Truckboss Deck Extension

[FearMyWrX]

Hi all,

I have a 7’ truckboss on my Ram 3500 short box and my Summit 850 165” sits a little further back than I’d like, I get two lugs on the deck...

Unfortunately I can’t move the Ski any further forward (without drilling) because of where the channel system and carriage bolts go into; even then, it doesn’t buy more than a few inches. I bought a Caliber Trax Saver and it helps (as a 2”x4” just rolls over, it’s not wide enough at the base) but it still doesn’t seem like a long-term solution for me.

What’s everyone else doing? I was thinking about getting the flip deck extension but am concerned it will make getting the ramp out and latched more difficult. When I load at home, I’m alone. One one have any experience with this? I usually use my tailgate as a guide.

Also, save your long bed banter for someone else hahah

On a side note, my buddies 163 RMK Pro gets more lugs on deck, I think it makes contact with the ground sooner.

 

[AndrettiDog]

Yep, I'm seeing the same thing (but maybe another lug or so). I just bought my TruckBoss recently and this was my first ride. I thought about going to the flip extension but I told my wife that what I bought was the full package and I wouldn't need more. I was nervous but the sleds didn't move. What really bothered me was how hard it was to get the ramp in under the track and out after loading up. I've also heard that the flip extension is a PITA and not very practical. The silver lining is that I do like how the deck fits the length of my truck when I'm not hauling a sled. I had another sled deck and it was longer than my bed. I walked into it a dozen times.

 

[FearMyWrX]

How longs your deck, looks like an 8' or is it just the angle?

I've already driven 1000 miles with my sled on my deck this season and no issues so far, but I'm also trying to prevent them before they start. I'm using the Truckboss Sled Locxx but who knows, one pot hole your sled could be doing a backflip....

Your sled looks like it sags a bit, here's two things that helped me:

1) use a soft loop, or other tie down from your sleds bumper to the front of the deck. This will suck down the front, take stress off the super clamp, and pull the track of the sled up.

2) try the "Trax Saver". This will help save your lugs but also give you a few inches of elevation which will help with placement and removal of the ramp. But you typically need a hand from someone to place it.

With the deck extension.... It can't be any different than the guys running the loner 8' decks with the shorter bed?

 

[AndrettiDog]

Is that "Trax Saver" mounted to the deck?

 

[FearMyWrX]

I’ve thought about doing it, unfortunately it wouldn’t worked in BOTH the two sled and one sled configuration based on where it would have to get mounted.

As example, if you mount it in the center of the deck, it would block the Ski glides for loading double.

When I unload, I just back over it and it usually stays on the deck.

 

[SRXSRULE]

I had the same issue with my 7 foot deck and my 163 Axys. I did not want the flip extension for the exact reasons you listed.

I just used a 2x4 under the track and set the parking brake.

I tried to make a system to allow me to leave a block (I made something out of aluminum) in place and just drive over it and back off it. That did NOT work!

Just went back to using the board. I also used my old High Lift sled jack from my yamaha days to lift the back of the sled to place the board. It took about 20 seconds and I didnt have to try and lift the sled and place the board at the same time. Just kept the jack in the truck bed.

 

[FearMyWrX]

I'm actually kind of bummed. It's a lot of money to have to jerk around trying to make it work. It's not TruckBoss' fault, just disappointing is all.

Being able to jack up the track from the tailgate seems like the only way (if loading solo).

Still interested in any other ideas or work arounds anyone may have came up with.

 

[AndrettiDog]

I'm actually kind of bummed. It's a lot of money to have to jerk around trying to make it work. It's not TruckBoss' fault, just disappointing is all.

My exact feelings. I've only been out once with mine as the snow in Colorado is MIA. I think you have to learn how to attach the ramp so that it slides under the track. I'm going to keep trying mine and buy a ramp extension if I'm still frustrated. You have to admit though, the TruckBoss system is slick and good quality. Expensive too!

 

[SRXSRULE]

My exact feelings. I've only been out once with mine as the snow in Colorado is MIA. I think you have to learn how to attach the ramp so that it slides under the track. I'm going to keep trying mine and buy a ramp extension if I'm still frustrated. You have to admit though, the TruckBoss system is slick and good quality. Expensive too!

I never have an issue with the ramp, and thats doing it by myself. I slide the ramp out and leaving it in its "closed" position.

I also added and extra hole in the ramp to allow you to insert a hitch pin to lock the ramp from sliding until I want to extended it. They come with a hitch pin to use as a safety pin, locking it in the extended position during loading.

I use the tailgate to rest the ramp on as I remove it. Once its all the way out and resting on the tailgate and the ground I hook one side of the ramp onto the bar at a time, this allows it to get under the track lugs. Once both hooks are on the bar, then lift the ramp up, remove the extra hitch pin I added and then extend the ramp and install the pin into the other hole to lock it open.

The whole process takes about 20 seconds.

 

[FearMyWrX]

I ended up buying the extension and have ZERO regrets. In fact, I just leave it in the down position. There’s a few different length configurations you can put it into to suite your needs but I found the shortest to works best for me.... I really didn’t need too much more length!

I think the “Flipping” would be an inconvenience at most but haven’t gotten there. The extra 12” isn’t in the way enough for me to worry about it plus I don’t really use my truck too much aside from weekend activity.

Actually attaching the ramp hasn’t been that big of a deal, just takes a few extra seconds to get it latched, no biggie.

Super glad I made the purchase and I got a good deal having my dealer add it onto another order, which allowed for free shipping & the discounted “add on” cost.

I’ll get a better side image next time I’m out. But no sagging!

 

[AndrettiDog]

Yeah, I'm thinking of doing one myself. How does the flip feature work? Is it as simple as flipping it over or is there stuff to take apart?

 

[FearMyWrX]

Best purchase made and 100% no regrets. Hadn’t bumped my head, access to the ramp/tailgate/bed is no problem, loading/unloading the ramp and attaching / detaching ain’t no thing.

Price aside, and even with the price tag I’d do it every time over again if you had a 7’ or under deck and long track sled.

Just judging by the pictures... you can see how and why this extension is so important. 2-3 lugs just isn’t enough... for me.

 

[hughesfoundation]

I had the 7' with the 2' extension on my truck and it was no problem putting the ramp on. What I didn't like was with the extension the deck sides won't retract all the way in leaving about 3" on each side. Added to this the brackets required for the extension got in the way if I was trying to haul a sled and two bikes or three bikes. If you are just hauling sleds it isn't a problem.But again the ramp was no problem.