What's the max load of the bed notches?

The bed has notches that I can lay two boards across to create a platform to hold things. Does anyone know how much weight I could put on that platform? I've seen people building additional structure to support that kind of platform in the middle but I'm wondering how much weight those notches could support all by themselves.

Specifically, I'm wondering how many sheets of 3/4" plywood I could lay on two boards placed in those notches without adding more support in the bed.

 

Don't know that there is a rated load capacity for those notches.
If you're concerned, why not add 2 short vertical blocks under the boards spanning cross the bed?
By putting them at 1/3 points under the horizontal board you'll transfer almost all of the weight of your plywood to the bed floor.
Make the mod to the boards and keep them around for the next time they're needed.
EDIT: Even if I knew the bed side notches could handle the weight, it's such a simple mod to the boards used that I'd do it anyway.

 

The payload for the bed is around 1100 lbs give or take, but that's flat on the bed floor and our trucks are known for weak bedsides

I wouldn't put a whole lot more than 250 lbs or so on an unsupported platform suspended by those bedside pockets, more if you have stiffeners.

Tough to get you a definitive answer

 

The wood will break before the bed does.

 

14 sheets of 3/4" x 4' x 8' plywood is gonna put you pretty much at the max payload capacity.

 

That all depends on the wood used - a 4x6 on its side spanning the width of the bed ain't gonna break until way past the truck's payload capacity.

 

came to post this

 

Aren't those notches made for a 2x4 to set in the tall way?

I have a hard time believing our beds are stronger than that board, even spanning the load with them laid on the wide side.

 

I hauled a bunch of 3/4" plywood and drywall in my truck with no problems. I used 2 - 2x4's in each pocket plus l also built a support that sits on the tailgate to keep the sheets from sagging towards the rear.

 

If the bed only supports 1100#, is that based on the bed (not steel) itself, or the frame and suspension under it? If it's based on what the bed itself is made of, that sucks, because with an add-a-leaf on my 04, I've hauled over a TON.

 

There are people that build camping platforms over those notches. I'm sure they're good for a few hundred pounds, but I personally havent tested it.

For hauling sheet and wood (≤ 10 ft), I've always been a tailgate-up kind of guy.

 

This is the extra support l use on the tailgate along with the 2x4's in the pockets.

 

I run 1200 pounds of salt and sand occasionally.
I've run 16 3/4 plywood sheets, and/or a crapton of drywall 4x8s
It's pretty tough, but I've got the higher payload of 1200 lbs due to 5lug 4x2. Since it's rated up to 1600 with correct options, I'm gonna guess you'll be fine with whatever you need at least for bed strength.

 

Ope! 1x6 it looks like, with my Bedrug I had no idea

Yeah those boards will definitely be the first to go but then again you've got the wheel wells acting like a platform also

 

if you need more that 5 sheets have the lumber yard drop it at your job site. My lumber yard charges $60 for a drop off, and after the time driving to and from loading and unloading it’s almost always cheaper to have it dropped.

 

2x lumber. Sheesh . . .

 

No shit. I picked up a 3/4 sheet at Lowes last night and it was wet. Liked to never get it in the trailer.

 

Is that extra support somehow attached to the tailgate? Also, that looks like a short bed - is that right?

 

No its not attached, after l put the first sheet down then i stick that extra support under there. You could just stick a wooden box or something back there instead as it helps to keep them supported, and yes it is a short bed.