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Did you just get a new truck and now you’re trying to find the perfect setup for your trade? Choosing the right solution can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options and opinions out there. When it comes to work trucks your main choices in the market are aluminum canopies, fiberglass truck caps, and steel service bodies.
The last two, fiberglass truck caps and steel service bodies are often compared because they serve similar functions. Both can transform a pickup into a mobile workspace with secure storage and professional organization.
But even though they may look comparable at first glance, long-term value, maintenance, and total cost of ownership set them apart.
Most resources online compare basic pros and cons, but one area that’s rarely discussed is total cost of ownership and transferability costs. That’s what this resource is all about.
Service Bodies vs Trucks Caps: How much does it really cost you to own one?
This comparison was created for a telecom fleet during a consultation with one of our upfitting experts. Their technicians perform in-home installations and repairs, so they were weighing their options: utility truck caps vs. steel service bodies.
Below is a 5-year estimated cost comparison between two pickup models that are compatible with the truck cap and service body, respectively.
Truck Cost Comparison (Estimated for 5 years)
| Truck Cost Comparison | Silverado 2500 8′ Bed (To be used for truck caps) | Silverado 3500 Cab Chassis (To be used for service body |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase | $45,300 | $50,000 – $55,000 |
| Fuel (5 years) | $21,500 | $21,500-23,000 |
| Truck Maintenance/ Repairs* | $6,000 | $8,000-$9,000 |
| Insurance | $7,500 | $9,000 |
| Depreciation* | $18,000 | $22,000 |
| Total cost of your truck (estimated) | $98,300 USD | $118,000 USD |
* Service bodies add significant weight, which accelerates wear on suspension, brakes, drivetrain, and tires. Heavier trucks also depreciate faster and require more maintenance over time.
Cost of Work Truck Cap and Steel Service Body
| CB-01 | Steel Service Body | |
|---|---|---|
| Work Truck Cap/ Service Body Cost | $18,395 USD | $24,000 USD |
| Maintenance* | *Minimal | *Higher with rust repair, repainting, sealing |
- Steel requires far more ongoing upkeep:
- Repainting and sealing often required
- High risk of rust and corrosion
- Poor performance in winter or coastal climates
Total Cost of Ownership of your Work Vehicle
After getting the total cost for the truck options and fiberglass truck cap and service body we can now add those two to get the total cost of ownership.
| Capsule | Steel Service Body |
| $116,695 (98,300 + 18,395) | $142,000 ($118,000 + $24,000) |
So, how much will it cost you to own one?
Fiberglass Truck Capsule = $116,695
Steel Service Body = $142,000
As you can see, that’s nearly $25,000 in savings with a fiberglass capsule, enough to purchase a second capsule.
And that isn’t the only long-term cost difference. You also have to factor in how transferable each option is and how much does it cost to to transfer these contractor caps for pickup trucks…
The Hidden Cost: Transferability
Many companies overlook the cost of transferring their truck cap to a new truck. Here’s the truth:
Fiberglass Truck Cap (CB-01) Transferability
- Transfer cost is around $2,000
- The entire utility cap lifts off and drops onto the new pickup truck
- Tools and equipment can stay inside, saving hours of technician downtime
Steel Service Body Transferability
- High risk of damage to the body or chassis
- Often incompatible with the new truck
- In most real scenarios, companies end up buying a brand new service body which costs another $24,000
The illustration below highlights the cost difference when transferring each work truck cap.
Final Verdict: The Fiberglass Capsule Wins on Value and Longevity
If you’re looking for a solution that minimizes downtime, maximizes technician efficiency, and saves your business money over the long term, a fiberglass utility cap for a pickup truck is the smarter investment. It requires far less maintenance and delivers greater long-term savings—especially because it can be transferred quickly, easily, and at a much lower cost than a steel service body.
Final thoughts: Upfront cost matters, but total cost of ownership matters more. Lower maintenance, less downtime, and easier transfers all mean your team can stay productive and Get More Done.