Single deck for Tacoma, need advice and plans if possible...

[Revagade]

I have a dual cab long box (6' bed) Tacoma and would like to make a single sled deck for it. Is anybody running one over the bed? If so, how does it handle? I've seen the ones which go just over the wheel wells but I would like to used that space for other stuff.

Being in the east (close to Ottawa) I dont have access to anybody selling sled decks so it's hard to figure out how they are made. I'd appreciate having pics and/or plans to make my own out of aluminum, I especially need the wall thickness and tubing size usually used to construct one. Plans for a telescopic ramp would be really great too.

I'm planning on using the deck for my 144'' summit and Honda foreman ATV.

 

[Jaynelson]

I have not seen that done...definetely over the wheel wells but not on top of the box like a full size double sled deck.

Have drive tacomas with different loads. The payload rating will be right around 1,200lbs so should be within that. They are sprung quite soft and prone to cracking springs and blowing out shocks when overloaded and used on bush roads. Not sure what tires but the stock ones are awful. If your taco is stock I would want a set of airbags and LT rated tires before sticking a heavy something above the bed. Just a couple thoughts.

 

[KMMAC]

Just had a bad experience with loading an M1000 into the back of a 2002 tacoma...
The truck will handle the load but I would or will put air bags on to level the load. The biggest problem was the tailgate they are junk. just standing on one too much will bend the inside panel..
You have two choices, build a tougher gate or build your ski slides and the rear of the deck at least 8 inches above the tail gate and it will have to stick out past the tail gate at least 6 inches so you can hook a ramp to the deck.. When I rode the sled into the back of my truck it bent the whole tail gate. I have an idea how to make it work but until I put my thoughts to practice it is to much to talk about here.. But some time in the near future I will attempt the build an in bed deck that will work just have to put some serious thought into it... Ski stance keeps the sled from being on the deck of the bed so you have to build your ski guides up about 8 to 10 inches to clear the wheel wells..
Hope this gives you some insight...

 

[Revagade]

I just bought the truck a few months ago. I knew that the suspension wasn't the best so I installed a 3 inch lift kit including new leaf pack (Dakars) and new shocks all around (Old Man Emu). I might get away with that and if not, I will definatively go with airbags. For tires, I have Duratracks so should be good. I'll start working on the deck next week and post my impressions but would still appreciate any advice on the material to use.

I'm thinking all aluminum, 2 inch 1/8'' thick wall square tubing for the crossbars, 4 inch X 3/16'' thick C beams in which I will slide the ramp and 6'' strips 3/16 thick plate for the sides. Will this be strong enough?

 

[13below0]

Check this post http://www.snowestonline.com/forum/showthread.php?t=91619 There are some yota guys in there. We have built a few single decks for 1/2 ton trucks that work really good. With a lift you IMO its a must to run airbags. There not that expensive so just buy them and be done with it. Also there is not a huge weight benefit to using alum. after you brace to be strong enough. I have built a fair amount of decks for friends etc. and always use 1x2" steel tubing.

 

[colsnowtex]

Sled Deck

Please check out tufflift.net, Tim may be able to make you something custom.

 

[Revagade]

Went ahead and made it according to pics on the internet. With 40 PSI in the airbags, I dont even notice it on Quebec's pothole laden roads. The deck is 6' wide by 8' long. I bought a Marathon extendable ramp since they are probably thinner than anything I could build so I still have about 13-14 inches of hight in the bed. Also added superslides and superclamp.

 

[Kirklan]

Looks great!