There are a few points to consider when choosing which kind of spreader will work the best for your application:

• What model of vehicle will the spreader be installed in?
• Where will the vehicle be stored when not in use?
• Will residual sand be left in spreader when stored?
• Are the materials your spreading corrosive?
• Carbon steel, stainless steel, or poly?
  
• 6' or 8'?
• Extended chute or regular chute?
  

Sand is heavy, 1 ton trucks usually work the best for sand spreaders. If not, overload springs of some kind should be considered.

Unless you have a warm place to store your spreader, it should always be emptied before storage overnight in freezing conditions.

Stainless steel "V" Box Spreader, available in 6' or 8' lengths. Durable gas engine, proven design, very reliable. Stainless steel is extremely corrosive resistant.

Standard Control Box for Gas Powered V Box Spreaders

SV Box spreader with  liquid Anti-Ice Capabilities

Carbon steel "V" Box Spreader, available in 6' or 8' lengths. Durable gas engine, proven design, very reliable. Carbon steel lacks the rust and corrosive resistance, however it is the most reasonably priced 2 yard spreader on the market.

Poly Plastic "V" Box Electric spreader, available in 6' or 8' lengths. Poly spreaders are making becoming more and more popular. The convenience of an all electric operation is hard to resist. Most poly spreaders use an auger instead of a chain to pull material back to the spinner. Auger and spinner speed is controlled independently. Poly is incredibly corrosive resistant.

6' length spreaders can be mounted in 3/4 ton trucks. 8' models hold 25% more material, quite a bit.

Trucks with flat beds require the use of a spreader with an extended chute. Because the bed is mounted higher, the spreader also sits up higher. If your vehicle has a pick-up bed, a standard chute should be used.