Flat bed ideas

[madmikeismad]

I'm looking to build a cheap 6-6.5' long flat bed to replace the short bed. Not cheaply made, just skimping on the luxuries until I need them. I figure stuff can always be welded on later, like toolboxes and maybe a headache rack if I ever fear for the rear window. I'll add stake pockets so I can put walls on it for hauling smaller loads of firewood, lumber and dirt, but it mostly just hauls the lawn mower, atv's, etc.... I will also add tie down points, a lot of them. I'd like to keep it as low as possible, with simple wheel wells.

Something like this, but with the stake pockets, and lower.



So is this a viable idea, or would it be more efficient in the long run to just buy a simple bed? Just seems like I could build one for way cheaper than what they go for even used. Most are 1000+ here for rusty ones. I figure about 55' of square tubing for the framework, and a 7x7' sheet or equivalent smaller sheets, 1/8-1/4 thick.. Whatever I can find. Paint it with something stout, and call it good.

I'd also appreciate pictures, bought or home made. If you did make it yourself, I'd love to hear any tips or suggestions before I get in too deep, and benefits of having the deck between or above the tires, besides the obvious of more deck space.

Thanks.

[J-Pipes]

I like the looks of this bradford built, I want to convert to drw on my truck though. Sure they make them single wheel as well. uploadfromtaptalk1437530952241.jpg

[madmikeismad]

Originally Posted by J-Pipes

I like the looks of this bradford built, I want to convert to drw on my truck though. Sure they make them single wheel as well. Attachment 58575

I like the look of anything used in my budget lol. That's why I just want to build one. I can buy the steel as I can afford it, build it how I want, etc.... Used beds that will fit a short bed truck are just non existent here.

[J-Pipes]

Same around me, well I did find one used one but he was very proud of it, missing a door on one of the side boxes, rusty, and he still wanted $2500! I'm with you on building on, that's the plan unless I stumble upon a screaming deal, just no seed money to start it.

[madmikeismad]

Originally Posted by J-Pipes

Same around me, well I did find one used one but he was very proud of it, missing a door on one of the side boxes, rusty, and he still wanted $2500! I'm with you on building on, that's the plan unless I stumble upon a screaming deal, just no seed money to start it.

Exactly! I guess people think they're made of diesel when then consider the resale value.

[i<3Twins]

6bc779ae-4d91-45a3-9b39-65d28da96be3_zps7df8276e.jpg Photo by gharrison56 | Photobucket

6bc779ae-4d91-45a3-9b39-65d28da96be3_zps7df8276e.jpg Photo by gharrison56 | Photobucket

Gooseneck brand flatbed on mine, probably one of the better looking flatbeds on a second gen in my opinion

[J-Pipes]

Exactly, I'd probably called about it if it was closer to $500. From what I've read, the used western hauler type beds don't have a great resale market.

[9 LIVES]

I was just going through the same thing with a dually. I priced the metal to make one with a headache rack and 18" metal sides. No tool boxes and no fancy rear panel covering the hitch. My cost was $1,200. I was shocked. I kept searching Craigslist until I found one in a decent price range. Last week I got one delivered to the house for $600. Decent shape for what I need. Heavier duty then I was planning on building.

[madmikeismad]

Originally Posted by 9 LIVES

I was just going through the same thing with a dually. I priced the metal to make one with a headache rack and 18" metal sides. No tool boxes and no fancy rear panel covering the hitch. My cost was $1,200. I was shocked. I kept searching Craigslist until I found one in a decent price range. Last week I got one delivered to the house for $600. Decent shape for what I need. Heavier duty then I was planning on building.

Well that would definitely be the way to go. Gotta get the trans fixed again though, so this is on hold lol.

[JD3020]

We built the flatbed for my OBS, in the end it would've been cheaper to buy a bed. I think we were around $1100 in steel. But it didn't help that we had never built a bed before so we decided to be safe and overbuild it. Honestly doing everything out of 2x4x3/8" steel, with crossmembers on 16" centers is a bit too safe. Especially for a SRW F-250. Its a heavy SOB, but i know that theres no way i can hurt the damn thing.

[not enoughsmoke]

http://www.competitiondiesel.com/for...ad.php?t=86440

[madmikeismad]

Originally Posted by not enoughsmoke

http://www.competitiondiesel.com/for...ad.php?t=86440

Those are great. I'm still tossing around lengths. I figure I wouldn't want more than 6' as I don't want a lot of rear sweep, but then I figure what would an extra 2' really do? It'd be like driving with the tailgate down. Then I figure thats not so bad, so how bad would 10' be? Then I realize the axle would be under the forward half of it, and I don't know what that would do for weight distro. Just so many considerations lol

[not enoughsmoke]

Originally Posted by madmikeismad

Those are great. I'm still tossing around lengths. I figure I wouldn't want more than 6' as I don't want a lot of rear sweep, but then I figure what would an extra 2' really do? It'd be like driving with the tailgate down. Then I figure thats not so bad, so how bad would 10' be? Then I realize the axle would be under the forward half of it, and I don't know what that would do for weight distro. Just so many considerations lol

put you a tommy gate on it

look how much bed space it adds

[madmikeismad]

Originally Posted by not enoughsmoke

put you a tommy gate on it

look how much bed space it adds

Those look expensive too lol

[not enoughsmoke]

Originally Posted by madmikeismad

Those look expensive too lol

iI gave $400 for mine best money spent

[madmikeismad]

Originally Posted by not enoughsmoke

iI gave $400 for mine best money spent

That's a fair deal if I can't find/make a decent flatbed.

[SHughes]

CL up here has 30+ pieces of 20' long 2"x6" 1/4 wall aluminum for like 150. good foundation.

[madmikeismad]

Originally Posted by SHughes

CL up here has 30+ pieces of 20' long 2"x6" 1/4 wall aluminum for like 150. good foundation.

You could use your new skills to weld it for me? lol My tig looks about as good as my stick. That does sound super cheap though. Could use all that for frame, and just lay a sheet of steel over it lol.

[SHughes]

you have a tig welder?

[madmikeismad]

Originally Posted by SHughes

you have a tig welder?

Nope, just mig.