If a stock truck or van doesn’t meet your needs, build on one of these!

Trucks and vans are standard fare for fleets, but their configuration isn’t always exactly what you need. Chassis cabs and cutaways then take over, allowing upfitters to create the vehicle that’s going to do the job for you.

These workhorses include entries that have been around for a while, but they can still be solid choices, especially since upfits may move easily between these unchanged vehicles when older ones on your fleet mile out. We’ve included specifications, but note that we don’t include fuel economy figures, as Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) doesn’t measure heavy-duty vehicles.

FORD

SUPER DUTY CHASSIS CAB

Ford’s chassis cab is basically unchanged for 2024, having been made over into a next-generation model for 2023. It’s available as the F-350 and F-450, and for even larger jobs, the F-550 through F-750. A 7.3-litre V8 is the gasoline choice, as the entry 6.2-litre V8 was discontinued last year; and the diesel engine is more powerful than before. Dual rear wheels are available on the F-350 and standard on higher-capacity models. The F-350, F-450 and F-550 come in regular cab, SuperCab or crew cab, while the F-600 is a regular cab only.

The Specs

Engines:

• 7.3-litre V8 (335 hp/468 lb-ft torque)
• 6.7-litre Power Stroke V8 turbodiesel (330 hp/950 torque)

Transmission:

• 10-speed automatic

E-SERIS CUTAWAY

The E-Series is no longer available as a turnkey van, but only as a cutaway or stripped chassis. The cutaway comes as the E-350 with single or dual rear wheels, or the E-450 with dual wheels only. Towing capacity is up to 10,000 lbs when properly equipped, and the transmission has a tow/haul mode. The E-450 can be equipped with a GVWR of up to 14,500 lbs.

The Specs

Engine:

• 7.3-litre V8 (325 hp/450 lb-ft torque)

Transmission:

• 6-speed automatic

TRANSIT CHASSIS CAB & CUTAWAY

The Transit models come in low-roof configuration with three wheelbase lengths of 138, 156, or 178 inches, and with single or dual rear wheels available on all of them. All-wheel drive is available as an option. Two gasoline engines are offered, one naturally-aspirated and the other turbocharged, which Ford calls EcoBoost. It’s also possible to get the all-electric E-Transit van as a chassis cab or cutaway, with single rear wheels and an estimated range of 203 kilometres on a charge.

The Specs

Engines:

• 3.5-litre V6 (275 hp/260 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

The Silverado and Sierra heavy-duty mechanical twins are all-new for 2024, including a more powerful diesel engine, new styling, and on most trims, an updated interior with 13.4-inch centre touchscreen. The chassis cabs are available in regular or crew cab configuration. Available technologies include adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring that also warns along the length of the trailer. Other options include front, rear, or dual fuel tanks; larger axle with 12-inch ring gear; and two cab-to-axle lengths in regular-cab models.

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 mechanical twins have been around long enough that they came out the same year as the first clamshell flip phone, and they haven’t really changed dramatically since then, so they must be doing something right. Offered as turnkey vans and as cutaways, they offer a value proposition to fleets. Three wheelbase lengths are offered, with a V6 in the shortest one and V8 in the two longer ones. GVWR is up to 14,2000 lbs and with a 150-amp alternator.

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

Mercedes-Benz offers its Sprinter chassis cab in 144-inch or 170-inch wheelbase, both with standard roof height. The 3500XD configuration comes in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive (AWD), while the 4500 is rear-wheel only. The AWD is an on-demand torque distribution system. The Sprinter goes as high as 7,506-lb payload and a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 lbs. Available features include onboard connectivity, over-the-air software updates, and suspension stability for upfits with a high centre of gravity.

The Specs

Engines:

• 2.0-litre I4 turbodiesel (168 hp/295 lb-ft torque)

Transmission:

• 9-speed automatic

RAM

RAM CHASSIS CAB

Ram’s chassis cab comes in 3500, 4500, and 5500 configurations, in regular or crew cab. Having received some new technology features for 2023, including reverse steering control and a digital rearview mirror, the Ram is essentially unchanged for 2024. It comes in regular or crew cab and with four cab-to-axle lengths, ranging from 60 to 120 inches. Options can include adaptive cruise control, PTO for left- or right-side components, trailer tire pressure monitoring system, and dual alternator systems up to 440 amps.

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

Unusually among vans, the ProMaster is front-wheel drive, which can create a lower step-in and load floor. It comes only in 3500 configuration and with a 159-inch wheelbase but with regular or extended frame length. The modular bumper includes a step that makes it easier to replace wiper blades or clean the windshield. The GVWR is up to 9,350 lbs, with maximum payload of 5,220 lbs and top towing capacity of 5,600 lbs. Available features include adaptive cruise control and 360-degree camera.

The Specs

Engine:

• 3.6-litre V6 (276 hp/250 lb-ft torque)

Transmission:

• 9-speed automatic