NEW custom decks

[himarker]

NEW custom built decks

Im looking into starting building custom sled decks. I've been in the fab business long enough to know that the prices that are being charged for decks these days is fairly high. I want some input on what features/designs should be incorporated into these decks. I know there are ideas that people have for decks, but they just arent built that way.

Thanks,
himarker

 

[Wayniac]

The expandable sides are the ticket for us that live in the city.

 

[winter brew]

Expandable sides, long telescoping ramp, a way to mount that doesn't require wood blocks and doesn't dimple the bed.

 

[Rockstar]

Yes sides and long ramp alot of us have lifted trucks its hard to find decent ones for big lifts... And reasonably priced

 

[stonehands]

Maybe some optional backup lights or work lights frenched in so you don't have to hang them off the sides. Possibly some flip down beer holders.

 

[Blu Du]

i will take your 1st model from you and give it a try

 

[sledskiing]

plenty of "fancy" options out there. I would tackle the more basic market at a lower price point.

 

[PUNISHER]

Powder coated...keeps them looking new longer. Superclamps a must! Rear ones would be nice as standard equipment. Easy to use 11'+ ramp. Linex the top decking as an option or standard.

Make sure you have a good system for the expandable sides, meaning the uhmw tape or whatever you choose to use, to help the sides expand. Make sure the wiring isn't cheap or loose. Don't cut these simple corners. It will make your decks last longer and hold their value, and in return allow you to charge close to market average. Anything over $3k with all the features for an all aluminum deck is outrageous to me.

Hope that helps....oh, and i'm in the process of doing these exact things to a deck I bought used. Can't believe how much it will run me after all said and done.

 

[spring snow hero]

I too am a fab guy. the prices for materials are coming down a bit, but not too long ago you would be into a 6061 deck close to 1500 bux. I personally think light weight steel decks or stainless decks would be the ticket. aluminum is a self healing metal......it will always oxidize. you could clear it or powder coat it, but if you are gonna powder coat, you might as well go steel. it's easier to repair and the deck can be just as strong for similar weight.....within a 100 lbs.

 

[himarker]

My main goal in the design and construction of these decks is to meet the needs of the snowmobiler. Not hang all the "fancy" sh#t off them, but make them a QUALITY built piece that is versatile enough to work for about anybody. Hauling ATV's or sleds, goin on lifted or stock pickups, user friendly and most of all CUSTOM built. If there is somethin that you specifically want on yours, but dont like something else, just let me know and it can be done. I think the sliding sides will most likely be a "option" for those that want it, but we'll have to see on how everyone likes them. I have a fairly good design for that, but thats another story...they will definately be lit up, clearance lights, markers, tails/turns, and the work lights is a great way to go. They would probably be wired into the harness, and up to the customer to either use them as backup lights off the trailer plugin or wire them to a switch. All lights will be wired inot a harness to plug in to your trailer plugin. Headboards optional. Materials...the decks will be aluminum...powdercoat an option, as well as bedlining the deck itself. I can do the deck either with .125'' diamond plate, or treated plywood. Telescoping ramps or two piece ramps will be available. Guys, i want to build the deck that the customer wants, "to each his own", if theres something you want, let me know.

himarker

 

[BC-XP]

Lets shoot for "inexpensive" & "aluminum construction"


You can make more money selling multiple lower priced units as opposed to a few high priced ones.

But like you say, to each his own, some people want all the fancy bells and whistles & some don't.

I know a lot of guys who would really like an aluminum sled deck but won't pay the 3k for a new one. So if you can come up with an economical one you may sell lots.

 

[himarker]

Quality, custom, and economical decks are what im goin for, and believe me, they wont cost $3K...

 

[knee deep in it]

an option for a very long ramp. The new trucks are very high and the angle of the ramp is so severe that many poeple won't use a sled deck.

When I owned one, my friends were all scared to load their machines because of the steep ramp.

 

[Fuken]

How about a method of keeping road crap/slush out of the box of the truck. I was thinking of adding "mud flaps" to the underside of mine that would attach to deck and drape over the side of the rail and the tailgate.

 

[coolx2]

I would like a longer ramp like other's have said.Some thing in the 12'ft plus range that would collapse or fold up to fit in a short bed. So far that has been my biggest complaint. Lifted trucks are a ***** to load when you have no snowbankings.

 

[snoboy]

I know I would need some type of side rail (keep the skis on)on the deck AND the ramp. It sucks getting 5-6 feet up and losing a ski over the edge. The deck I borrowed last year was home built and very well designed. It has a 2" high aluminum edge wrapped around it which I would add 2 inches to if it were mine. but I would make a few subtle changes. Most decks are fine with Simmons skis but the new deep V skis shoot right over the low/skimpy side rails Some of the decks I've seen I wouldn't load on, waaayyy to scary. For me it's the side rails and longer approach ramps with good guides.

 

[himarker]

The decks will all have a lip around the edges of the deck and the ramps, and a headboard to keep the skis from ending up in the backseat...

NOTE: title says "NEW custom decks", meaning new custom built decks, not to be confused with the brand name "Custom Decks"
himarker

 

[spring snow hero]

you guys running huge lits oughta give the winch/crane idea a thought. they are big time popular here. they let you load a dead sled too.

remember as your ramp gets longer the angle gets flatter and the load capacity goes down. to build a 12' ramp that can take a pair of dry apex skiis hitting it has to be pretty stout.

 

[himarker]

this is true

 

[ak]

If you can build them better than silver lake brand and cheaper than $2300 for A {extending sides and teloscopic ramp with glides installed} you will do okay, but its hard to beat the price and quality he builds.