March 26, 2026
For more than 175 years, Knapheide has built American-made truck bodies rooted in the principles of durability, e fficiency and craftsmanship. That foundation of standardization and quality materials ensures consistent performance, but when does a standard configuration make sense, and when is customization the better path?
Let’s explore the pros and cons of both to determine which one makes the most sense for you.
Standard
Pros
Built for all types of work: Playing a key role in day-to-day productivity, the standard truck body offers external compartments and adjustable shelving. This means no wasted time looking for supplies — they're right where you need them to be every time.
Faster availability: In many cases, standard bodies are in-stock and readily available. If stock isn’t available, the lead time to build the standard body is much shorter in comparison to a custom body.
Cost-effective: Cost is an important factor when spec’ing a new truck body and the higher the cost, the longer it will take to get your return on investment. Standard bodies tend to be far more cost-effective than custom bodies, due to production. Plus, for commercial dealers, these are great bodies to stock up on since they appeal to a broad audience.
Fit for predictable jobs: When taking into account size, storage and workflow, a standard Knapheide build is optimal for industries with predictable work, like HVAC or plumbing. With this build, you can hold onto your preferred vehicle because a sales and installation partner is able to upfit a range of work truck chassis.
Cons
Limited choices: Standard bodies offer a finite selection. The body length, width and height need to be right to haul the tools, equipment and parts for your job. However, your choices are limited by the manufacturer’s catalog size, capabilities and product portfolio.
Custom
Pros
More control: Built to exact jobsite requirements, you have everything you need and nothing you don’t. Plus, as a workshop on wheels, a custom Knapheide body supports your productivity, safety and security.
Suited for specific applications: With unlimited combinations, Knapheide custom bodies are fit for industries like pest control, railroad, telecommunications and utilities.
The sky’s the limit: From highly customized bumpers to material racks and lighting, custom options can be tailored to your specific needs. Similar to the custom body, custom options can be tailored to your application, goals and environment.
Cons
Longer lead time: The farther away from standard, the longer it will take to build. Even though modern manufacturing has significantly reduced lead times for custom builds in recent years, it still takes longer than standard.
Higher cost: The more specialized the product, the higher the cost. Since the parts are not produced in mass quantities and the body will require additional labor to manufacture, the cost will reflect this.
Less demand: The more customized your vehicle is, the smaller the resale market will be, and the less appealing it is to the “general” customer.
Conclusion
If you’re short on time or budget, standard truck bodies will be your best bet. However, you’ll have limited choices of body sizes, configurations and available options.
Custom bodies allow you to choose the exact features you want. However, they’re more expensive and require more lead time. Ultimately, with both standard and custom bodies built for how you work, Knapheide will help you get the job done.
WONDERING WHICH PATH MAKES THE MOST SENSE TO YOU?
CONNECT WITH YOUR LOCAL KNAPHEIDE DISTRIBUTOR TO FIND THE RIGHT SOLUTION.
