The two dominant brands in the replacement truck bed market are Hillsboro Industries (Iowa-based, 50+ years in the business) and Norstar (Nebraska-based, specialty work-truck bed manufacturer). Both make solid, work-grade replacement beds. The differences matter when you\’re matching a bed to specific use cases.
This guide breaks down construction, pricing, fitment, and use-case fit so you can pick the right bed for your truck.
Hillsboro Industries Overview
Hillsboro is the older and larger of the two manufacturers. Their lineup spans flatbeds, hybrid skirted-flat beds (the popular STA series), and specialty agricultural beds. Strong presence in ranch and farm markets.
Popular Hillsboro lines
STA series (hybrid steel beds). Most popular Hillsboro line. Combines a flat cargo deck with skirted side compartments for tools, fluids, and hardware storage. Common in 8-foot and 9-foot bed lengths to fit standard pickup configurations.
Flatbed series. Pure flatbed (no skirts) for hauling oversize cargo. Hillsboro\’s flatbeds use heavier-gauge steel than competitors at similar price points.
Specialty agricultural beds. Hay-hauling beds, livestock-spec beds, and other ranch-specific configurations. These are Hillsboro\’s specialty market.
Hillsboro construction characteristics
- 11-gauge to 7-gauge steel construction depending on model
- Galvanized hardware and fasteners (longer service life in salt environments)
- Powder-coated finish (corrosion-resistant; longer life than wet-paint finishes)
- Standard tail lights pre-installed (LED on most models)
- Optional gooseneck and fifth-wheel hitch ports
- Optional headache rack for cab protection
Hillsboro pricing
STA series: $4,000 to $5,500 typical depending on truck and bed length.
Flatbed: $3,500 to $4,800 typical.
Specialty agricultural beds: $4,500 to $7,500 depending on configuration.
Norstar Overview
Norstar is the specialist work-truck bed manufacturer. Their lineup focuses on commercial and contractor applications: skirted beds, mechanic service beds, and welding service beds. Smaller market presence than Hillsboro but stronger reputation for specialty contractor configurations.
Popular Norstar lines
ST series (skirted single wheel). Standard skirted bed for single-wheel pickups. Steel construction with reinforced floor for heavy cargo. Common configuration for ranch and contractor work.
SR series (skirted dual wheel). Dual-wheel pickup version of the ST. Wider rear fenders to clear dual rear tires.
SP series (mechanic service body). Specialty service bed with multiple lockable compartments for tools, parts, and fluids. Built for mobile mechanics, line technicians, and service contractors.
WR series (welding rig). Specialized bed for mobile welding operations. Built-in welder mounting points, generator mounting, and acetylene tank storage. Premium-tier pricing reflects specialty construction.
Norstar construction characteristics
- 11-gauge steel construction standard, 7-gauge on heavy-duty options
- Heavy-duty hinges and locking hardware on compartment beds
- Powder-coated finish standard
- Standard LED tail lights and clearance lights
- Reinforced floor for tool weight
- Available in single rear wheel and dual rear wheel configurations
Norstar pricing
ST series (skirted single wheel): $4,200 to $5,800 typical.
SR series (skirted dual wheel): $4,800 to $6,500 typical.
SP series (mechanic service body): $7,500 to $12,000 typical.
WR series (welding rig): $9,500 to $15,000 typical.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Construction quality
Both brands use 11-gauge steel as standard. Hillsboro\’s STA hybrid configuration uses slightly heavier steel in the skirt areas (10-gauge) than Norstar\’s ST (11-gauge throughout). For heavy daily-use applications, Hillsboro\’s hybrid construction has a slight edge in the skirt area.
Norstar\’s reinforced floor (typical of their entire lineup) handles heavier point loads than Hillsboro\’s flat configurations. For tool-heavy contractor use, Norstar\’s floor is better suited.
Pricing
Direct comparison on equivalent skirted single-wheel beds: Hillsboro STA $4,000 to $5,500, Norstar ST $4,200 to $5,800. Pricing is comparable, with Norstar slightly higher.
