RKI Service-Body Trucks

A properly outfitted truck becomes a contractor's office, workshop and storage shed in the field. Contractors put a great deal of thought into the type of storage and tool configuration they want for their trucks, and so do the manufacturers of service bodies.

RKI

has been manufacturing service truck bodies in Houston since 1911. But it was more recently, in 1987, that Tom Rawson, now CEO of RKI, and his father Clare, entered the picture. They had acquired a small truck accessory manufacturing operation in Fort Worth in 1978. Nine years later, they merged with RKI and now offer 3,000 different standard models of toolbox truck bodies, cranes, winches, and other tool mounting accessories. The larger Houston plant manufactures service bodies, winches, cranes, and some toolboxes. Additional styles of toolboxes are manufactured in the Fort Worth plant.

Numerous utility companies, contractors and equipment service providers throughout the United States operate trucks and vans equipped with RKI bodies and attachments. These products are provided to truck dealerships through RKI's more than 300 distributors worldwide. When an end user (contractor or fleet owner for a utility or service provider) discusses options for a new truck purchase at the dealership of their choice, an RKI service body, winch or crane may be specified. Smaller toolboxes may be added at any time, including after the purchase.

"Our toolboxes for pickup trucks are not like what you would get from a mass merchandiser," Rawson explained. "They're a little bit more money, but they're tremendously more durable."

RKI's toolboxes and service bodies are constructed of 14-gauge steel and have stainless steel hinges. They are designed to seal tightly to protect tools from theft and weather.

Although RKI's distributors are located nationwide, their strongest presence is in Texas. "This is the area where the most pickup trucks are sold," Rawson said, "and it's where we have a freight advantage by not having to ship very far."

The company manufactures about 3,000 different standard models of bodies and accessories, and can customize for any particular application. For instance, the gas and electric companies need specially shaped spaces and holes drilled to be able to transport their meters. "We can make compartments in special sizes, or tall, vented compartments for bottles of gases," Rawson said.

A recent project in Houston, the 351-unit, upscale Lofts on Post Oak, provided plenty of opportunity to observe contractors' crews making use of trucks outfitted with RKI toolboxes. The Hanover Company of Houston develops and serves as construction management for multi-family and mixed-use structures in many major U.S. cities.

Lone Star Striping and Paving, who was subcontracted to complete the driveway areas around the lofts, is a repeat customer for RKI.