What is a semi-trim truck cab?

Truck cab trim levels compared

Replacement truck cabs are sold by how much of the cab is already fitted out. Suppliers use the terms a little differently, so always read what a specific cab includes. These are the trim levels you will see on our listings:

What a semi-trim cab usually includes

No two semi-trim cabs are the same, because each one depends on the truck it came from. That is why every cab on our site has its own Included with this cab list. Items that often appear on our semi-trim cab listings are:

• the white cabin shell, the windscreen and the rear window glass

• the roof (dome) lining, the rear wall lining and the floor mat

• complete doors, often with their window winders

• the front panel, the wiper panel and the corner panels

• step boxes, grab rails and the cab tilt hinges

• seat belts, sun visors and interior lights

Anything that isn’t on the list isn’t included, so compare the list with the parts you can still use from your old cab before you choose.

Semi-trim cab or a new cab from the dealer?

A new cab from a dealer is usually the most expensive route, and for older trucks it can be hard to get or slow to arrive. A semi-trim cab usually costs less, and because part of the trim is already fitted, it saves workshop time compared with a bare shell. Weigh up:

• Price: compare the cab plus fitting with a new cab, and with repairing your old one.

• Time off the road: a cab that is ready to collect gets the truck working sooner.

• Condition: read the listing, ask for photos and, if you can, view the cab before you buy.

When a semi-trim cab makes sense

• The old cab has structural accident damage, in the pillars, roof or floor, that is costly to repair. Our guide on whether to repair or replace a damaged cab helps you decide.

• Rust has spread into the floor, the lower corners or the cab mounting points.

• You are rebuilding a truck and want a sound cab to start from.

• The truck earns its keep on the road, and downtime costs more than the cab.

How to choose the right semi-trim cab

1. Match the make, model and years. Cabs change between generations and facelifts, sometimes under the same model name. Not sure what you have? Read how to find your truck’s model, year and VIN.

2. Check the cab type. A day cab and a sleeper cab, or a standard and a wide cab, are not interchangeable.

3. Compare the included list with your old cab. Parts that are still good on your truck, such as the doors, mirrors or dashboard, can often be moved across, so a lower trim level may be enough.

4. Check the condition. Take our used truck cab checklist with you when you view it.

5. Plan the fitting. Ask your workshop what it needs from the old cab, such as the wiring loom, the cab-to-chassis connections and the controls, before anything is stripped.

Buying a semi-trim cab from C.A.B.S

We supply semi-trim and complete truck cabs, and cab and body parts, from our yard in Aureus, Randfontein.

1. Browse the truck cabs we have now. Each listing shows the make, model, years and everything that is fitted.

2. Send us your truck’s model, year or VIN on WhatsApp or with the enquiry form, and we’ll confirm the cab fits before you buy.

3. We reply with the price and availability.

4. View the cab at our yard. Viewing is by appointment.

Looking for a cab we don’t list? Tell us what you need and we’ll try to source it.