Category: Engineering Update

Why Your Work Truck Chassis Spec Matters More Than Ever

Posted on by Mary Faulds

4 Reasons Your Work Truck Chassis Spec

Matters More Than Ever

Truck chassis with box delete
Truck chassis with box delete

When it comes to upfitting a work truck, the chassis your customer brings you is just as important as the body you’re installing. As truck manufacturers continue to integrate more advanced safety and driver-assist features, it’s critical to understand how these options may impact the upfit—especially when replacing a pickup bed with a service body.

“We’re sharing this information so our upfitters and partners can help their customers avoid unexpected issues,” says Jake Stickney, Director of Engineering at STAHL.


“Chassis features are evolving quickly. It’s always better to ask questions up front than run into challenges once the body is already on the truck.”

Here are four examples of features that commonly present issues during the upfit process:

1. Forward Collision Warning Systems

These systems often rely on sensors installed in the front bumper or windshield. Mounting cone holders or accessories to the front bumper can interfere with the system’s field of view and may trigger error codes.
➡️ This applies to many chassis configurations, including those designed for service bodies.

2. Parking Assist & Backup Sensors

These features are typically located in the rear bumper or taillights of pickup trucks. When a pickup bed is removed during a box delete, those components are removed—and they cannot be relocated to a service body.
➡️ A common issue in pickup bed removals—not chassis cabs built for upfitting.

3. Surround View Camera Systems

These systems rely on multiple cameras, including ones mounted in the taillights or bumper. If a pickup bed is removed, the cameras are removed with it—and they cannot be reinstalled on a service body.
➡️ This feature is non-transferable and will no longer function.

4. Backup Camera Gridlines

Gridlines that appear on the monitor are calibrated to the original factory camera. If that camera is reused or repositioned, the gridlines will become inaccurate.
To restore them:
✅ A new compatible camera (not the factory pickup camera) must be installed
✅ A dealership reprogram is required

➡️ Be aware of this before delivering the final vehicle to your customer.

✅ The Bottom Line: Know Before You Spec

Chassis technology is evolving quickly—and not all features carry over to service bodies. Before ordering a chassis or beginning a box removal, it’s essential to understand which systems are compatible, and which will be lost in the upfit process.

Not sure? Reach out to STAHL engineering.
We’ll help you assess options, avoid surprises, and deliver a build that works as hard as your customer does.

Specifications are subject to change—and we’re always adapting right along with them.

Engineering Update: 2024 GM Light Configurations

Posted on by Mary Faulds

Models Affected:  All 8’ ChallengerST Service Bodies mounted on 2024 GM Trucks 

In order to continue providing exceptional support to our valued distribution partners, we want to share a recent communication from General Motors that will have a significant impact on your installation process. Below you will find GM Bulletin (194). It has come to our attention that the 2024 GM trucks now feature multiple taillight configurations, depending on the trim level of the truck. While some of these light configurations have a separate wire for stop lights, the majority of models have combined wires for stop and turn signals. As a result, this GM change necessitates a modification in our approach to adaptor plugs on GM trucks. The esteemed STAHL Engineering team has devised the following approach:
  • For every GM box removal truck, it is imperative to utilize adaptor plug 244046.
  • For GM lighting arrangements that have a separate circuit for stop lights, an additional adaptor plug with part number 245091 will be required. There are two ways to determine which trucks will necessitate the second adaptor:
    1. Review the attached GM bulletin, which outlines both the trim levels with the extra circuit and how to identify them based on the taillight housings.
    2. During the testing of lights after body installation, if the stop lights are not functioning, please install the add-on adaptor.
Please note that these two steps pertain only to box removal applications. Factory box deletes and cab chassis’ will require a different adaptor approach. We anticipate that the add-on adaptor will only be necessary for higher trim levels. We estimate that it will be required for approximately 15% to 20% of GM applications with an installed STAHL service body. For more detailed information, please refer to the attached communication from General Motors.

Should you have any inquiries regarding this bulletin, please do not hesitate to contact Jake Stickney at (330) 202-4241.

   

Additional Information Link from GM

Engineering Bulletin: New Serial Tag Format

Posted on by Mary Faulds

Engineering Bulletin: New Serial Tag Format

At STAHL, we are constantly seeking ways to deliver not only top-tier service bodies but also exceptional customer experiences. We are excited to share with you a significant enhancement – our new and improved serial tags for service bodies, designed with your convenience in mind. One of the driving forces behind this upgrade was the recognition that paper copies of warranties can be easily misplaced, and navigating websites for parts and warranty information can be a time-consuming hassle. Our mission is to save you time and reduce any unnecessary stress, and this idea was inspired by one of our own employees who truly understands the value of efficiency. Constructed from sturdy metal, these upgraded serial tags are built to match the durability of our truck bodies, ensuring they will withstand the harshest conditions and remain legible throughout the lifespan of your vehicle.

New Tags Better for You!

The addition of a QR code on the tag marks a new era of efficiency. Your serial number is vital when ordering replacement parts or filing warranty requests. With our revamped serial tags, we aim to simplify this process for you. With a quick scan, you’ll have direct access to warranty information, making the process of filing the rare warranty claim a breeze. But that’s not all; we have even more exciting plans in store for the future! In the pipeline, we are developing a portal that grants you direct access to our parts department, all through the convenience of scanning the code.

No Change in Tag Placement

Rest assured, the serial tag locations for STAHL service bodies, Arbortech Chip Bodies, and standalone L-boxes or Underbody Boxes will remain consistent, ensuring familiarity and ease of identification. For STAHL service bodies, the serial tag will be located inside the front streetside compartment on the back compartment wall. Meanwhile, for Arbortech Chip Bodies, you can find the serial tag conveniently on the front curbside face of the Chip Body. Finally, for standalone L-boxes or Underbody Boxes, your serial tag will be placed on the inside of the front panel of the curbside box. At STAHL, our customers are at the core of everything we do, and these upgraded serial tags exemplify our dedication to providing unmatched service and support. Together, we’re forging a smoother and more streamlined future for all our valued customers. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being a valued part of the STAHL Truck Bodies family!  

New Serial Tag Design

Sample STAHL Body Placement

Sample Arbortech Body/L-Box Tag Placement

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