Building sled-deck question

[big-zig]

I've got an extra 8.5 x 10 foot trailer that I was considering removing the axle and making a frame to slid into back of longbox Duramax. Are there any issues with having a 10 ft bed in back of truck? I've noticed nobody builds longer than 8 ft sled-decks. My sled is closer to 11 ft long.
Thanks for the help
Zig

 

[silvester]

I'm thinking about doing some fab work to make a sled deck. For sure one thing to consider is the fact that a 8.5 x 10 trailer frame is going to be heavy. It's probably a steel beast. Anything over 80 inches wide has a DOT requirement for lights that is different than for trucks or regular trailers. Not sure about length but it might require DOT stickering as well.

 

[catssuk]

i built mine. 8.5' wide and 9.5' long with a 2' beavertail angled down about 30degrees, its in a crew cab long box, duri duelley, and i can still tow a trailer behind it no problem with clearance.

 

[big-zig]

Thanks guys. The trailer I'm using is aluminum so that should help the weight issue. It also has clearance and tail lights. I was considering a 10' ramp. Is that enough? I can go 12' if need be.

 

[theshadowrider]

Curious

I am curious to why the truck decks are popular? Isn't a pain to set them up on the truck and then to load the snowmobiles? Why not just pull a trailer? Not trying to bash, just interested in the advantages over a trailer?

 

[94fordguy]

I am curious to why the truck decks are popular? Isn't a pain to set them up on the truck and then to load the snowmobiles? Why not just pull a trailer? Not trying to bash, just interested in the advantages over a trailer?

Improved traction - weight is directly on the drive tires
Easier parking - shorter overall length
Reduced turning radius
Improved security - harder to reach
Increased fuel mileage - less weight and improved aerodynamics
Low (no) maintenance - bearings, tires
No license fees


I have a 4-place open and my buddy has a 2-place open, both we use in season depending how many are coming along... I bought a deck this summer cause I hate having to turn a trailer around when we go up late spring riding and have to drive up the roads and turn around in tight spots. The trailers are definitely nice for loading, as I don't look forward to learning that one, but I do look forward to not having to un-hook and hook-up to turn around when necessary.

Hope that helps

 

[greeneman]

All the above and love how much cleaner the sleds stay with the roads are bad.

 

[SLDHVN]

i thought a sled deck was a stupid idea until i used one, now i will never go back. so much more convenient while driving and parking, especially in town. the only downside i can think of is fuelng up, but i got a turbo so i will just fuel up before loading. either way im young, hopping up on the deck is easy, i will have plenty of time later to fight a two place trailer.

 

[backcountryislife]

I wonder why people carry their sleds on trailers... seem pretty silly to me. I seem to be the designated parking lot de-stucker where I ride, with sleds on the truck pulling the people that thought they could turn a trailer around out of whatever they did is pretty easy.

As for why people only build 8' decks, I think the idea is to make them work in an 8 or 6' bed, a 10' deck would have huge leverage as you drove up onto it.


trailers are silly!!!

 

[Bengalfan]

Another advantage of the sled deck, and my favorite is you don`t have to chain up if there is chain controls if you have 4wd. With a trailer in California anyways you would have to chain up.

 

[Rixster]

I am also thinking about building one. I have a F-350 crew cab long bed. So What dimension should I build it? I was thinking 7'8 by 8 foot. Looks like a dove tail on it is the way to go. But if I go 8 feet long and then a 10 inch to 1 foot dove tail will I be able to open my tail gate ? Also. I would be limited on ramp length by deck length.

 

[Hawkster]

About the only disadvantage of having a sled bed that I can think of is that where do you put your freight, say if you have a cabin? If someone has that figured out let me know? I'd love to have a Slicklift.

 

[Dartos]

Very old thread - but, is any manufacture building a 10‘ deck yet? I’m buying a log bed pickup and want the extra length.
If not I may just sell the bed and put on a flatbed

 

[02sedona]

Check out styrkermfg on Instagram for some inspiration. It could help with some ideas

 

[Dartos]

Wow are there some cool rigs there. There is now a 99.999% chance I’ll be going with a flatbed.
Thanks for the reference.

 

[boondocker97]

I'm also a fan of the flatbed. We re-purposed a wrecked aluminum sled trailer to sit on my dads. The extra length is great plus already had the tie down channels, marker lights, and space for the ramp under it. Four pins and it comes off for hauling other things or towing again. See post #3 here: https://www.snowest.com/forum/threads/local-sled-hauler-truck-build.451052/
Once drawback with the flatbed is the sleds don't stay as clean as they do way up on a deck. I still like it better though.