A material choice your fleet lives with for years
When you order a custom truck body, one of the most important decisions you will make is whether it is built in aluminium or steel. Both materials have a proven record across Australian fleets, but they suit different kinds of work. We build in both at VN Truck Bodies, and the notes below explain how we help customers work out which one is right for them.
Aluminium and its weight saving
An aluminium body weighs less than the same body built in steel. As a workshop rule of thumb it is often around 30 to 40 per cent lighter, although the real figure depends on the design, so compare the tare weights in your quotes. That weight saving matters most when payload is tight, which is often the case with refrigerated freight, retail delivery and long-haul runs. It means you can carry more cargo on each trip, or run lighter on the same load, which can help with fuel and tyre wear.
Aluminium is also naturally resistant to corrosion. It will not rust, which makes it a good fit for food-grade transport, coastal routes and any work where the body is washed down regularly. For that reason, an aluminium body often needs less maintenance over its working life.
The trade-off is cost, because aluminium fabrication is more expensive up front. It handles everyday loads well, although it can show dents more visibly than steel when it takes a hit.
Steel and its toughness
Steel is still the usual choice for heavy-duty work, such as tray bodies on construction sites, drop-sides carrying machinery and any body that takes hard knocks every day. A steel body absorbs impact better and copes well in harsh conditions, and in many cases a tradesperson can repair and re-weld it on site.
The downsides are weight and corrosion. A steel body needs regular checks for rust, particularly around the mounting points, the door frames and the underside. If proper protective coatings go on when the body is built, and you book in periodic touch-ups, the body will last significantly longer.
Galvanised steel as a middle ground
For operators who want the strength of steel with better protection against corrosion, galvanised or Zincalume steel is a popular option. It costs more than plain steel but significantly less than aluminium, and it gives worthwhile rust resistance to bodies that work in wet or coastal conditions.
Choosing the right material for your fleet
If you run refrigerated vans or light commercial deliveries, or you need to carry as much payload as possible, aluminium is worth the investment. For tray bodies, crane trucks, tipper backs and heavy-duty transport, steel gives you the toughness the work demands.
If you are still unsure, the team at VN Truck Bodies can talk you through both options based on your GVM, your payload and the conditions your truck works in. You can call us on 0447 452 222 or visit us at 17 Cambria Road, Keysborough.