Working dropside
A flexible open-load-area option for bulky equipment, palletised goods and day-to-day site requirements.
Specialist vehicle conversions
Dropside vehicle conversions, built for access.
Automotivate coordinates dropside vans and chassis-cab builds for fleets carrying palletised, bulky and long loads, with bed access, storage and funding considered together.
Built around loading access
Plan the load route before choosing the body.
Dropsides are often the useful starting point when loads must be placed, lifted or removed from the side as well as the rear. Pallets, long products, plant attachments and variable equipment each affect bed space, panel arrangement and loading access.
We build the brief around what is carried, how it gets on and off the vehicle, the working space available, crew transport, towing and secure storage. That gives the base-vehicle supplier and specialist converter a clear, practical direction.
Starting points
Dropside vehicles shaped around the operation.
Choose the vehicle role first. We will then help define the body, access, storage and equipment around it.
Crew-cab dropside
A useful starting point where team transport and a practical load area need to work together.
Dropside with storage
Tool lockers, headboards, towing, access and safety equipment can be specified around the operation.
A useful first brief
Details that determine a dropside specification.
The right dropside is not simply an open deck. Bed length, fold-down access, loading method and the placement of storage should work together around the jobs the vehicle will complete each week.
- Load dimensions, weight and loading method
- Side and rear access requirements
- Bed length, panel arrangement and headboard needs
- Tool storage, load restraint, towing and safety equipment
- Crew, preferred base vehicle, funding and required delivery date
Choosing the body style
When a dropside may suit the job better than a tipper.
Dropsides support side and rear access for loads that need to be placed or removed rather than tipped. They are often worth considering where pallets, longer items, equipment or variable loads need flexible loading access.
If the core requirement is regular unloading of loose material, a tipper vehicle conversion may be a better starting point. We can work through the operational differences before you commit to a base vehicle or body type.
Frequently asked questions
Dropside vans, explained.
01What is a dropside van conversion?+
A dropside conversion has hinged side and rear panels that fold down for practical loading access. It can suit pallets, equipment, longer items and varied site loads where more than rear access is useful.
02When is a dropside more suitable than a tipper?+
A dropside is often the better fit when loads need to be lifted or placed from the side or rear rather than tipped. It is commonly considered for palletised goods, plant attachments, longer materials and working equipment.
03What do you need to specify a dropside body?+
We will ask about load dimensions, loading method, side access, bed length, crew, towing, storage, safety equipment, preferred base vehicle, funding and timing.
04Can a dropside be configured around tool and equipment storage?+
Yes. Tool lockers, headboards, underbody storage, tow equipment, lighting, access steps and load restraint can be considered alongside the load area and the way the crew works.
05Can the base vehicle and dropside conversion be financed together?+
In most cases, yes. We can discuss a funding route for the completed working vehicle, subject to funder requirements and approval.
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