Product information
5 POPULAR TYPES OF TRUCK BODIES ON THE MARKET
A truck body is the rear section of a truck, used to hold and transport goods. The market today offers a wide range of truck-body types such as open-top (low-sided), tarpaulin-covered, closed box, and dump bodies, etc. The article below provides detailed information about these truck body types so customers can choose the option that best matches their usage needs.
Common types of truck bodies today
Open-top (low-sided) body
An open-top body is uncovered at the top, lacks a roof, and features low sideboards around the perimeter. These bodies are typically made from high-grade materials for superior durability, aesthetics, and corrosion resistance compared with conventional materials, including:
– Inox 430: The most affordable option on the market; durable, well-formed, and resistant to corrosion in harsh environments.
– Inox 201: Easy to fabricate, good heat resistance, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.
– Inox 304: The highest-grade stainless material here; excellent load resistance, low magnetism, low thermal and electrical conductivity, and higher corrosion resistance than ordinary steel.
- Open-top bodies are built from quality materials for high durability and visual appeal
Open-top bodies are common on the market and are used to carry items such as steel sheets, electrical cables, water pipes, and various construction materials.
Advantages:
– Lower cost compared with closed box bodies.
– Easy cargo loading/unloading and straightforward cleaning.
– Suitable for bulky goods that are difficult to transport in closed bodies.
Disadvantages:
– Not ideal for long-distance transport.
– Cargo is more exposed to weather conditions.
Open-top body with mounted crane
This body shares the same design as an open-top body but adds a crane boom to facilitate moving cargo. It is widely used in construction, for transporting industrial machinery and building materials, and in recovery/rescue operations.
- An open-top body fitted with a crane makes moving cargo easier
Advantages:
– Saves time and labor when transporting goods.
– The robust structure of the crane-equipped open body enhances safety and reduces risks during loading/unloading.
Disadvantages:
– Higher purchase cost for the crane-equipped variant.
– Limited transport distance.
Tarpaulin-covered body
A tarpaulin body uses the same lower structure as an open-top body, with an upper stainless-steel or steel frame and a surrounding tarp cover to keep cargo protected. This body type is a popular choice thanks to its convenience for carrying goods.
- Tarpaulin bodies are favored by many customers for their cargo-carrying convenience
Tarpaulin materials for truck bodies include:
– Polypropylene (PP) tarpaulin: Rigid tarp with resistance to harsh weather at an economical price.
– Polyethylene (PE) tarpaulin: More advanced than PP; besides withstanding severe weather, it also blocks UV rays and offers effective flame resistance.
– Canvas Tarpaulin and Polyvinyl Chloride: The most premium tarp options, with excellent resistance to harsh weather, fire resistance, and superior shielding from harmful external radiation.
Advantages:
– Affordable cost.
– Suitable for transporting many different types of cargo.
– High durability; withstands severe weather to help prevent cargo damage.
Disadvantages:
– Heavier curb weight than some other body types.
– Maintenance can be difficult when damage occurs.
Closed box body
For goods requiring optimal transport conditions, a closed box body is the best choice. The body is designed as a six-sided rectangular box with doors at the rear or on the sides for easy loading and unloading. It is typically made from high-quality, durable materials such as inox 201, inox 304, or composite.
- Closed box bodies feature rear or side doors for easy loading and unloading
Closed box bodies are divided into two types with distinct functions:
– Insulated box body: Features insulation foam between inner and outer wall panels for thermal and acoustic insulation. Wall materials vary and can include inox 430, inox 201, inox 304, or steel sheet (tôn).
– Refrigerated box body: Shares the same structure as the insulated type but adds a refrigeration unit. It is widely used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, and electronics, ensuring safety and quality for temperature-sensitive products.
Advantages:
– Shields cargo from weather and external impacts.
– Suitable for perishable goods that require cold storage.
Disadvantages:
– Higher cost than open bodies.
– Limited airflow (for insulated non-refrigerated boxes).
– More challenging to load certain types of goods.
Dump truck bodies
Dump bodies are typically used to transport materials that are difficult to handle manually, such as sand, aggregate, soil, coal, etc. With a hydraulic hoist mechanism to tip the load to the rear or sides, they enable much faster unloading than conventional bodies.
- Dump bodies can haul many types of loose, hard-to-handle materials
Dump body classifications:
– By tipping style: Side-tip, rear-tip, three-way tipper.
– By payload: Light-duty, medium-duty, heavy-duty dump bodies.
Advantages:
– Enables quick and easy unloading.
– Can transport many kinds of loose bulk materials.
Disadvantages:
– Higher cost than standard truck bodies.
– Requires more frequent maintenance and repairs due to the complex mechanism.
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THACO INDUSTRIES is Vietnam’s leading group in mechanical engineering and supporting industries, operating across multiple domains, including: semi-trailers, automotive parts & components, mechanical fabrication, industrial and consumer materials & components, industrial equipment, agricultural equipment, steel structures, and MEP systems. THACO INDUSTRIES operates a mechanical complex and 20 factories producing specialized equipment and components, together with an R&D center, with total investment exceeding USD 850 million, a footprint of 320 hectares, and nearly 8,000 employees.
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