V
volcano buster
Well-known member
Perfect.
I didn't look close enough in the big picture to see that option.
I didn't look close enough in the big picture to see that option.
Chassis Truck Bed Options
- Thread starter IFlyEm
- Start date
I really like the idea of the stake pocket sides that turn into a ramp. Easy ramp storage for conventional beds without a custom slot underneath to store it.
The pocket stakes as the track portion of the ramps is such a good idea. I have my ramp halves stored under the deck and in fresh snow the slot they fit in gets packed with snow. And then you have freeze thaw issues. Big thing too is I had to raise my deck up in height to fit the ramps underneath above the spare tire. I'd rather have my deck as low as possible.
Definitely stealing this idea for my version 2.0 deck.
Definitely stealing this idea for my version 2.0 deck.
Thanks guys I’m really stoked on it. Glad to finally put the vision into reality!
Quick question for you on the CM bed. Did they put the L-track on the sides and on the inside of the headache rack or did you weld those on yourself? Anything you dislike about that particular bed after having it for a while?
I also spoke to Dropout Fabrication a couple weeks ago. He is a year out on flatbeds right now. Like you said, he said he'd do a dually bed just hasn't yet. For the Ford factory gooseneck puck system he puts an access hole to the gooseball, but the pucks stay under the bed. Have to hook the safety chains to the goose hitch plate somehow. Ramps slide in the rear and over top of the hitch plate with the ball removed. He thinks it would be in the ballpark of $12-13k with powder coating on the dually setup. About $1500 less for raw aluminum finish.
On the Fords with BLISS he takes the sensors out of the tail lights and mounts them below the back of the bed as shown below. Most places just have the system de-activated.
I added the L track. Mounted it with thread forming screws.
Loving it so far. Total red neck.
The only nitpicky comments:
The def is a pia to fill. You have to twist the pump handle up 135deg and hold it just right to work.
The bed isn’t perfectly centered. With stock wheels you wouldn’t notice but with wider wheels it’s noticeable. Mine is approx 5/8” Obgyn. But the headache rack is mostly centered. Speaking of headache rack the bends on it aren’t perfectly symmetrical - only noticeable when mounting the L track.
The drop out bed would have to be 3-4” higher than a regular flat bed to hold the ramp wouldn’t it? The lower height on mine is pretty nice.
At least the DEF is an occasional fill. Fuel flow is the important one.
I wonder if the steel frame underneath isn't centered in the bed or if the whole bed is and framework is twisted? Did you mount it yourself or did a shop do it and just didn't pay attention? My dad bought a truck with a bed already mounted and it wasn't very square on the truck. They also didn't mount it high enough and the tire would rub the fender on bumps when loaded. We were able to fix both problems ourselves.
Yeah I think any bed with a gooseneck hitch and stowable ramps underneath would have to have a taller deck height. I just bought a 11'-3" X 8'-6" tilt deck trailer to pull the axle and tongue to put on top of the bed for a removable deck that will fit 3 sleds in a pinch and still slide a ramp in under it. So it will be 3-4" taller anyway with that in place. lower in the summer time though and not have to jack the trailer so high to hook up.
Insurance is sending me a check for box damage so now I need to make up my mind what brand flatbed I need to get on order. Considering one of the aluminum CM beds like you have and having the skirt, boxes, and headache rack paint matched to my truck. Local dealer wants to charge $2500-3000 freight on it though since they must not order many beds from them anymore. Total cost over $11k without mounting and fold down side rails. Might have to go out of town for that one.
Bradford seems to be the most economical and I can get a steel 4 box for under $8k mounted. Just don't care for the angled fender they put on them now. Liked the old round style better. Includes 4" fold down sides.
Bedrock Granite from the same place as the CM quoted $10,250 using the factory gooseneck and 3" receiver hitches, square back option (instead of angled corners), and some basic 4" removable sides that drop in the stake pockets.
Decisions decisions...
