Sled deck tips/tricks and legalities?

[Blk88GT]

I picked up my first sled deck over the weekend. It's a blacked out Marathon classic deck that has expandable sides, and will fit a longbox or shortbox. I've got it on an 06 Duramax CCSB 3/4 ton. The deck has running lights down the side and a 3 light fixture in the middle of the deck in the rear. My tires are rated @ 3860lbs @ 80psi.

1. Do I need to flag the back of my sled? It hangs off the deck ~2.5 feet, which puts it 3.5 feet off the edge of the tailgate.

2. I'll be driving through ND/MT/ID/WY/CO/NE most of the time. Are there any additional regulations I need to know about?

I've got a set of bags and a compressor on the way for the truck so I can level it out as well.

Is there anything else I need to know? I'm very impressed the the quality of this deck so far.

 

[B C]

Watch your head when walking around to back of truck.

I ran mine on a shortbox for a couple years in MT/ID/WY and never had any problems, not sure about the legalities.

 

[thspepper@gmail.com]

To my understanding you don't need a flag until you're over 4". Just my 2cents

 

[elvi]

Cops in idaho like to see marker lights from the back. I got pulled over once in McCall with my silver lake deck. It had marker lights on the side but not the back. But it was at night and we were pulling into a bar too....

 

[Blu Du]

since the deck has lights its considerd part of the truck(i think) and anything over 3 or 4' (not sure which) sticking past the deck would need a flag

 

[SledGuru]

Watch your head like the other guy said and watch pulling into places with low clearence I am in Wy and never been bothered the bags will diffently help I put some on my truck this year

 

[M8Chris]

Cops in idaho like to see marker lights from the back. I got pulled over once in McCall with my silver lake deck. It had marker lights on the side but not the back. But it was at night and we were pulling into a bar too....

Was it a girl cop? I've heard she is a bi**h up there about decks luckily I never saw her when I was in McCall

 

[Blk88GT]

What are you guys airing up your tires to with the sleds up on the deck?

 

[94fordguy]

I have E-rated tires on my truck and I ran them around 75 PSI when hauling the sled deck... really helped minimize the sway... and that is with no airbags on a 1-ton.

 

[phatty]

E rated tires (wrangler MT) i run at 60-65 PSI.
I have air bags, 2 sleds on deck 45 PSI on bags
1 sled on deck 15-25 PSI, and 5 PSI empty deck

2 sleds and trailer i run 55 PSI.

Drive a little slower at first to get a good feel for the way the truck reacts with the deck. Once you know how it handles you can increase speeds. I have found you can out run trucks n trailers, but a little bit slower than empty on winding mtn roads.

Marathon Decks are the best!

 

[cjfox]

E rated tires (wrangler MT) i run at 60-65 PSI.
I have air bags, 2 sleds on deck 45 PSI on bags
1 sled on deck 15-25 PSI, and 5 PSI empty deck

2 sleds and trailer i run 55 PSI.

Drive a little slower at first to get a good feel for the way the truck reacts with the deck. Once you know how it handles you can increase speeds. I have found you can out run trucks n trailers, but a little bit slower than empty on winding mtn roads.

Marathon Decks are the best!

Well said! just how i do it, maybe i got a good salesman phatty!!

 

[Blk88GT]

Thanks for the help guys, the ride with the deck was way better than I expected. Fuel mileage increased over the 2 place trailer as well and not towing an anchor around was a real nice benefit!

 

[elimn8r475]

under 4 foot rear overhang is allowed, if you want to be safe put a bujie flag on the back of the sled. they are cheap and can find them at most truck stops.

 

[Blk88GT]

Good idea, I never thought of hitting a truck stop for one. I'll do that next time I'm in the US!

 

[Billygoat]

I have ran a deck for 4 years in CO/WY. 3 years on a 3/4 and this last year on a half ton with air bags. The half ton with bags at 60psi works great. I do run e-range tires on it. My deck has lights down the side and a light across the middle of the back and i have never been questioned about it on either truck.

 

[sledwrecker1]

For a 6' deck should you also have deck extensions installed for a long track sled or are you ok to go with out?

 

[D-stroyer]

For a 6' deck should you also have deck extensions installed for a long track sled or are you ok to go with out?

A couple years ago I ran a 7' deck and I thought it was too short. The sled looked like it was falling off the back. There wasn't enough length to keep the skid sitting flat which made me nervous tbh. Get a deck extension, 6' decks are for quads.

 

[sledwrecker1]

Thank you! That helps point me in the right direction with what the best thing for me to do this winter is I appriecate it!

 

[makaio]

If you cover a sled on a deck while going down the highway does it really rip it to shreds? I've heard this a couple times.

 

[Lococoin]

If you cover a sled on a deck while going down the highway does it really rip it to shreds? I've heard this a couple times.

Never had a problem with mine.