K
knee deep in it
Well-known member
My primary use of the truck is not for sledding but I have been contemplating this idea for a few years. I like the functionality of a deck but don't like the risks associated with loading onto the 5' height deck. I also don't like having to instal and remove the deck every time I need to change from sledding to using the box.
I got rid of the box and added a deck. The deck height ended up being about 18" lower than a conventional box mounted deck. I wasn't certain how functinal a dek would be compared to a box but I like it a lot more. It is so easy to haul stuff now. The only issue would be if I wanted to haul soil but that happens once every 5 years and I could use a tarp.
The other issue with decks is the width. It is hard to function in a city with a permanent 8 foot wide deck. I used the idea from sled decks to modify my deck with expanding sides. I used 4 support beams so strength is not an issue.
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a good friend of mine built the steps and the handles. he also mounted the underbody boxes. It is all very strong. PM me if you need some welding and I will send his info. he is a professional welder by day and charges $35 an hour to do work in his garage evenings + weekends.
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rear view. Still some work to be done. Adding a hitch extension and maybe some mud flaps.
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here is the deck with sides pulled in.
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this is the deck with one of the sides pulled out.
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here is a pic of the steel support beams
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I like this deck a lot. We went to cataract a few weeks ago and there was almost a foot of snow on the roads. Absolutely no problem and truck even rides a little smoother with some weight.
I got rid of the box and added a deck. The deck height ended up being about 18" lower than a conventional box mounted deck. I wasn't certain how functinal a dek would be compared to a box but I like it a lot more. It is so easy to haul stuff now. The only issue would be if I wanted to haul soil but that happens once every 5 years and I could use a tarp.
The other issue with decks is the width. It is hard to function in a city with a permanent 8 foot wide deck. I used the idea from sled decks to modify my deck with expanding sides. I used 4 support beams so strength is not an issue.
a good friend of mine built the steps and the handles. he also mounted the underbody boxes. It is all very strong. PM me if you need some welding and I will send his info. he is a professional welder by day and charges $35 an hour to do work in his garage evenings + weekends.
rear view. Still some work to be done. Adding a hitch extension and maybe some mud flaps.
here is the deck with sides pulled in.
this is the deck with one of the sides pulled out.
here is a pic of the steel support beams
I like this deck a lot. We went to cataract a few weeks ago and there was almost a foot of snow on the roads. Absolutely no problem and truck even rides a little smoother with some weight.
