What’s the Difference?
When outfitting a work truck or building a custom setup, it’s important to understand the difference between Cab & Chassis trucks and Take-Off Bed trucks. While they may appear similar at first glance, their frames, suspensions, and intended uses are quite different.
Cab & Chassis Trucks
A Cab & Chassis (also called "Chassis Cab") truck is a purpose-built platform designed for upfitting with specialized equipment or bodies such as flatbeds, service bodies, utility boxes, or dump beds.
Key Features:
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Straight Frame Rails: Standardized to make it easier for upfitters and aftermarket body manufacturers to mount equipment.
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Wider Frame Spacing: Frame rails are typically spaced 37 inches apart, ideal for compatibility with commercial body installations.
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Longer Cab-to-Axle (CA) Distance: Usually around 60 inches, providing more room behind the cab for larger equipment.
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Heavy-Duty Suspension: Equipped with 5 to 12 leaf springs in the rear, plus optional overload springs depending on the GVWR and manufacturer.
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Shorter Leaf Springs: Stiffer springs designed to support higher payload capacities.
Best For:
Contractors, fleet operators, and businesses that need a customizable truck built to carry heavy-duty equipment or perform specific tasks.
Take-Off Bed Trucks (Pickup & Box Delete)
A Take-Off Bed truck (also referred to as a Pickup with the bed removed) starts as a standard pickup. The original truck bed is removed to install an aftermarket body or flatbed.
Key Features:
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Curved Frame Rails: Designed for comfort and better weight distribution, but may require additional fabrication for upfitting.
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Narrower Frame Spacing: Typically 34 inches apart, which can limit compatibility with some commercial bodies.
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Shorter Cab-to-Axle (CA) Distance: Generally around 56 inches, offering less space behind the cab for large equipment.
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Lighter Suspension: Usually has 2 to 4 leaf springs, optimized for ride quality rather than heavy loads.
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Longer Leaf Springs: Provide a smoother ride, but less load capacity compared to chassis cabs.
Best For:
Lighter-duty applications or custom builds where ride comfort is important and extreme payload capacity is not required.
Which One is Right for You?
Choosing between a Cab & Chassis and a Take-Off Bed truck depends on your specific needs. If you need durability, higher payload, and full customization options, a Cab & Chassis is the better choice. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with a smoother ride and less heavy-duty hauling, a Take-Off Bed truck might suit your project just fine.
