These workhorses are a blank canvas to build exactly what you need.

Specialized work needs a specialized work vehicle, and often the stock truck or van isn’t enough. This is where a chassis cab or cutaway steps in, offering an opportunity to upfit with whatever body or equipment is best suited for the tasks these vehicles have to perform. Versions of these workhorses are offered by Ford, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, and Ram.

This segment has some long-running entries that haven’t changed much over the years, but Ford and General Motors have all-new heavy-duty pickups and these carry over into the chassis cabs. We have a list of what’s available for 2023 or 2024. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) doesn’t rate these heavy-duty vehicles, so fuel economy figures are not listed.

FORD

SUPER DUTY CHASSIS CAB

Ford’s Super Duty moves into a new generation for 2023. This redesigned model has new styling, more capacity, and new technology. A new upfit integration system provides easier access to the electrical system, and cloud-base software can create “digital buttons,” allowing for equipment operation from inside the vehicle. The base 6.2-litre V8 is discontinued, with the 7.3-litre V8 now offered as the standard engine. The available diesel engine gets a torque boost from 825 to 950 lb-ft. The F-350 comes with single or dual rear wheels, while the F-450 is dual-wheel only. Cab choices are regular, extended, or crew cab. For heavier-duty needs, the Super Duty also comes in F-550 and F-600, and beyond that, F-650 and F-750.

The Specs

• Engines:
  • 7.3-litre V8 (335 hp/468 torque)
  • 6.7-litre Power Stroke V8 turbodiesel (330 hp/950 lb-ft torque)
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic

E-SERIES CUTAWAY

The E-Series, more familiar to many as the Econoline, is available only as a cutaway. For 2024, its V8 engine comes in a higher-powered Premium-Rated version, or lower-powered Economy-Rated, and a speed governor is available. The E-350 comes with single or dual rear wheels, while the E-450 is dual wheels only. It can tow up to 10,000 lbs with a towing package, and the E-450 is available with a GVWR of 14,500 lbs. Upfitting options include a programmable interface module to operate aftermarket equipment, and high-capacity fused upfitter switches integrated into the dash and the electrical system.

The Specs

• Engine:
  • 7.3-litre V8 Premium-Rated (350 hp/468 lb-ft torque)
  • 7.3-litre V8 Economy-Rated (300 hp/425 lb-ft torque)
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic

TRANSIT CHASSIS CAB & CUTAWAY

Ford’s full-size van is available with a choice of two gasoline engines, one turbocharged; in three wheelbase lengths; and with single or dual rear wheels. All-wheel drive can be ordered. If petroleum isn’t your style, the all-electric E-Transit also comes in chassis cab or cutaway configuration (and as a cargo van), with single rear wheels and with an estimated 203 km on a charge. The E-Transit’s chassis cab and cutaway have a GVWR of 9,500 lbs.

The Specs

• Engines:
  • 3.5-litre V6 (275 hp/262 torque)
  • 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 (310 hp/400 lb-ft torque)
  • Electric motor (198 kW/266 hp/317 lb-ft torque)
• Battery (E-Transit):
  • 68 kWh usable energy lithium-ion
• Transmission:
  • 6-speed automatic (gasoline)
  • Single-speed transmission (electric)

GENERAL MOTORS

CHEVROLET SILVERADO/GMC SIERRA 3500 CHASSIS CAB

These mechanical twins move into a new generation for 2024. There is new exterior styling, and new interior on most trims that’s copied from the Silverado and Sierra 1500 with 13.4-inch infotainment screen and 12.3-inch customizable instrument cluster display. There are new available technologies such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring including a trailer for both. The diesel engine is more powerful, going from 445 to 470 horsepower, and from 910 to 975 lb-ft of torque. The gasoline engine carries over but exchanges its six-speed automatic for the same Allison ten-speed transmission as the diesel for improved performance.

The Specs

• Engines:
  • 6.6-litre V8 (401 hp/464 lb-ft torque)
  • 6.6-litre V8 Duramax turbodiesel (470 hp/975 lb-ft torque)
• Transmission: 10-speed Allison automatic

CHEVROLET EXPRESS/GMC SAVANA CUTAWAY

These twin vans have been essentially unchanged for a very long time, but they get the job done and offer a value proposition to fleet buyers. The van cutaway is offered in three wheelbase lengths, with a GVWR rating of up to 14,200 lbs, and with V6 or V8 gasoline engine choices.

The Specs

• Engines:
  • 4.3-litre V6 (276 hp/298 lb-ft torque)
  • 6.6-litre V8 (401 hp/464 lb-ft torque)
• Transmissions:
  • 8-speed automatic (V6)
  • 6-speed automatic (V8)

MERCEDES-BENZ

SPRINTER CHASSIS CAB

The Sprinter receives several updates for 2023. Available features include the Mercedes Me Connect with onboard connectivity functions and remote mobile app; over-the-air software updates; and digital fleet services. Models with all-wheel drive (AWD) get a new on-demand torque distribution system and more ground clearance. Suspension options are available to improve stability should an upfit have a high centre of gravity. Chassis cabs come in two wheelbase lengths, in 3500XD or 4500 configurations in 2WD and 3500XD in AWD, and with four-cylinder diesel engines in standard or high-output configuration.

The Specs

• Engines:
  • 2.0-litre I4 turbodiesel standard output (168 hp/295 lb-ft torque)
  • 2.0-litre I4 turbodiesel high-output (208 hp/332 lb-ft torque)
• Transmission: 9-speed automatic

RAM

RAM CHASSIS CAB

The Ram chassis cab, in 3500, 4500 and 5500 configurations and in regular or crew cab, receives a few technology updates for 2023. These include trailer reverse steering control, 12-inch customizable instrument cluster display, digital rearview mirror, wireless trailer camera prep kit, and power-telescoping tow mirrors. Available with V8 gasoline or six-cylinder Cummins diesel, it comes in four cab-to-axle lengths.

The Specs

• Engines:
  • 6.4-litre V8 (370 horsepower/429 lb-ft torque)
  • 6.7-litre I6 Cummins turbodiesel (360 hp/800 lb-ft torque)
• Transmissions:
  • 8-speed automatic (3500 gasoline)
  • 6-speed automatic (4500/5500 gasoline)
  • 6-speed automatic (diesel)

RAM PROMASTER CHASSIS CAB & CUTAWAY

Ram’s ProMaster van received updated styling for 2023, including a modular bumper with a step to help when cleaning the windshield or replacing wiper blades. It comes in 3500 configuration with two wheelbase lengths. Powered by a V6 gasoline engine, it uses front-wheel drive, unique in the segment, which can provide a lower load floor and step-in. Available features include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, blind-spot monitoring, and 360-degree camera. The automaker plans to add an electric version of the ProMaster in the near future.

The Specs

• Engine:
  • 3.6-litre V6 (276 hp/250 lb-ft torque)
• Transmission:
  • 9-speed automatic