Getting Started

Before you choose an XL Body that best suits your application, it’s important to establish which type of vehicle configuration you need. 98% of XL Bodies are mounted on new vehicle chassis, so special consideration must be given to the vehicle / body configuration that best suits your requirements.

Which Ute Suits Me?

There are a lot of ute chassis on the market today, all of which are tough, reliable and great at getting the job done. To choose the right one, you have to ask a few questions:

• How many passengers may be in the cab?
• Do you need 4WD capability?
• Diesel or petrol?
• What sort of products will you be carrying?
• Are the tools and equipment bulky or compact?
• How heavy is all the gear I need to carry?
• What sort of rear and side vision do you expect?
• Do you need any specialised additional equipment such as winches, bullbars, long range tanks?
• Which XL Body type suits my requirements?

There is a very large choice of light commercials on the market today, not only brands but also different cab configurations, alternate fuel types, transmissions etc. Most are defined by the cab type – single, space or dual cab and each of these cab types are generally available in 2WD or 4WD. Every manufacturer rates each model with a specific Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) which must not be exceeded. We have compiled a list of vehicles along with the relevant data to help you find the right vehicle for your application. Click here to view our body specifications list

A Warning About Chassis Strength and “One Tonne” terminology

A utility chassis is only as strong as its Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) - a load rating specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

Other vehicle components such as axles, drivelines, wheels and tyres are carefully matched by the manufacturer to the capacity of the chassis. Some owners think they can “beef up” their vehicles with oversize springs, tyres and wheels in the belief this will achieve them “greater carrying capacity.” This is unlikely - it’s like putting a nice saddle on a horse; it might make it look great but the horse won’t go any faster or carry any more. Exactly the same with light trucks – a vehicle designed to carry 750kgs won’t carry more for long because you put stiffer springs on it. It may “look” better – that’s all.

Terminology such as one tonne is a nominal rating and is only used to describe the general size of a utility – not its load carrying capacity.

Please refer to our GVM calculator for more information