flat bed vs sled deck

[Twostroke]

I'm getting a old 80's F150 for hauling my sled, I'm going to build either a sled deck or build it into a flat bed and adding airbags. I'm thinking the sled deck would be nice for the storage under it but a flat bed would be nice for the lower height for loading and less weight, could add some storage boxes under if I really wanted.

This truck will be strictly sled duty and firewood getter. I have another truck and van for my daily and work.

If you had a choice between a flat bed and sled deck what would you pick and why?

 

[Hardass]

Flat bed for your situation for sure. I'm thinking of doing the same it is lower to the ground, and i could use it for all kinds of things such as fire wood or other hauling that a normal box will put a limit on. I already have a deck but will probably get rid of it.

 

[ndmtnsledder]

I agree on the flatbed. I think it would be a lot easier for loading your ramp can be less steep not as top heavy lighter all around and the wind wouldn't push you around as much. Also it would be handier for other things like said above.

 

[Twostroke]

Thats what i'm leaning towards, would be much cheaper to build I'd bet.

 

[adrenaline junkey]

Definitely a flat bed if your hauling the wood out in lengths. If your not you could make some side rails. a lot of people do get use to the height if you go sled deck

 

[Twostroke]

I would put some post holes around the bed so i can build removable bed sides for firewood.

 

[troyby]

I have an extra flat bed for sale

I've got a 2001 chevy 1/2 ton with an aluminum flat bed on it, air bags, computer programer, and an intake kit for sale. I think it has 86000 miles. Its not needed any more because i bought a 1 ton dually flat bed to pull my toy hauler with 6 quads. Asking $7500 obo. 1-801-541-7483

 

[SnoPro753]

Flatbed SledHauler

I saw this at Hay Days. Exactly what you're looking for.

They drove all from Alaska to Hay Days in this rig.

 

[F-Bomb]

Deck is obviously lower but generally speaking they are normally narrower (if you are simply buying a production bed) and you have to figure out how or where to put your loading ramps. So finding a deck that is wide enough to haul two sleds then having the ability to easily load and unload is a big challenge especially since you are dealing with a single rear wheeled vehicle for the width base platform. You need somewhere close to 100" width (my stuff was 98" minimum) to get two buggies loaded side by side. There is no doubt in my mind that I would rather have a flat bed with the ability to stake sides if we can work around all of the other challenges for use.

I am building an aluminum deck/bed for a one ton shortbed dually. In this case we have the challenges of also needing to use the pickup to tow a gooseneck trailer so the bed can't be too long. I have visions of a PTO driven lift/dump style on a roll back system and possibly making the deck seperate from the side panel storage boxes. Expensive but that would eliminate the loading ramp hassles plus just be super cool! The bed costs almost twice what the damn pickup is worth. The quandry is to buy a new one (which I can't really, or don't want too afford, even as cheap as they are going) and put it on or just keep spending money on my old "beloved" dually! Silly snowmobiling!

 

[wildcard28]

I have been planning on going the flatbed route too, I think I will build my flatbed not much wider than the cab and have hingeable sides that are high enough that when I want to load my sleds you fold or hinge then down and then the bed is wide enough for the two sleds of course these side panels would be pretty sturdy and be removeable so I could put taller racks on for other uses, the sled decks are cool but that seem pretty scary haveing the sleds that high and wide on a shortbox truck or long box, I would hate to miss while loading and go off the side. with a flat bed you could make the bed longer so theres not as much overhang.

good luck, Darren

 

[stumpy2000]

I'm getting a old 80's F150 for hauling my sled, I'm going to build either a sled deck or build it into a flat bed and adding airbags. I'm thinking the sled deck would be nice for the storage under it but a flat bed would be nice for the lower height for loading and less weight, could add some storage boxes under if I really wanted.

This truck will be strictly sled duty and firewood getter. I have another truck and van for my daily and work.

If you had a choice between a flat bed and sled deck what would you pick and why?

don't forget to check the gross vehicle weight rating for insurance purposes (especially if you plan on hauling 2 sleds)-if you go over and have an accident your pooched!

 

[icr]

flat bed...but I'm scared of heights.

 

[knee deep in it]

if anyone builds a sled friendly deck, i would like to see the plans. I have an 01 F250 that I would like to convert to a flat deck. I need the ability to extend the width for hauling sleds and to have stake pockets. Lockable storage would also be nice.

The other issue is ramp storage.

 

[knee deep in it]

here is a design from ttwo.ca located near calgary. He has sides that are on hinges that will fold down to give you 100" total width when hauling 2 sleds. For a snowmobile application, he uses 3 hinges mounted inside the box for the sides instead of the two outside ones pictured here.

When not hauling sleds, they fold up to form a truck bed. Around $4,000 as pictured.

 

[Snowlover]

That bed looks great. Any pics with the sides down and sleds on it? I had a dually with a bed on it and loved it, but being narrow when not hauling sleds would be perfect.

Do the sides have some kind of support? I saw one with slide out bars like receiver hitches that help support the fold down sides.

Weight of the bed?

 

[Transporter]

Back to the top somebody must build a sweet aluminum deck for trucks.Mabye if I put a deck on my lifted superduty I will be able to pull a gooseneck.Has to be some out there that dont look like a service truck.

 

[Holomis International]

Full Lotus sled decks

Hi all

We built this for a customer a coupel years ago, he wanted to haul his ATV's but have a super short deck. We basically used our sled decks, with the expandable sides and made this deck for him.

We were not crazy about using the smooth sides, we would have much rather used our standard C-channel. Also it could be jazzed up by putting under deck boxes etc...

The nice thing about it is it has the expandable sides.


Thanks

FLM Staff
www.full-lotus.com
info@full-lotus.com

 

[whittaker727]

Hi all

We built this for a customer a coupel years ago, he wanted to haul his ATV's but have a super short deck. We basically used our sled decks, with the expandable sides and made this deck for him.

We were not crazy about using the smooth sides, we would have much rather used our standard C-channel. Also it could be jazzed up by putting under deck boxes etc...

The nice thing about it is it has the expandable sides.


Thanks

FLM Staff
www.full-lotus.com
info@full-lotus.com

I want one. How much and where do I go to get one?

 

[BigAir]

Hi all

We built this for a customer a coupel years ago, he wanted to haul his ATV's but have a super short deck. We basically used our sled decks, with the expandable sides and made this deck for him.

We were not crazy about using the smooth sides, we would have much rather used our standard C-channel. Also it could be jazzed up by putting under deck boxes etc...

The nice thing about it is it has the expandable sides.


Thanks

FLM Staff
www.full-lotus.com
info@full-lotus.com

Nice, but where's the ramp? That is the toughest part about a flat bed is where to keep the ramp.

 

[Transporter]

The deck isnt too bad.Mabye half sides with some sort of tube box rail to dress it up.Mabye stay with factory box with custom sides that fold down I need to have about six inch lower box to pull most trailers.