Every service body compartment holds tools and parts that shift around every time the truck moves, and what
lines the inside of that compartment affects how long those tools last. The two common options are a foam
liner bonded to the compartment walls and floor, or leaving the interior as bare painted or coated metal. At
Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX, we build
service bodies from
CM and
RKI with either setup, and the right call
depends on what’s riding in the compartments and how the truck gets used across Texas and Louisiana.
What a Foam Liner Offers
A foam liner cushions tools and equipment against the compartment walls, cutting down on the rattling and
impact damage that bare metal allows on rough roads and job sites. It also quiets the cab-adjacent
compartments noticeably, which matters on crew cab trucks where techs ride close to the body. Foam holds up
well to daily use, but it can trap moisture against the metal if water gets in and doesn’t dry out, and it’s
harder to hose out completely compared to a bare metal floor.
What a Bare Metal Interior Offers
A bare metal compartment — properly painted or powder-coated — is the simplest interior to keep clean.
Spills and debris wipe or hose straight out with nothing to soak them up, and there’s no foam to compress,
tear, or replace over the life of the truck. The tradeoff is more noise and more wear on tool cases, spray
equipment, and anything else that rides loose and knocks against a hard surface mile after mile.
Which Setup Fits Your Trade?
- Techs carrying sensitive electronics or precision tools — foam liners cut down on impact damage over rough roads
- Crews hauling wet materials, chemicals, or parts that need to be hosed out — bare metal is easier to fully clean
- Fleets running gravel roads and oilfield locations daily — foam liners quiet the ride and protect gear from constant vibration
- Fleets prioritizing lowest long-term maintenance — bare metal has no liner material to wear out or replace
- Crews organizing tools with drawer units or shelf kits — either interior works, but foam adds a layer of cushioning around fixed dividers
Both interior options can be specified when a service body is ordered. Browse our
truck accessories, or ask about outfitting your
next service body or
flatbed order.
Get Your Truck Set Up Right
Star Truck Equipment builds and outfits truck bodies for fleets and owner-operators across Texas and Louisiana
from our shop in Wharton, TX. Call us at (979) 532-1486 or browse our
service bodies and
truck accessories to get started.
