Wil-Ro Flatbeds vs Skirted Beds: Which Truck Bed Is Right for Your Montana Work Truck?
When it comes to upgrading a work truck in Helena, the team at H&H Trailer Repair and Fabrication helps contractors, ranchers, and fleet managers choose the right setup for how they actually work. As an authorized dealer of Wil-Ro Inc., H&H installs heavy-duty truck beds designed for real job site performance in Montana conditions. Two of the most popular configurations H&H sells and installs are flatbeds and skirted beds. While they may look similar at first glance, they serve very different operational needs.
Below is a breakdown of each style, how they differ, and who they’re best suited for.
Wil-Ro Flatbeds
What Is a Flatbed?
A flatbed truck body is a flat, open platform mounted directly to the truck chassis. There are no full-length side skirts covering the underbody area, and storage is typically limited to optional above-deck or underbody toolboxes. H&H often recommends this setup for customers who prioritize deck space and loading flexibility over built-in storage.
Key Features
Open deck design for maximum loading flexibility
Easy forklift access from all sides
Heavy-duty steel construction
Headache rack options for cab protection
Stake pockets and rub rails for secure tie-down
Advantages
Maximum Versatility
Flatbeds make loading irregular or oversized materials simple. Lumber, pipe, equipment, pallets, hay bales — if it fits on the deck, you can haul it.
Ideal for Add-Ons
Flatbeds are often used as a base for cranes, hoists, or specialty upfits. H&H regularly works with contractors who need custom fabrication to match their workflow.
Optimized Payload
With fewer enclosed compartments, flatbeds can offer slightly better payload capacity.
The Helena Framing Contractor
Mike runs a framing crew in Helena. Every morning, he loads bundles of lumber and engineered trusses onto his truck using a forklift. Most of his tools stay onsite in gang boxes, so built-in storage isn’t a priority.
For Mike, a Wil-Ro flatbed installed by H&H makes the most sense. He needs:
Fast forklift loading
Maximum deck space
Simple, rugged durability
Minimal added weight
Wil-Ro Skirted Beds
What Is a Skirted Bed?
A skirted bed looks similar to a flatbed from the top but includes enclosed side compartments that extend from the deck down toward the chassis. These “skirts” create built-in, lockable storage along both sides of the truck. H&H frequently recommends skirted beds for service-based contractors who operate directly out of their trucks.
Key Features
Full-length side compartments
Lockable, weather-protected storage
Heavy-duty steel deck
Clean, professional appearance
Organized tool access at ground level
Advantages
Built-In Organization
Instead of adding separate toolboxes, skirted beds provide dedicated compartments for hand tools, power tools, chains, binders, hardware, and small parts.
Improved Security
Integrated locking compartments reduce theft risk compared to exposed storage.
Professional Presentation
For contractors who meet customers onsite, a skirted bed delivers a cleaner, more organized look.
The Electrical Service Company Owner
Sarah owns an electrical contracting company serving Helena and surrounding communities. She carries conduit, wire spools, testing equipment, breakers, fittings, and multiple cordless tools every day.
She needs everything organized, secure, and easy to access without constantly climbing into the truck bed.
For Sarah, a Wil-Ro skirted bed installed by H&H is the better fit. She benefits from:
Secure, built-in compartments
Weather protection in Montana winters
Efficient organization
A professional image on residential and commercial jobs
Built for Montana Work Conditions
Helena job sites are not gentle on equipment. Snow, gravel roads, mud, and wide temperature swings demand durability. Wil-Ro beds are built from heavy-duty steel and designed for long-term use, and H&H ensures proper installation and fitment for your specific truck chassis.
If you are considering upgrading your work truck, our team at H&H Trailer Repair and Fabrication can walk you through both options and help match the bed style to your exact workflow. Give us a call or drop by today.
