Aluminum Truck Bodies VS Steel Truck Bodies

Introduction:

Traditionally, the steel body has been predominantly used in the truck body. But in the past few years, aluminum truck bodies have been utilized while manufacturing. Let’s compare the difference between the two.

Aluminum and steel are two metals widely known for their durability and versatility. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Thus, it’s difficult for fleet managers to choose between steel vs aluminum truck body. Experts suggest that aluminum is far better than steel for trucks. Here are the reasons why trucks with aluminum bodies are better than steel.

Steel VS Aluminum Truck Body: How To Choose

The choice of the right metal depends upon different characteristics. Many factors count when choosing the truck body. This includes weight requirements, load capacity, fuel efficiency, resale value, and so on. You can choose among aluminum vs steel truck body depending on your requirements. Here is a list of nine features to help you make the right choice. Compare the characteristics and make the right choice.

Lightweight

The foremost thing to consider while choosing the metal truck body. Aluminum weighs 1/3 times less than steel. An aluminum truck bed is almost 40% lighter than a steel bed of the same strength. If you use an aluminum body, you can significantly increase payload while maintaining legal weight balance. Thus, an aluminum truck body makes your vehicle lightweight, reducing tire strain and stress.

Durability

The other important aspect to look for in a truck body is durability. Both aluminum and steel are durable. However, steel is 2.5 times stronger than aluminum. But aluminum weighs less than steel and is customizable. With less strain on tires, the aluminum truck body lasts longer than the steel body. In simple words, aluminum-bodied trucks have a longer life than others. In contrast, the aluminum body of this truck is far more.

Rust-resistance

Fleet managers try their best to avoid rust on the surface. Rust can damage the entire vehicle by creating holes in the body. And, in case your vehicle gets attacked. The rust keeps on spreading unless it is fixed. If you have a steel truck body, you may take precautions and galvanic coat the surface. But even with a slight bump or scratch, the vehicle becomes vulnerable to rust.
In contrast, the aluminum body truck is more protective against rust. Aluminum possesses an innate property of creating a protective oxide layer. This helps the surface fight rust at a cheaper and effective cost.

Resale value

The automobile industry is quite unpredictable in terms of loss and profits. Imagine one day out of business losses or concerns you feel like selling your truck. You would try your best to get the maximum resell value in such cases. Since aluminum trucks are lightweight and resistant to rust, they have high resale value. This is so because aluminum is more recyclable than steel. Around 80-85% of the aluminum truck body parts can be reused. Thus, investing today in aluminum truck bodies turns out to be a profitable return in the long term.

Fuel efficient

Do you know the choice of metal body affects the mileage consumption? The aluminum body truck reduces the vehicle’s overall weight by 40%. And, the less body weightage in returns offers better fuel efficiency. Thus making the aluminum body preferable for commercial businesses. Also, it reduces the maintenance costs and saves on fuel as well. You can ride more than steel alternatives on the same fuel quantity as aluminum body trucks.

Easy maintenance

As a fleet manager, you won’t have much time to spend on post-purchase maintenance. Thus, choosing a truck body that offers affordable and easy maintenance is essential. The aluminum truck body generally requires less maintenance. In contrast, steel requires high maintenance from rust and other vulnerabilities. Further, coating and painting steel surfaces is crucial for better protection. But, the same paint on aluminum lasts long and looks aesthetic. Aluminum truck bodies last longer than steel with less effort.

Green concern

As a global citizen, everyone must contribute their best to conserve nature. The manufacturing of aluminum truck body parts involves recyclable materials. And, even in the later stage, 85% of the aluminum truck bodies can be recycled and reused. Unlike steel, aluminum body trucks don’t end up in landfills. Thus, it is more eco-friendly than steel bodies. When you choose an aluminum body over steel, you emerge as a green leader among your competitors.

Cost affordability

Cost affordability is another important factor to count while choosing steel vs. aluminum truck body. Steel costs are cheaper than aluminum truck bodies. But this will save your pocket in the beginning. When it comes to long-term maintenance, aluminum is more worth it. You don’t have to spend a penny on rust protection. Further, aluminum is more fuel efficient, thus offering you great savings on petrol and diesel. In other words, an aluminum body truck may cost more in start but is beneficial in the long term.

Customizable thickness

Though, steel is more durable than aluminum. And that’s why steel bodies are ideal for the heaviest-duty jobs. Consider a steel body if you’re looking for a truck for landscaping needs. However, the aluminum truck body can be customized. You can fix the thickness of your vehicle according to your requirements. The custom aluminum truck bodies will help you in balancing the durability standards.

Conclusion:

When it comes to steel vs aluminum truck body, both have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. In comparison, steel is cheaper and more durable than aluminum truck body. You can prefer a steel body for heaviest-duty jobs. Even steel has been preferred more than aluminum since the beginning. But with the advent of time, people emphasize post-purchase maintenance and costs. And, here, the aluminum body truck turns into a savior. Thus, aluminum truck bodies have higher ROIs than their steel counterparts. By investing in an aluminum body truck, you can maximize your profits. At the same time, recyclable trucks with aluminum body are eco-friendly and help you emerge as a green leader. Compare thoroughly and choose wisely!