Posted by Shane Krueger on (February 11, 2015)

Custom vs. Commercial Chassis – 10 Key Differences to Consider

custom-vs-commercial-chassis

With budgets being tight and new apparatus costing well into the six-figure range, fire departments everywhere are looking for ways to save. And when it comes to building a new fire apparatus, one way that fire departments have been able to cut costs is by using a commercial chassis. Commercial chassis can cost less than half the price of their custom counterparts, but does that really make them a better option?

If your department is trying to decide if a custom or commercial chassis makes sense for your next fire truck, here are 10 key comparisons to consider before you make a decision:

1. Price

On average, an entry-level custom chassis will cost about $30,000 more than a commercial option, but don't forget to look past the invoice price. The OEM modifying the chassis will likely be charging more to upfit the commercial unit with items such as NFPA steps, bumper extensions, and air horns. The added labor to prep the chassis and wire control switching can quickly add up, and soon the price barrier can be less than 10% of the average project cost.

2. Seating Space

A typical 4-door commercial chassis seats five people. On top of that, most commercial seats don't adapt well for officer air pack seating due to legroom. Depending on how this vehicle will function, plan for no more than three SCBA seats and two forward seats when using a commercial chassis. On the other hand, a custom chassis typically fits six, with five in SCBA seating.

3. Turning Radius

Having your front axle behind you on a custom chassis will clearly help the turning angle and reduce the wheelbase. The front axle on commercial chassis tends to be further forward leading to a longer wheelbase and a wider (or worse) turning radius.

4. Length

Most commercial 4-door chassis require 2-3 more feet in overall length primarily due to engine forward configurations. If you’re trying to build a more compact fire apparatus, a custom chassis will likely be more favorable.

5. Fire Apparatus Height 

The average entry-level custom chassis with a 10-12" raised roof will sit under 10' overall. In order to access the engine, however, the custom cab will have to be tilted upwards – which raises the overhead. With a commercial chassis, the frame typically sits 6-8” lower, and can help lower the overhead where height is an issue.

6. Service 

A commercial chassis generally provides more service facilities, which often means their service facilities are closer to "home." However, commercial chassis dealers don’t typically offer mobile service, whereas most custom chassis builders do. Either way, there’s only so much service that can be done at your station, so you’ll have to take travel into consideration.

7. Paint Finish

Over the years, commercial chassis paint quality has greatly improved, and chassis vendors are now offering more custom paints. That being said, your fleets’ unique paint finish still might not be available yet, and you might have to pay the OEM to repaint the vehicle. With a custom chassis, you’ll have more variety from the start, and it will likely come with a better warranty.

8. Safety Features 

When it comes to safety, a custom chassis typically has higher crash test standards, and offers more safety features such as air bags. Both commercial and custom chassis typically offer electronic stability control, but make sure you ask first!

9. Construction and Weight

The majority of custom chassis are made with bent or extruded aluminum, while commercial chassis are more likely to utilize formed metals and fiberglass. While this means your custom chassis maybe more durable, they are more likely to have more weight and may require heavier axles or bigger tires than a commercial chassis.

10. Evaluate Drive Systems  

Your project can be dictated by the application more than anything. For example, most custom chassis don't offer 4x4 applications. A custom chassis can prove the need to increase distance from back of cab to a driveline component due to transmission placement. Transmission PTO access can be compromised in certain models. When you begin a project make sure to engage the selling chassis dealers and OEM fire apparatus manufacturers early on to help answer some of these questions and help guide your project down the right path. Asking questions specific to your project may easily influence the decision and force one style over the other.

Whether you end up choosing a commercial or custom chassis for your apparatus, don’t just base your decision on price. There’s a lot more you need to consider in to determine which option is best, and you need to weigh the pros and cons of both options. For more information about designing a custom apparatus from Marion, talk to one of our dealers or contact our expert team.

Reasons to choose all aluminum fire apparatus

About Marion Body Works

Marion Body Works manufactures Fire & Emergency Apparatus, Commercial Truck Bodies, Aluminum Custom Cabs, Custom Engineered Vehicles, and Defense Products for customers across the country. Marion has been privately owned, family operated, and continuously operated in Marion since they were founded in 1905. Marion specializes in all aluminum products, with more experience in this area than any other U.S. manufacturer. The company’s capabilities include aluminum and steel fabrication, welding, plumbing, foam insulation, hydraulics, electrical and electronic controls, and painting.