SpaceKap

Since developing the first-ever commercial fiberglass truck cap in 1984, SpaceKap has delivered more than 235,000 units to plumbers, electricians and contractors across the United States and Canada. The product upgrades pickup trucks, transforming them into service vans with a separate rear area for storing equipment. “Our SpaceKap products are universal fits for any model,” President Frederic Albert says. “It’s the best way to put a service truck on the road.”

Pickup Artists

For professional technicians working in the field all day, a pickup truck is preferable to a service van. In service vans, equipment might clank around, causing noises that interfere with phone calls with clients. Also, some materials may have odors, which can be avoided when the driver is in a separate compartment. It is also safer and better for heating and driving. That is why many companies provide pickup trucks to improve recruitment and retain top technicians.

Pickup trucks are also more fuel-efficient. According to a 2012 U.S. Department of Transportation study, a capped pickup truck that logs 20,000 miles per year can save more than 250 gallons of fuel compared to a cargo van. It is 12 percent more fuel-efficient, and is especially useful during cold or wet weather.

“When you have good service technicians who are on the road, they prefer to drive a pickup truck instead of cargo vans. So you provide pickup trucks,” Albert explains. “But those are not protecting the tools.” SpaceKap’s truck toppers allow technicians to organize their equipment and materials with secure racking in the back of the truck.

SpaceKap’s product was designed by Paul Deutschman, known for his Callaway Corvette designs, and made specifically for professional users. Leisure caps sold by competitors, on the other hand, are less secure than SpaceKap’s fiberglass insert design.

All Makes and Models

A SpaceKap total package including shelving and racking costs about $10,000. What makes it a wise investment is the fact the product fits on any full-size truck on the market, Albert explains.

“You can move the racking and everything from one truck to another,” he says. “If you start with a 2015 Ford F-150, and then in 2016 want to switch to a different truck, the transfer only takes about 45 minutes.”

The SpaceKap fits on all models and makes. Users include plumbers, electricians, contractors, first responders and utility companies.

SpaceKap is the result of the company’s more than 40 years experience in the service truck industry, Albert explains. The company first developed commercial fiberglass caps in 1984. The current SpaceKap then took its shape in 1992. Before that, each cap had to be matched to specific vehicles.

“Since its introduction over two decades ago, SpaceKap has remained the most versatile service truck solution on the market,” the company says. “The cost savings has prompted more and more companies to outfit their service trucks and entire fleets with our durable and lightweight SpaceKaps to ensure the success and profitability of their businesses.”

SpaceKap’s products can include cargo beds and storage bins. They essentially turn an ordinary pickup truck into a workshop on wheels. There are different models, such as the Compak, Wild and Diablo. The different models have diverse heights, weights, storage space, doors and other features. The units are so durable, they often outlast three or four pickup trucks, the company says.

“SpaceKap service bodies last longer than anything else on the market,” the company says. “When you purchase a composite transferable service body, you want it to endure the elements and remain as pristine as the day you bought it. That is why we have worked extensively with our suppliers to develop the highest-quality surface possible.”

The company’s manufacturing process is precise for exact specifications. Thorough inspections are built into the manufacturing process, Albert notes. Each cap is subjected to a water torrent for 3 minutes to ensure it will not leak, for example.

The latest cutting-edge technologies including robotics are utilized in SpaceKap’s manufacturing process, which is so finely honed it was recently featured on the Science Channel’s “How It’s Made” program.