Flatbed Information Thread

Just thought I would share, just ordered a set, but seems there are some austrailian style ute underbody toolboxes super cheap on ebay right now, that look pretty similar to the norwelds design: https://www.ebay.com/itm/24-x17-x10...&itm=254253115414&_trksid=p5713.c100042.m2062

Think they are gonna work a treat to add a little tool storage underneath!

 

its been awhile but my bed isnt as bad as that but its starting to pull away from the sides....

 

Couple updates on my flatbed progress if anyone is interested in the DCSB and a Ute Bed:

Rough look of the toolboxes on the Ute Bed, still a couple inches down from where they would be, simply a mockup (this is the 30ish" long box):

Also finished my fuel filler neck mount, thought it may be helpful to share for any DCSB folks out there. 2.5 inch (if memory serves) u-bolt from ace, works a treat on an aluminum plate I fabbed up.

 

Finally found an hour or two to continue working on this project



I’ll have to cut the curvature out of the stock filler neck to make it work.

Little update nonetheless

 

Some great info in this thread. I'm looking to start building a flatbed this fall for my DCSB. I've had pics of Chandler's setup saved for motivation. Found them on a google search awhile back but now I have to go check the build thread. Keep it up fellas.

 

Glad it has been helpful!

 

This method didn't work, and I went back to method I had originally, and using a u-bolt like @danrogers

And done photos of it all finished

 

@tacoma16 can you talk about your general use of the bed and how it has gone for you? I just put my name down on a waitlist for the Ute bed but have not read much from folks who are using them.

How are the dropsides?

Does the bed make the truck feel noticeably lighter?

Did your fuel economy change much?

Does the bed rattle at all?

Anyone ever ask you about it when you’re out and about town?

Cheers,

R

 

The bed is mainly used for off-roading and camping but I do use it for chores and what not. The drop sides are awesome and make loading everything very easy.

I didn’t have any rattles that I could hear. However I am on bigger tires and my truck is pretty noisy.

The truck did get lighter but I also added 35’s when the bed went on and a bunch of other stuff so it’s hard to notice a mpg improvement. @1 Bored Clerk has it on more of a stock setup and may be able to chime in.

 

Thanks. So, worth the money?

 

All depends on your use of course. I am very pleased with the strength, the extra room, and the overall versatility of it. The downside is there isn’t a tailgate so getting in and out of it is a bit tough (I don’t have the stock bumper as a step) and the tailgate is nice to use as a table.


for Me it was worth the money.

 

Nice

 

I hope others will consider buying so we can get an order together!

 

I didn’t notice any mileage change with mine. Maybe slightly more wind noise around the back of the cab from the headache rack. I vote to flatbed all the trucks. It’s so great.

 

Was the headache rack an additional cost when ordering? How much did you get for your bed takeoff?

 

Headache rack was no additional cost on mine.

 

Been interested in those Ute Beds for a long time. Wanted one on my old first gen I had about 6 years ago. Never found the coin to try one, but they sure look great on the 2nd Gens in here.

So also, figured I'd throw my current flat bed setup on here as well. I just picked this truck up pretty much as-is with the flat bed. It appears to be home-built from c-channel steel. The headache rack definitely is home-built. It needs a little help, but overall its pretty decent. Size-wise is great for what i want to do. It measures 76" wide by 65" long.

Heres a couple pics (riding on blown out shocks and flat springs--waiting for my new suspension to arrive )

 

Can you post pictures from the front down each side so we can see how it looks sticking out from the side of the cab? Thanks

 

Doesnt seem any further out than the front fender flares and front bumper corner under the flare...

I dont like the gas filler neck protruding out though so I may try to do something about that.

 

Great thread and inspiration.
Anyone have any details on how they mounted their flatbed? I just picked up a 7ft Aluma flatbed for my 2nd gen AC.
How much it was spaced? What was used as the spacer? Hardware?

Taking my bed off in the next week to start mock up, would appreciate any ideas!
Current idea is to pick up some rectangular tube stock with a welded a plate on one side as the spacer between the flatbed and frame.

I'll get pictures up shortly (new to the forum, long time lurker)