CPD Dropside Range
From Standard to Specialist
Our dropside vans offer a versatile solution for safe and efficient loading and unloading. They come with a choice of steel or Praevia body options and can be configured with a standard or traffic management conversion to suit your operational needs. Our dropside range is fully compliant with manufacturer and type approval guidelines.
Ford Transit Praevia Dropside c/w Tail lift 2L Diesel L4 Manual Single Cab 165ps Frozen White
- Manual
- Diesel
- Long
- 165ps
Per Week (Excl. Vat)
Ford Transit Praevia Dropside Diesel L3 Manual Single Cab 165ps Frozen White
- Manual
- Diesel
- Long
- 165ps
Per Week (Excl. Vat)
Dropside Options
Our dropside bodies come with multiple configurations to meet specific operational needs:
-
Steel Alloy or PraeviaChoose durable steel or upgrade to Praevia for added corrosion resistance—ideal for long-term use in harsh environments.
-
Standard or Traffic ManagementAvailable as a standard build or adapted for traffic management, including cone wells, sign storage, and fall protection.
-
Tail-Lift OptionsOptional tail lifts, toolpods, tow bars, and lighting upgrades can be added to suit your trade and operational needs.
-
Body FinishPick from painted, powder-coated, or branded finishes to match your fleet and provide extra surface protection.
Safety
Stay safe on site with integrated fall arrest systems and enhanced lighting options, designed to reduce risk when working at height or in low-visibility conditions.
Security
Protect valuable equipment with secure storage solutions, including heavy-duty tool pods and lockable compartments to keep tools and materials safe.
Storage
Keep tools, materials, and equipment organised with durable storage compartments designed for easy access and long-term reliability.
Tail Lifts
Improve loading efficiency with tail-lift options suited for heavy lifting and easy loading/unloading, perfect for businesses handling bulky or heavy materials.
FAQs about LCV dropside conversions
What are the benefits of a dropside body?
Dropside bodies are designed to provide easy access to the load area from multiple sides of the vehicle. The fold-down side panels allow materials to be loaded and unloaded quickly using forklifts, cranes or by hand, improving efficiency on busy worksites.
A dropside conversion also offers a strong and durable load platform while keeping overall vehicle weight efficient for commercial use.
How much does a dropside conversion cost?
The cost of a dropside conversion depends on the chassis, body material and overall vehicle specification. Factors such as load bed size, aluminium or steel construction, tool storage and additional safety features will influence pricing.
Dropside conversion prices typically start from £36,100 + VAT, with final cost depending on the vehicle platform and configuration required. Our team provides specification-led quotations to ensure the conversion meets your payload requirements, operational needs and compliance standards.
Who are dropsides suitable for?
Dropside vehicles are widely used by businesses that regularly transport bulky materials or equipment that require easy access from the sides of the vehicle.
They are particularly suited to sectors such as construction, civil engineering, utilities, landscaping and infrastructure maintenance. Dropside bodies offer the flexibility to carry a wide range of loads while maintaining efficient payload capacity for daily commercial use.
Can dropside bodies be customised?
Yes. Dropside conversions can be customised to suit specific operational requirements.
Common customisation options include different load bed lengths, tool storage solutions, ladder racks, headboards, lighting systems and safety features. Our team works with customers to ensure the finished dropside vehicle is practical for daily operations while remaining compliant with relevant vehicle regulations.
What payload can a dropside carry?
Payload capacity depends on the base chassis, body material and overall vehicle specification.
Lighter aluminium dropside bodies can help maximise payload capacity, while steel options may be chosen for more demanding working environments. Payload will also vary between diesel and electric vehicle platforms due to differences in chassis weight and battery systems.
A Ford Transit 350 Dropside (3.5t), for example, typically offers a payload of around 875–912kg, depending on wheelbase and body specification.
Some lighter dropside builds on similar chassis can achieve up to around 950kg payload, depending on equipment such as tail lifts or additional safety features.
Our team calculates final vehicle weights following the conversion to ensure the completed vehicle remains compliant with plated gross vehicle weight limits.
Can I convert my existing chassis into a dropside?
Yes. In many cases an existing chassis cab vehicle can be converted into a dropside body, provided the vehicle is suitable for conversion and meets the necessary specification requirements.
We assess the base vehicle, chassis condition and payload capacity before recommending the most appropriate conversion solution. All builds are completed in line with UK type approval and safety requirements to ensure the finished vehicle remains compliant for commercial use.
Medium (L2) Dropside: Single Cab
The L2 dropside is compact yet versatile, offering an excellent payload capacity in a more manoeuvrable size. Ideal for businesses that require a balance between space efficiency and load capacity.
Long (L3) Dropside: Single or Double Cab
Available in single or double cab, the L3 dropside provides a balance of payload and versatility, making it suitable for mixed-use operations.
Extended Long (L4) dropside: Single Cab
The L4 dropside maximises load bed space and payload, available in single or double cab for additional crew or storage needs. Ideal for larger-scale projects requiring extra capacity.
Flexible Finance Available on Dropsides
Spread the cost of your next LCV or vehicle conversion with CPD Finance. We offer competitive, flexible finance deals for tradespeople, fleet managers, and growing businesses. With a range of options available and a quick approval process, we make it easy to secure the van you need – fully converted and ready for work.
