Sleds Decks- I'm looking for some advice

[winter]

I am interested in getting a sled deck for my truck.
The USFS is limiting trailers at our local higher elevation snow park.
I am curious what to look for in a sled deck,
other then slide out sides and good aluminum constuction and good clamps.
How does your truck handle with two sleds on the top of the bed?
Is the beaver tail better then the flat top version.
Any advise would be great.
Thanks.
Winter.

 

[farwest]

I have a dually and don't notice it,some of my friends with 3/4 tons add air bags.The beaver is great to lower aproach angle for loading.The taller your truck the longer ramp you need .I miss my trailer when I am gearing up,but I like no maint,no insurance and I can get to places that I never could with the trailer.

 

[coptzeer]

I got a steal deck, without a beavertail, and two sleds on it and I honestly cant feel much of a diffrence from being empty, I have a 2000 f350 4x4 single rear wheel v10. I got a flat top deck and a 8 foot ramp and its steep, but loads awsome, so the beavertail would be evan better. that'll be my mod next year. i cant convience myself on the folding ramps even though thay are longer. I like EZ...

 

[2zeros]

Sleddeck ...................

I have a home built alum deck I bought. I really like it. I have an older 3/4 ton GMC, with a small block in it, and I can notice the weight a lot! It still handles Ok but I do take it easy when I'm loaded. I have noticed that some of the decks on the market are very light duty! I have seen some without any cross bracing and not fully welded. I paid more for my sled than my truck, and would like to know my deck is secure. Hasn't happend yet but even if I get into a slide, I know mine isnt going to fold up like a piece of tinfoil. All I can say is take a look at the design and craftsmanship when buying. I have seen some alum decks I would be suprised if they last a couple of years without falling apart! -00's

 

[drscotch]

I've got and 8' marathon and love it. Hardly notice it on my F350 4x4 SB. The Marathon telescoping ramp is really nice, I think it's almost 10' fully extended. I can basically walk my sled up the ramp.

 

[Blueside]

I just bought a 2005 F350 LB diesel. I want to lift the truck, but like the idea of a sled deck. Anyone have a Lifted truck with a deck? Any opinons on how high to go with a lift?

 

[coptzeer]

the guy i got my deck from had a 3" lift and bigger tires on his 03 superduty, like i said befor its steep on my stock f350, ask spyder73, for more info

 

[Extreme-One]

I've used both steel and aluminum on a short bed hd2500 chevy the last 4 years and I really like them in tight situations and especially in the spring. I did put air bags on it to help with some of the sway. When looking for a deck make sure it is built strong enough and some kind of telescoping ramp. I've seen some that go to 10'. Here is a link of a deck on the back of a mega cab with a 6" lift and only a 10 ramp and it isn't too steep.

http://www.highcountrypowersports.com/index.html

 

[graveler]

on deep snow days when all the trailers are stuck or cant get turned around without alot of trouble, this is the only way to go...I have a High-lite on a 3500 chevy, also had one on a 3/4 ton but it needed air bags.

http://http://www.lufttrailers.com/listing.html?categoryid=15

 

[Shawnmcgr]

I've got a Marathon deck (no beaver) w/ sliding sides on a 98 chev 3/4 long box w/454 and it rides better (smoother) with a couple of sleds on it! I've never noticed any sway; the sleds slow me down up passes; holds me to 120km/hr.

I've a buddy with a short box with a beaver tail deck and short ramp and he hates it. He launched his over the cab. My only advise is get a long ramp; the high the deck the longer the ramp.

I find the beaver tail a pain when your trying to get gear out from under the deck. But if you have a high box height go with the beaver and live with it.

My two bit...McGreg

 

[ARCTIC DUCK]

sure does give the truck a lot of good traction, sled decks r the way to go