4 Reasons Your Work Truck Chassis Spec
Matters More Than Ever
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.