Sleddeck on half ton

[vdog0531]

my opinion on air bags is that if they are "needed" to do the job, then the truck is too light duty. Air bags should help the truck do a better job at what it is capable of. Air bags should not be the deciding factor to enable the truck to do the job. That is just my opinion though...

Vernon

 

[Dirtryder]

ya i have a 6.5' bed that i will be mounting it on. im thinking of using one of my old trailers for it its 8' by about 8.5' any ideas. i was also thinking of having the posts go into the bed pockets but i dont know if it will bow in the center of the deck.

 

[Chubbydog]

If I had to choose between a deck, and an enclosed trailer, I'd take the trailer without even thinking about it. I like to have the extra room in my truck though. Plus, you can use it as a storage shed in the summer for your sleds, or use it to haul something else you need moved. If you use it for 4 wheelers in the summer, you can just camp in it. If you put a heater in it, you can unthaw your sleds at night. So many more uses for a trailer, than a deck IMO! I could keep going, but you get the point. Plus you won't have to worry about your 1/2 ton pulling a smaller 3 place trailer. They do just fine.

 

[Dirtryder]

ya i agree i would much rather have a enclosed trailer but its not finacialy feasable for me so im trying to find a way to haul them without the insurance and plate cost of a trailer. in wyoming here we dont need to plate or insure them so i have no title but i am from colorado and go there frequently and that wont fly there.

 

[jacmmaxwell]

I would not even include a deck and an enclosed in the same thought process.

Take that enclosed and bust snowbanks or plow threw rutted up forest roads for a few miles till you run out of road then whip it around in the middle of the road... not happening. Not all the good riding has plowed access and a snow park waiting for you and in the spring forget about it. I'd like to have both... but there would never be an either or question between an enclosed and a deck.

That's just my opinion.

 

[vdog0531]

If I had to choose between a deck, and an enclosed trailer, I'd take the trailer without even thinking about it. I like to have the extra room in my truck though. Plus, you can use it as a storage shed in the summer for your sleds, or use it to haul something else you need moved. If you use it for 4 wheelers in the summer, you can just camp in it. If you put a heater in it, you can unthaw your sleds at night. So many more uses for a trailer, than a deck IMO! I could keep going, but you get the point. Plus you won't have to worry about your 1/2 ton pulling a smaller 3 place trailer. They do just fine.

hehe... "unthaw".... i love to freeze my sleds in the trailer too

sorry couldnt resist...

There may be more uses for a trailer BUT when it comes to the use of moving sleds in the west, a deck seems better at that job in particular

 

[hivoltagesledhead]

Trailers are fine if there are parking lots. Not many of those come spring riding.we just drive to the snow and turn around in the middle of the narrow logging road.Absolutely hate coming across a guy with a trailer in the middle of nowhere with nowhere to go....ruins everyones day. They have their place...just remember that when you go somewhere new....plan ahead.

 

[Coldfinger]

Regarding the center of gravity - has anyone weighed each corner of their sled and calculated where most of the weight is centered?

Anyone done the same for a sled deck, for each corner, to see where the weight is?

Better yet, it would be nice if someone could weigh each of the 4 load bearing corners of a sled deck with two sleds on the deck, and publish the results. Sleds full of fuel.

Then, knowing the real center of the weighted deck, each person could better decide how the deck will affect the handling of their truck.

 

[Dirtryder]

as far as the trailer goes i agree with that all but it is noce for the mid season riding but i deffinitly am goin with a sled deck for finacila reasons. the center of gravity post would be awsome if some one who has a deck already. im starting the process of building my deck and im thinking im goning to need put more support up in the front of the deck bet im not sure. im in the process of drawing up my plans for the box frsme under the deck if anyone would like me to post them when i finish.

 

[Mafesto]

Perhaps it would make sense to get an older 3/4 or 1 ton and set up properly w/ deck or flatbed.
I would rather ride in that than a newer, short bed, ill-handling half ton.

