10 Fantastic Upfitting Options for Ram Trucks

A white 2024 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab is shown towing a trailer to a commercial truck dealer in Charleston.

We like to say that businesses succeed or fail based on whether they have the right tools; there’s a lot more to it than that, of course, but having the right tools and equipment makes a huge difference. After all, the most personable and friendly carpenter can’t get the job done without saws, nails, screws, and other tools; without all that, they’re not going to succeed.

If you’re looking for a commercial truck dealer in Charleston, then you’re probably in search of the right tools to help you get your job done. In particular, you want a commercial truck—and one of the best things about these trucks is that they can be customized to perfectly meet the needs of your business. Ram trucks can function with a variety of different upfits that let you make your vehicle work perfectly for you, so let’s take a look at some of our favorite upfitting options that you should have in mind when looking for your next truck.

#1. Service Bodies

One of the most common upfits used by businesses is a service body that gives you great functionality to meet a wide range of needs. While other upfits are more specialized, a service body is a great option for general purposes where you need more storage and utility. With a service body, you get numerous compartments made from high-quality metal that is designed to take some abuse and serve you well. This makes it easy to take the equipment and tools you need to job sites or remote locations.

#2. Flatbeds

If you are looking to upfit your truck for transporting large items around Charleston, then a flatbed is a great option that works in a variety of situations. A flatbed is just what it sounds like, giving you a solid, open surface that is great for getting larger equipment and small machinery to any location. There are a number of variations available on flatbeds, too, including many that have low railings on the sides to help keep items secure, while others have small compartments under the bed for added storage.

#3. Dump Bodies

A dump body is the go-to option for transporting a large amount of material; it lets you load up the rear of a commercial truck and then unload it quickly. These beds can be designed in different ways but generally have slightly raised sides and a rear tailgate that keeps equipment, supplies, and other small items together in the bed. A hydraulic system then lifts the front of the bed and opens the rear gate to dump stuff out, letting you easily unload a lot of material in one spot.

#4. Landscape Dump Bodies

A particular type of dump body, landscape bodies are designed with the needs of landscapers specifically in mind. These dump bodies have tall sides and a rear gate that is perfect for transporting large amounts of dirt, soil, gravel, and similar materials. Other dump bodies can have lower side rails, so they’re not ideal for small, loose items the way a landscape dump body is. These kinds of bodies are rated for different amounts of weight, so keep that in mind when choosing the right one for your business.

A white 2024 Ram 5500 Chassis Cab is shown parked in a lumber yard.

#5. Cargo Boxes/Bodies

Although cargo vans are often used for deliveries and transporting cargo, a Ram commercial truck with a dry freight box works just as well. Different sizes of boxes are available, and these kinds of upfits are perfect if you have a moving company, want to make deliveries of large items for customers, or otherwise need a lot of cargo space. You can find boxes with more features and accessories in them, such as straps or shelving, to secure and store cargo while transporting it. Specialized boxes are also available such as refrigerated cargo bodies that are ideal for transporting food, flowers, and other perishable items.

#6. Mechanics Bodies

A number of specialized upfits are available for Ram trucks to help you take care of business around Charleston and take everything you need with you. Mechanics bodies let you take equipment and tools with you for on-site installations and maintenance; these bodies typically include storage compartments for tools, task lighting, and a crane for lifting machines that you need to work on. You’ll find different weight ratings for these cranes and other specifics—like built-in generators and air compressors—so consider what you need for your business.

#7. Contractor Bodies

One of our favorite options for general use, if you need something with more to offer than a standard service body, is a contractor body. These upfits look a lot like service bodies, with plenty of compartments for tool and equipment storage. They typically have frames and racks included, however, giving you additional options for taking more equipment with you—especially larger items. A contractor body also tends to have more bed storage area than a standard service body, giving you more room for taking supplies with you.

#8. Stake Beds

Although this is a specialized type of flatbed, we think it is important enough to mention it separately when considering the right upfit for your truck. Stake beds are essentially flatbeds that have raised sides around them to keep items secure in the bed rather than risking them falling out. While a standard flatbed is perfect for getting a small piece of machinery somewhere, stake beds are ideal for transporting numerous larger items like young trees and plants that need to get to a remote site for planting.

#9. Hauler Bodies

Hauler bodies are generally the ultimate option for towing massive amounts of weight behind your truck. These trucks are great for transporting a lot of heavy building materials to a job site, getting heavy equipment wherever you need it, or any other type of towing you want to do. Much more than just a rear hitch or gooseneck, however, these bodies can also include storage compartments, task lighting, and more. This makes them perfect for getting work done at any location after you get your equipment or supplies there.

A white 2024 Ram 2500 Chassis Cab is shown parked near a house.

#10. Glass Bodies

There are a lot of specialty bodies available for specific industries, and the perfect example of this is a glass body. These bodies give you storage compartments and similar features, along with rails and body features designed to let you secure large sheets of glass in place. Ideal for glaziers and others working in construction, glass bodies illustrate how upfits can turn a standard chassis cab into a specialized piece of machinery designed to help you get your job done. This is just one example and there are other upfits for welders, painters, and more.

More Great Upfitting Options for Charleston Businesses

The key thing to remember with Ram truck upfits is that there is almost certainly something out there that will solve any problem you have regarding what you need from a truck. There is a huge variety of options, and we only went over a sample of them; you can find plenty of other upfits and custom options that can meet your needs. You can also add to or modify many of these upfits to further customize them, such as adding a spray-on bedliner for a flatbed or getting extra lighting for a service body to make it easier to find your tools.

The most important thing when it comes to a work truck is that you get the features you need to help you do your job since that is what this sort of equipment is all about. With the friendly salespeople at one of our dealerships working with you, it is easier to explore these options and make sure you get everything you need for your business to succeed.