At Auto Transform we are often asked our opinion on whether we would recommend an aluminium or a fibreglass service body, and our answer is always aluminium. Although there are some benefits to a fibre glass service body, aluminium gets the thumbs up from us due to the significant weight reduction, the ability to customise a standard base unit at a fraction of the cost and the sustainability of the product.
Benefits of choosing aluminium for your ute service body
Lightweight
If payload is high on the list of considerations then the weight of the fitout will be top of your mind. Aluminium is hands down lighter than fiber glass, even taking into account any fittings and bracing required.
- A well-designed aluminium box body or service body not only maximises space, it also keeps kerb weight to a minimum so that you still have enough load capacity to carry all your equipment.
- A lightweight service body gives more options for tailoring the fitout to enhance productivity and efficiency. You can include storage and accessory options such as drawer systems, shelving, roof racks, without compromising on weight.
- A lightweight service body saves you money by improving fuel efficiency.
Long term investment
An aluminium service body gives a strong professional finish now and into the future.
- Aluminium resists rust and corrosion.
- Can withstand harsh weather conditions and will not rot.
- Resistant to cracking even on tough terrain.
- Can withstand heavy loads and wear and tear on the roads and will still look great.
Easy to repair
Another benefit of aluminium is simplicity with which it can be repaired.
- Fibreglass can handle some minor bumps but serious damage to a full composite panel is costly to repair or replace. This can mean, for an older vehicle, the service body must be written off.
- Damage to an aluminium service body rarely leads to an entire replacement.
- Time spent repairing vehicles is non-productive time – in the event that you do need repairs or maintenance on your aluminium service body Auto Transform can handle it in-house, or with one of our trusted nationwide service partners, to minimise your downtime.
Cost effective customisation
The Auto Transform aluminium service body builds on a consistent design that can be kitted out to your requirements using a modular system.
- You can have a bespoke fitout without the cost of a one-off build.
- Benefit from the economies of scale that are gained by producing many units.
- Our designers will work with you to advise on the most efficient and cost effective solutions for storage and accessories.
Sustainability + Health
At Auto Transform we choose aluminuim for both health and sustainability reasons.
- WorkSafe NZ states ‘There is a risk to the health of workers who make or install synthetic mineral fibre products, particularly if the fine dust is inhaled’.
- At the end of it’s long life an aluminium service body can be recycled rather than going to landfill.
Benefits of a fiberglass service body
Of course we recognise there are also some advantages to choosing a fiberglass service body.
Design
One of the main advantages of fibreglass over aluminium is the ability to mould it into different shapes.
- Fibreglass can be shaped into a canopy or entire fibreglass service body in a variety of aerodynamic designs.
- Mounting places for lighting and specific storage solutions can be integrated into the mould.
- Your options are only limited by the construction methods.
- Specific customisation can add to the overall build cost.
More Sturdy
The ability of fibreglass to wrap around corners adds strength to a fibre glass service body.
- Resistant to bumps and scratches that may damage aluminium.
- Newer fibreglass has better UV protection.
So which to choose?
At the end of the day there are various considerations to take into account when choosing between an aluminium and a fiberglass service body, as with any fitout solution. You will be balancing your requirements, your budget, timeline and ROI and work out the best fit for your needs.
At Auto Transform we have been in the business of commercial fitouts for over 33 years – so we have plenty of experience with what works and what doesn’t, and we’re only too happy to share! We will take the time to find out exactly what you need, and offer advice and design guidance to come up with the best solution for your needs.
Book a free discovery call with one of our experts and let us transform your workspace!