 

[M8Chris]

Well after a long thought process and seeing how much air bags were. I decided I'd rAther put the money into my sleds. Once I have a 3/4 or 1 ton truck I'll buy a deck

 

[jacmmaxwell]

I hear you on the setup cost, my truck has been setup with air bags and heavy tires / wheels for a long time so I forget that if your not set up to haul it will be more expensive.

At any rate, I got the deck loaded and I must say I think it turned out nice. The Ramp needs a bit of work but is usable. I can load it by my sled but it's not fun at all. I will rig some thing up before winter to unload it if I need to haul something else. I wired it with a 7 pin and have wires run for ACC power to operate a dome lite and wires for some backup lights that I'll mount under the deck just to help in backing with the wide load. I also will add an amber light on the sides at the front of the deck and a red at the rears.

I used some old tunnel protectors that I pulled out of my sons cougar 550 when I put a 1.5" lug track under it and cut them up for traction for loading and unloading. The deck was painted with asphalt sealer, it's got a light sandy finish and is super thin when you put it on so it sets deep in the wood.... and it's cheap cost me around 25.00 for 5 gallons and only needed about 3/4 of a gallon.

There are a few touches left but here it is, on a 1/2 ton truck. It will be a while before I load the sleds and get pics of it loaded.

 

[M8Chris]

Looks good!

 

[M8Chris]

I'll have a toyup deck on my truck in the next two weeks and I'll post some pics on how it looks and let you know how it does!
Chris

 

[Jordo]

Ok I own a 8ft Marathon Truck Boss and its on my 08 Duramax chevy CC short box, and I also work at a Marathon Dealer. Here's the deal with a a 1/2 Ton crew cab chevy ur going to be hauling mountain sleds i take it by looking at ur profile pic. The chevy 1/2 crew cab has an extremely small truck box (5ft 6in I believe) most decks are made for a 6ft box min. Now you have to get a 8th deck to haul mountain sleds there for your deck is going to be hanging out 3ft plus a 153 track hangs off another 20in, there fore you have half the deck in the truck and half hanging out pass the tailgate. NOT A GOOD IDEA! But do wat u want!

 

[M8Chris]

Ok I own a 8ft Marathon Truck Boss and its on my 08 Duramax chevy CC short box, and I also work at a Marathon Dealer. Here's the deal with a a 1/2 Ton crew cab chevy ur going to be hauling mountain sleds i take it by looking at ur profile pic. The chevy 1/2 crew cab has an extremely small truck box (5ft 6in I believe) most decks are made for a 6ft box min. Now you have to get a 8th deck to haul mountain sleds there for your deck is going to be hanging out 3ft plus a 153 track hangs off another 20in, there fore you have half the deck in the truck and half hanging out pass the tailgate. NOT A GOOD IDEA! But do wat u want!

You guys that are saying its not a good idea are right and are the reasons everyday I keep thinking should I do it or not do it. Maybe I should listen to my gut feeling this time and not do it. Instead of ignoring it and learning the hard way.

 

[rp7x]

deck ed out

mock one up with some 2x4's toss your sled up top stand back then chit your pants good luck

 

[Jordo]

You guys that are saying its not a good idea are right and are the reasons everyday I keep thinking should I do it or not do it. Maybe I should listen to my gut feeling this time and not do it. Instead of ignoring it and learning the hard way.

Dude I'm just tryin to tell you wat I've seen work and wat I have seen that doesn't. Yes I'm sure there are the couple cases of people that are doing it and it works fine. But if u Called up Marathon and tell them u got a 1/2 CC chevy and they will say do not do it. I would just wait til u get a 3/4 ton.

 

[cjfox]

I have a 1/2 ton chev crew cab, i also have a truckboss deck. i will be putting it back on in a week or two and will load it up and post picture and let everyone know how it the truck drives, i also have a set of airbags on my truck, its a vortec max package there for having stiffer suspension.

 

[M8Chris]

I have a 1/2 ton chev crew cab, i also have a truckboss deck. i will be putting it back on in a week or two and will load it up and post picture and let everyone know how it the truck drives, i also have a set of airbags on my truck, its a vortec max package there for having stiffer suspension.

I'm looking forward to seeing the pics!