use case. Here’s what you need to know before you spec your next truck.
STI vs NAP Service Bodies: Quick Comparison
| Feature | STI | NAP |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | Waco, TX | Lancaster, OH |
| Primary Material | Heavy-gauge steel (standard), aluminum options | Extruded aluminum (primary construction) |
| Body Types | Service, Crane, Mechanics, Lube, Fuel | Service bodies, utility bodies |
| Weight | Heavier (steel construction) | Lighter (aluminum — significant payload savings) |
| Corrosion Resistance | Powder-coat finish, steel substrate | Excellent — aluminum doesn’t rust |
| Crane-Ready Configs | Yes — factory crane-ready, pairs with Tiger Cranes | Limited crane-ready configurations |
| Best For | Oilfield, pipeline, heavy construction, crane builds | Utility companies, municipalities, lighter-duty service |
| Texas/LA Availability | Available at Star Truck Equipment, Wharton TX | Limited South Texas/Louisiana dealer access |
| Price Range (installed) | $12,000–$45,000+ | $11,000–$35,000+ |
STI: Heavy-Duty Steel for Serious Work
STI, based in Waco, TX, is one of the leading heavy-duty service truck body manufacturers in North America. Their service bodies are engineered for the most demanding environments — oilfield, pipeline, heavy construction, and crane work. STI builds everything from standard service bodies to full lube trucks, fuel service trucks, and mechanics trucks with factory crane-ready configurations.
STI Strengths
- Full Texas and oilfield pedigree — Built in Waco and proven in Eagle Ford, Gulf Coast, and Permian Basin operations
- Complete service truck ecosystem — Service bodies, crane bodies, mechanics trucks, lube trucks, and fuel service under one brand
- Tiger Crane compatibility — STI crane bodies are factory-matched for Tiger Crane integration
- Local dealer support — Available and serviceable at Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX
- Heavy-gauge durability — Built for the brutal conditions of oilfield and pipeline work
NAP (National Aluminum Products): Lightweight Aluminum Service Bodies
NAP (National Aluminum Products), based in Lancaster, OH, specializes in extruded aluminum service bodies. Their primary value proposition is weight savings — aluminum service bodies typically weigh 300–600 lbs less than comparable steel bodies, which means more payload capacity and better fuel economy on standard pickup chassis (F-250, F-350, Ram 2500/3500).
NAP Strengths
- Aluminum construction — No rust, excellent for humid coastal environments (Gulf Coast, Louisiana bayou country)
- Significant weight savings — 300–600 lbs lighter than steel bodies, improving payload and fuel economy
- SRW pickup compatible — Lighter weight makes NAP a viable option on F-250 and Ram 2500 SRW trucks
- Clean, professional appearance — Extruded aluminum holds up visually for fleet and utility trucks
NAP Considerations
- Not crane-ready for heavy oilfield crane work — STI or RKI is better for crane body applications
- Limited dealer network in South Texas and Louisiana
- Not the right fit for heavy construction abuse — aluminum dents easier than steel under rough use
- Fewer body type options vs STI (no lube trucks, mechanics trucks, or fuel service bodies)
Which Should You Choose?
Choose STI If You:
- Work in oilfield, pipeline, or heavy construction in Texas or Louisiana
- Need a crane body, mechanics truck, lube truck, or fuel service body
- Want a locally available, serviceable body from a South Texas dealer
- Run chassis cabs (F-450+, Ram 4500+) and need heavy-duty durability
Consider NAP If You:
- Run SRW pickups (F-250, Ram 2500) and payload is tight
- Operate in a coastal or humid environment where corrosion resistance is a top priority
- Need a utility company or municipal-style service body for lighter-duty tasks
- Have access to a NAP dealer in your region
Aluminum Alternative Available Locally: RKI
If you want aluminum service body construction from a brand with strong South Texas dealer support, consider RKI (Rawson-Koenig), manufactured in Houston, TX. RKI builds aluminum service body options that are crane-ready and well-suited for Gulf Coast and Louisiana humidity — available right here at Star Truck Equipment. See our full service bodies lineup.
Talk to Our Team
Not sure which service body is right for your truck and your work? Our team at Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX can spec your entire build — from chassis selection to body configuration to crane sizing.
📞 Call us at (979) 532-1486 to discuss which service body is right for your operation. We serve Texas and Louisiana buyers and can help you get the right body on the right truck.