For specialty service beds (mechanic, welding), Norstar dominates the market. Hillsboro doesn\’t have direct competitors to the SP and WR series.
Fitment and availability
Hillsboro has broader truck compatibility (older trucks especially) due to longer market presence. Hillsboro publishes fitment charts going back to early 2000s pickups for many model lines.
Norstar focuses on current and recent-year (2010+) trucks. Older truck fitment may require custom modification.
Lead time
Hillsboro: typically 2 to 4 weeks for stock configurations, 6 to 8 weeks for custom builds.
Norstar: typically 4 to 8 weeks for stock configurations, 8 to 16 weeks for custom builds.
Hillsboro\’s shorter lead time matters for buyers needing immediate replacement (damaged OEM bed, immediate work need).
Use Case Recommendations
Choose Hillsboro if:
- You need fast lead time (2 to 4 weeks)
- You\’re replacing a bed on an older truck (2010 or earlier)
- You want a hybrid skirted-flat configuration for general ranch or work-truck use
- Your use case is general work (hauling, towing, occasional cargo)
- You prefer the lighter weight of standard skirted construction over reinforced contractor beds
Choose Norstar if:
- You\’re a mobile mechanic, technician, or service contractor (SP or WR series)
- You haul heavy point loads regularly (reinforced floor matters)
- You\’re willing to accept longer lead times for specialty configurations
- Your use case requires lockable specialty compartments
- You\’re running a welding rig business
Installation Considerations
Both brands require professional installation or experienced DIY for proper fitment. Installation involves removing the OEM bed, mounting the replacement bed to the frame mount points, and connecting tail light wiring.
Installation time: 4 to 8 hours for either brand. Cost: $200 to $500 for professional installation if you hire a shop.
Many trailer dealers (including PrimeLoad) ship the replacement bed and recommend a local truck or welding shop for installation. Some buyers DIY with two people and a small loader or forklift.
Long-Term Value
Both brands hold value well. Hillsboro\’s longer market presence means stronger resale liquidity (more buyers familiar with the brand, more service support). Norstar\’s specialty service beds (SP, WR) hold premium resale because of the limited specialty market alternative.
For 10 to 15 year ownership, both brands provide solid service life. Routine maintenance (rust treatment, hinge lubrication, light bulb replacement) extends service life on either brand.
Hillsboro vs Norstar Truck Bed Questions
Which is better, Hillsboro or Norstar?
Both are quality brands. Hillsboro is better for general work-truck use, faster lead times, and broader truck compatibility. Norstar is better for specialty contractor applications (mechanic, welding service beds) and reinforced-floor heavy use.
How much does a Hillsboro replacement truck bed cost?
STA hybrid skirted bed: $4,000 to $5,500 typical. Pure flatbed: $3,500 to $4,800. Specialty agricultural beds: $4,500 to $7,500 depending on configuration. Pricing varies by truck make, bed length, and options.
What's the lead time for a Norstar truck bed?
Stock configurations: 4 to 8 weeks. Custom builds: 8 to 16 weeks. For immediate replacement needs, Hillsboro\’s 2 to 4 week lead time is significantly shorter.
Can I install a replacement bed myself?
Yes, with two people and a small loader or forklift. Installation takes 4 to 8 hours. Removing the OEM bed requires disconnecting tail light wiring and unbolting the bed from frame mount points (typically 4 to 6 bolts). Professional installation costs $200 to $500.
Are Norstar service beds worth the higher price?
For mobile mechanics and service contractors: yes. The SP series ($7,500 to $12,000) replaces a separate work-bed-plus-toolbox setup costing similar money but with better integration and security. Specialty welding rig beds (WR series) have no direct alternatives at lower price points.
Does the replacement bed include a hitch?
Most include either a bumper-pull hitch port or a gooseneck hitch port (or both). Gooseneck balls, ball-mount hardware, and wiring harnesses are usually NOT included; budget $150 to $400 separately.
Related Guides and Inventory
Ready to buy? Get a free quote within 24 hours, or call us at (802) 203-7891.
