Why a Light (and strong) Service Body is a big deal.
It’s no accident that Hidrive aluminium service bodies are among the lightest on the market. For fleet managers and busy tradespeople whose ute is their mobile workspace, this means one less thing to worry about when it comes to weight.
Want to know why Hidrive service bodies are the smart choice? Because for over 30 years we’ve been manufacturing tough, lightweight canopies that maximise payload capacity and offer long-term value for money—without compromising on durability or functionality.
Key weight-saving innovations in Hidrive service bodies include:
Co-Bonded Aluminium Construction – Hidrive primarily uses high-strength aluminium alloys, which provide excellent durability and corrosion resistance while being significantly lighter than steel. Hidrive bodies are built with a modular approach and designed with integrated mounting systems, allowing for the efficient use of materials and reducing unnecessary weight, while maintaining durability.
Innovative Engineering – Our designs incorporate advanced structural reinforcements and extrusions that optimise the strength-to-weight ratio without unnecessary bulk. Our mounting systems are designed to distribute weight evenly across the chassis, reducing stress points and keeping the overall weight as low as practicable.
Efficient Design – Hidrive bodies are built with a modular approach and designed with integrated mounting systems, allowing for the efficient use of materials—and reducing unnecessary weight—while maintaining durability.
Lightweight Accessories – We design and manufacture many of the accessories we sell, enabling seamless integration with our service bodies and reducing reliance on additional parts. These include doors, drawers and shelving, roof and underbody storage, and much more. Designing in-house means we have the flexibility to minimise weight and ensure the final product remains as light as possible.
KEY BENEFITS FOR YOUR FLEET
✅ More Payload, Less Compromise – Carry more tools, equipment, and materials without exceeding your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Mass. A lightweight service body gives you more load capacity and less risk of exceeding your limit. If GVM may be an issue, Hidrive can assist with GVM upgrades – contact our team to learn more.
Also helps you avoid overloading fines and ensures fleet compliance with vehicle weight restrictions – critical for government and corporate fleets.
✅ Protect Your Insurance – Your insurance provider may deny a claim or reduce coverage if your vehicle exceeds its approved GVM.
✅ Reduced Wear and Tear – Less strain on your vehicle’s suspension, brakes, and tyres leads to lower maintenance costs and a longer vehicle lifespan.
✅ Improved Safety & Handling – A lighter vehicle enhances braking, acceleration, and overall drivability.
✅ Sustainability Advantage and Lower Fuel Costs – A lighter setup means better fuel efficiency, reducing operational expenses over time. Plus, lower emissions help businesses meet environmental targets and sustainability goals.
While we don’t currently make service bodies for EVs, we are developing this capability. It’s important to note that EVs generally have a lower payload capacity due to the heavy weight of the battery, so fitting a lighter body will give more flexibility with the payload.
