Forum Discussion

FireGuard's avatar
FireGuard
Explorer II
May 27, 2014

Does a service body or flat bed affect license (Calif)

I plan to sell my Lance camper and stick with my bumper pull TH and had thought about selling my DRW and getting a new Ram SRW, S/B.
My truck is like new and has a ton of mods and I would like to keep it, but driving a DRW can be a pain. My 03 LB is only 10" longer than a 14 SB so the width is the problem not so much the length.
I could save about $25k by keeping this truck and had thought about installing a nice utility body the same height as the stock bed. I figure around $5k or less for this.
The storage compartments would be great and I could remove the duals and install some nice aftermarket wheels and tires. I could also install a 5th wheel hitch if I later decide to go bigger and I'll still have a 1 ton.
If I did this and didn't use it commercially, does it change license requirements or weight fees, stopping at weigh stations.
I know states vary, I'm in California.
  • Don't know about CA but it changes nothing in Florida. If it was me I'd keep the dual wheels and install a utility body made for them.
  • Keep the duals, with a UB or flatbed you won't have fenders sticking out and have a lot of storage.
    Either way, if you don't have a commercial plate, you will probably need one, but no weigh station stops required.
  • A service body will not change the reg. fees but a flatbed does. Give DMV a call or look online.
  • The paid for truck you know with some more mods for it's new job sounds like a plan.
  • cpaulsen wrote:
    A service body will not change the reg. fees but a flatbed does. Give DMV a call or look online.


    ^^^^^ There's your answer.
  • Thanks for the info.
    I know the DRW service body would provide much more room, but I want to keep the truck as "small" as possible to make a better daily driver. It will also do better offroad with a SRW.
  • If you change the rear body, why not also change the rear axle. You should be able to swap for a SRW axle for cheap. Having the bed off would make the job easier.
  • jaycocamprs wrote:
    If you change the rear body, why not also change the rear axle. You should be able to swap for a SRW axle for cheap. Having the bed off would make the job easier.


    There is no difference between dual rear wheel and single rear wheel axles / suspension etc. Nothing to change except wheels, tires and hub adapters.