Pickup Drivers: Do you prefer a Trailer or the Sled in the bed instead?

[snowmoboarder]

Sled bed hands down. I love mine easy travel, easy parking, and easy load/unload.

I got mine from Kaleb or backcountry on here and could not be happier w it.

 

[AndrettiDog]

Apples to oranges...

No doubt that a sled deck gets better fuel mileage, tracks better on snowy roads, parks better and can get you into some tight off road spots in the spring. The downfalls are that you lose your bed (no shell), reverse sleds have to be pulled down, fueling sleds is tougher and they can be tough by yourself depending on the deck. My deck had a ramp that would expand/constrict depending on the weather. That was a bitch. You always have to come home and pull the sleds down or drive around town with them on the deck.

I know have an enclosed. Got it for a killer price. It serves as storage which is the primary reason I have it. I have a full set of tools and several spares. More oil, coolant, clothing, helmets etc. I don't have a heater and it hasn't bothered me. I don't spend time hanging out in the trailer so I don't need a stereo and all the other stuff some people have. I get terrible fuel mileage (13mpg ish) and it's tight in some parking spots. I wanted a 18'-20' trailer for this reason though.

I have to have a shell on my truck because of the kid and dog. So for me it is a trailer of some sort. Sled decks are super cool. But there are trade offs. Oh...and don't do a sled deck with a half ton truck. Use a 3/4 or better.

 

[Hillside]

What I've done

I sold my topper, but added a sliding retractable tunneau cover. I bought a ramp so if I want to take a day trip I can load the sled into my bed and head west for a day/two.

I kept the trailer, its' good for my business but also I love taking people riding and it serves great for the days I want to take multiple sleds and my pups (they can stay warm inside it instead of my truck). Also, when I go for long trips, I will use the trailer to carry gear and everything. I love that parking in Lionshead Vail its free for RV's/Trailers. I snowboard so I'll be able to snowmobile and snowboard and if I want to I can spend the night in my trailer on the lazy boy recliner.

The trailer storage sucks but again its a business item so the cost of doing business and hauling sleds around comfortably.

Next week will be my first time without a trailer and just the truck/sled in the bed. I'm excited to see how this pans out.

 

[FCR112]

I think you are doing it right Hillside. I've done the single sled in the back of a Ranger, 3/4 ton, and now 1/2 ton and always thought a nice enclosed 2 place would be awesome for the longer trips etc... Both is best IMO you get to pick for the trip at hand. Do be careful the first trip or 2 with the sled in the back of the pickup though. Depending of your truck's suspension set up and how much weight ends up behind your rear axle it may make you front steering light. I'm actually air bagging my 1/2 ton because it becomes really noticeable in poor traction situations. Have fun!

 

[Dogmeat]

Enclosed trailers are nice for long multi-day trips.

I am sick to effin' death of trying to tug my 31 footer to the snowies or RE for day rides, I'll put it that way.

I'd really love to have a sled deck right now, I'll put it that way.

 

[cr500afx]

I've always had an enclosed trailer., until 2 weeks ago.
But just installed an Amerideck onto my pickup and I love it.
The Amerideck has a hydraulic arm that drops the deck onto the ground for easy loading and then picks it up again onto the truck.
And, when your home, you can offload the deck, back it into the garage, unhook it from your pickup, and leaves your sleds on it the whole time and drive your truck deck free until the next ride.
It makes loading and unloading real easy...

 

[Hillside]

I got air bags too. Just had them installed and got the truck back tonight. Drives very stable and is super sturdy. 2010 Tundra. this should be interesting how much it overhands off the tailgate. The box is only 5.5' bed plus tailgate

 

[AndrettiDog]

I've always had an enclosed trailer., until 2 weeks ago.
But just installed an Amerideck onto my pickup and I love it.
The Amerideck has a hydraulic arm that drops the deck onto the ground for easy loading and then picks it up again onto the truck.
And, when your home, you can offload the deck, back it into the garage, unhook it from your pickup, and leaves your sleds on it the whole time and drive your truck deck free until the next ride.
It makes loading and unloading real easy...

I was just checking this out on the webpage. How do you get the deck to go into the garage? I see wheels, but that would be a heavy focker.

How much $$$?

 

[cr500afx]

I was just checking this out on the webpage. How do you get the deck to go into the garage? I see wheels, but that would be a heavy focker.

How much $$$?

You lower it on the ground and keep the ram attached to the front of the deck, holding the front of the deck just above the ground, the back of the deck resting on the wheels. Then you just back it in the garage like a trailer. Once in, lower the front of the deck the last few inches, detach the ram, and pull away. Cost 3-4k.

 

[Goinboardin]

I've always just put my sled in the bed of my truck. Works great if I'm meeting people at the trailhead. I bought a tri-fold aluminum ramp and riveted ski glides to it, best $140 I spent. With fresh leaf springs I don't even feel the sled in the old 96' F150, but before new springs it felt overloaded with just one sled in it. I'd really like to build a light aluminum flat bed for my truck for hauling two sleds but don't see that happening any time soon.

 

[Texasron]

Trailer info

I have been told by dirt bikers that "If you use "ANY" trailer to camp on occasionally,(sleep overnight) it is covered under your car insurance if stolen. Not sure, but I heard it several times.

 

[JHG]

I have been told by dirt bikers that "If you use "ANY" trailer to camp on occasionally,(sleep overnight) it is covered under your car insurance if stolen. Not sure, but I heard it several times.

My insurance agent doesn't agree. Trailer is covered by the tow vehicle's liability insurance in a crash but comprehensive(theft) and collision is a separate policy on the trailer. No way would my insurance company pay for my 40 foot toy hauler if it was stolen without having its own policy.