Cutaways Vs. Chassis Cabs
February 28, 2023
Hi, my name is Larry Wyatt and welcome to this edition of National Fleet Services’ Truck Tips!
Did ‘ya’ ever wonder what a Stripped Chassis was? Well, it’s not - “all that’s left of your stolen pickup once the police find it!” So, let’s take a look.
What is a stripped chassis?
A Stripped Chassis works the same way, but with one important distinction. It has no passenger compartment.
Like a Cab Chassis, the Stripped Chassis is built with all the functional components – frame, axles, powertrain, brakes, etc. But instead of a passenger compartment there is simply a steering wheel, the instrumentation electronics and a temporary driver’s seat.
The idea is that a complete, enclosed truck body that includes a passenger and cargo compartment, will be added later.
So, a Stripped Chassis is what is used to create those ubiquitous package delivery trucks. *They’re also used to create those wonderful food trucks and Class A motorhomes. The point is, a stripped chassis allows body companies to create a truly customized final vehicle.
I’ll leave you with a bonus National Fleet Services Truck Tip!
What is a step van?
Don’t be confused by the terms step van, walk-in van and bread truck. They mean the same thing. They’re all terms for the common type of delivery trucks that are built on a stripped chassis.
The terms, “step van” and "walk-in van” refer to the low height of the doorway openings that make it easy for delivery drivers to repeatedly get in and out of the truck. By the way, this body configuration allows the driver to easily access the rear cargo area without having to exit the van – saving them time and adding a margin of safety. And finally, the term bread truck was coined simply because bakery delivery trucks have traditionally been built with this same type of body.
Thanks for watching! And be sure to click on our other NFS Truck Tips!
Published: March 3, 2023
