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Commercial Drop-in Truck Pack vs Truck Cap: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to adding storage to your truck for commercial purposes, there are a lot of different options. Two of the most popular options include drop-in truck packs and truck caps. Both of these options serve different purposes and have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. We will explore the difference between these two storage solutions for your pickup and help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.
What is a Commercial Drop-in Truck Pack?
First of all, don’t confuse a commercial drop-in truck pack with a traditional truck body or service body. A truck body is a type of modification that involves removing the existing bed of the truck and replacing it with a new one. A drop-in truck pack, like our X-ONE Truck Pack, does not require the removal of the truck bed. Drop-in truck packs are typically made of aluminum or fibreglass, and are often designed with a “one-size fits all” fit. With the X-ONE, we tailor the dimensions to fit the specific make and model of the truck. The drop-in pack is then secured to the truck bed by j-hooks with no drilling or modifications to the truck required, and provides additional secure and efficient storage and hauling capabilities.
The main advantage of a drop-in truck pack is that they can be transferred from one truck to another. This saves time and money in the long run, as you would most likely not need to purchase a new one for your new trucks down the road like you would have to if you had a truck cap. If the new truck’s dimensions are close enough – and they most often are – the truck pack should fit.
Truck packs also tend to provide more overall storage space and a better selection of accessory options. The packs can be built to fit the specific needs of the owner, such as adding bed slides, drawers, LED lights, and additional compartments for tools or equipment. Additionally, drop-in truck packs are typically more durable and secure than traditional commercial truck caps and withstand abuse from real, every-day work without sustaining damage as easily. In the case of the X-ONE, we use .125″ thick aluminum which is at least twice as thick as other commercial aluminum truck caps on the market.
But drop-in truck packs aren’t for everyone. They tend to sit at a higher price point and don’t have a “match the cab” design like some fibreglass caps do. However, many people find that the peace of mind they get from the value and added security a drop-in truck pack provides is greater than the initial additional costs and worth their more work-like appearance. And don’t forget: you can use the drop-in pack on future trucks, which you can’t do with a cap.
What is a Commercial Truck Cap?
A commercial truck cap is, essentially, a cover for the bed of a truck. Caps are typically made of fibreglass or thinner aluminum (typically about .03″ to .06″ thick) and are designed to fit over the existing bed of the truck. Like a drop-in truck pack, the cap can be added or removed as needed and provides additional storage and protection for the cargo inside.
Commercial truck caps do come with a variety of accessories for commercial applications, and are typically lower in initial cost than drop-in truck packs, often making them a more cost-effective option in the short term.
However, with their lower costs come the downsides. They provide less overall storage space capabilities than drop-in truck packs, and are not as durable. Additionally, truck caps can be more difficult to keep secure, which can make anything stored inside of them more vulnerable to theft.
Finally, caps are not made to transfer between different truck models, so you’ll almost certainly need to buy a new one every time you get a new truck.
Which One is Right for You?
The choice between a drop-in truck pack and a truck cap ultimately comes down to your needs and preferences. If you want additional storage, better hauling capabilities, the peace of mind that comes from extra security, and something that will fit in multiple trucks, a drop-in truck pack may be the best option for you. However, if you need a more cost-effective solution that doesn’t need to last as long, a truck cap may be the way to go.
Before making a decision, it’s important to consider what’s most important to your truck and your business. Factors such as long-term cost, durability, storage space, and security should be weighed against one another in detail. By weighing the pros and cons of each option, you can make an informed decision and choose the modification that best fits your needs.
Contact one of our product experts to learn more.
