Sled Deck mounting

[jsandgren10]

I have a 08 GMC and have a silverlake sled deck. I am having problems securing it using turnbuckles to the stock mount points. The front ones I can do, but the rear two I can't find a small enough turnbuckle to get really tight.

Does anyone know of any other options besides mounting it through the bed? I need to find something else that works like a turn buckle but is shorter, or something along those lines that will still handle the load.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Polar Express]

I had an 04 GMC prior to our current Dodge Ram.

I'm not sure what the OE '08 GMC design is, and I'm not totally sure how your 'deck is designed to secure to your truck. When I built my 'deck, I designed 4 chains/turnbuckels that came diagonally (the front ones came forward, outward, and downward from the deck to the mounting point, and the rears can back, out and down. This way the force vectors want to keep the deck centered, and held down on the bed.

I used large turnbuckles, both for strength, and ease of use. But, I rigged up a smaller chain with quick links that was able to connect to the OE tie down 'rings'. The smaller chain and quick links still exceeded the capacity of the large turnbuckles, so I wasn't reducing strength.

I don't think I kept any pics of the deck in the GMC, but I can look. Send me a PM if my explanation doesn't make sense.

PE

 

[HuskyPower]

I have the same rig but with a Full-lotus deck. no issues with the turnbuckles tho. An option maybe to use tiedown straps. you can get some that are rated higher than turnbuckle strength (like 10000lbs) and use a ratchet system. I also place a 2x12 width wise in the box to spread the downward load from the deck.

 

[jsandgren10]

Yea I was looking at it, might see if I can find another spot to mount on the deck. I thought about ratchet straps, it is still an option.

 

[Polar Express]

Since you are considering a different option, I'll add my experinece:

The factory cargo hooks on either my 04 GMC or my 06 Ram are not what I would consider ideal for this kind of force. While the GMC hoops did hold up far better than the plastic cleats the dodge comes with, they still bent from the forces.

I chose to make my own tie eyes. I took a large eye, and welded it closed, then, a nut all the way up, a large washer, through a drilled hole in the floor of the bed (found a location near the perpendicular supports in the sheet metal) and a large aluminum plate, another steel washer and a nylock. I ran this setup down nice and tight. The aluminum plates are about 3"x5" and 1/4" thick. I put body seam sealer under the plates before tightening, to help prevent any 'oblonging' of the holes, as there is a significant side load. So far, it has worked great. I know I have pics of that, I'll see if I can dig them up and post.

OK, I was able to dig up some pics of the GMC, they are kinda limited, but it might give you some ideas. This setup worked well for me, and with the height of the truck, loading was a rather 'violent' process.

This first one shows the left front corner, from the outside. You can see how I attached the chain to the main structural member.

This second one shows the left rear from the inside. The OE 'hoop' is hidden by the rear leg, but you can see the chain/turnbuckle setup.

The third is the left front from inside. If you zoom in, you can get an idea of the setup.

PE

 

[dmack]

i use my frame mounted camper tie downs, very secure and i dont have to crawl under the deck to tighten the turnbuckles

 

[Coldfinger]

Polar - just curious why the deck sits so high off the bed rails?

I like the idea of camper tie-downs but how do you think it would work with a deck that has retractable sides.? I'm on the verge of building my own deck.

I've been thinking about a pin type of system which would utilize the holes (GMC 2500) which are just below the bed rails on each stake pocket. The pin assembly would be welded onto the deck support legs, then when the deck is in place, push the pins to engage the holes and lock the pins into place.

 

[smwizzz]

Good Idea

Been there done that. Last year I just bit the bullet and drilled holes in my truck. Sled deck goes on about now and stays there till late spring. Whats the big deal unless you are removing it all the time??? It's a truck. I like a nice truck but bottom line is the dealer doesn't care when you trade it if it has a few bolt holes in the floor of the box. To each there own, just remember if something happens and insurance is involved the deck better be installed the way it is supposed to be.

Still, I like the idea of the pins.....

 

[snowmanx]

Been there done that. Last year I just bit the bullet and drilled holes in my truck. Sled deck goes on about now and stays there till late spring. Whats the big deal unless you are removing it all the time??? It's a truck. I like a nice truck but bottom line is the dealer doesn't care when you trade it if it has a few bolt holes in the floor of the box. To each there own, just remember if something happens and insurance is involved the deck better be installed the way it is supposed to be.

Still, I like the idea of the pins.....

I'm with ya on that. I used the turn buckles on my truck, and when they came loose and fell off, it leaned back, actually making some indents in my box.

I drilled 4 1/2" holes and the rest is history. No worries. I really don't think it devalues the truck at all.

 

[Polar Express]

The deck is high enough to fit fuel jugs underneath, (just barely). Also, main frame rails are c-channel, with the openings towards the center. The ramp is stored in the channel. the ramp actually contacts the tailgate when the 'gate is up.

The pin idea is interesting. But keep in mind, the boxes under the stake pockets are just thin boxed sheet metal. You would likely oval the holes without some sort of reinforcement.

Once the sleds are on the deck, it doesn't want to go anywhere (I asked it, and it told me so ) But loading is a violent process.

If you want to use external camper tie downs (the ones that come off the vehicle frame, on a deck with a slide-out side design, I think you'd be putting a lot of potential force on something that may not be designed to hold the weight, besides, when the deck is empty, and the sides retracted, you wouldn't be able to secure the deck.

With the way I have my deck chained to those eyes, I can take the deck off by myself in 10 min. I have some straps hanging from the roof of my carport, and just use them to lift it off.

I should try to take some more pics when it's daylight tomorrow to post.

PE

 

[Coldfinger]

Polar - good point about the holes potentially ovaling out. I'll have to reconsider that one.

 

[Cyle]

I am building a new deck and i'm going to bolt threw my box, not sure how yet but i'm going to make it so that stuff stays in all the time and all I have to do is hook up the turnbuckles as I will be taking the deck out everytime I use it. As far as ovaling out the holes, maybe but it won't rip out like the turnbuckles will considering my truck they are plastic.

As for the deck while driving, my box is 6'4" my sled is nearly 12', there is a lot of force trying to pull the front of the deck up i'm sure while driving hitting bumps etc.