Flatbed Information Thread

Well fellas, I got her all done this weekend. I have followed flatbed stuff on TW for a bit now and I gotta say , THANKS A MILLION for all the information on here. I really think everything went alot smoother than if I had never come across this page! I won't try and list everyone but man really , if you've posted any info on here / mounting / wiring / etc. I definitely found it helpful. Thanks again guys!

 

Awesome! Also that frame is mint!

 

That is one good lookin flat bed truck right there......

 

Very nice!
One heck of a first post.

 

MITS Alloy trays are now available in the US, and look pretty amazing on the Tacoma's. This is one that Boulder Vehicle Outfitters built.

 

Damn, that’s the best looking (production) one I’ve seen so far!

 

Added another retailer for flatbeds from North America to the front page.


another great option from @Ralf at summit expeditions.

Very well priced turn key bed that has the options of off-road accessories built in North America!

 

Gladiator photos!
@Ralf thanks for stopping by the TEC trucks and coffee with the Gladiator!
didn't get to chat much with you but i did manage to snap a few photos

 

It was my pleasure! Really enjoyed meeting everyone! The response to the Gladiator was outstanding! Everyone’s comments and questions were really awesome to hear!

Thank you for grabbing these awesome shots! Pictures never do it justice after seeing the workmanship first hand seemed be the common comment!

Looks like I’ll most likely will be back in Ontario again this summer! Hope to see you guys again! So we’ll certainly have to meet up again to chat more trucks!

 

The difference between @ralphs bed and the Ute is very evident. The Ute just seems “cheaper” in comparison with thinner material and dinky components. Very well thought out and put together when being able to see them side by side.

 

Yeh MITS alloy and the Summit ones are definitely badass, for the price though I had to go with ute ltd. I can't afford the other ones haha. My idea was to get the ute ltd and beef it up some as I go

 

I can certainly help you with that, here’s a customer that we did that for. He added our tool boxes and fenders to complete his flatbed/trays capability!

 

We recently did a build for Redarc USA on one of the three Tacoma's they will have in the US. The other two are being built with Tiny Rig Co, and Ashville Vehicle Outfitters. All three will have a MITS Alloy tray and canopy, and man it turned out nice!

 

I seen this on Instagram and yes certainly turned out really nice! The popularity will continue to grow as time goes on! They did such an awesome job with the backlit features and really demonstrating the Power of REDARC!

We’re happy to be a part of the growth. We have MITS ALLOY, NORWELD, PCOR as quality Australian made options, and us at SET being made here in North America.

Would be great to get all 4 lined up and just compare all the differences and similarities between the brands!

 

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Because my truck is used for work and play this is what I would like. I'd be willing to pay 4 to 5 k but more than that.....IDK.

 

Aluma makes bed that’ll work great for my stuff gen for 2k+ install.

basic flatbed, but you could make it your own.

idk how the Aluma options are in the great white north

 

Nothing in my experience about the Ute bed is "cheaper" or "dinky". Light and efficient design is a desired quality. The bed is extremely strong and cannot be beat for price. That makes it a great product.

The plastic components used for the hinges are made of high strength ABS and are easily replaceable should they break. What are you going to do if your welds crack? There goes your beautiful stainless finish. All of the hinges on the Ute bed are field serviceable. I guess some dudes carry welders, but a 10mm socket is definitely more common.

All of the "dinky" components on my Ute bed are in perfect shape, and I use the bed every day for work. I am also quite certain that they hold up under the Australian sun quite well, given that they are the factory bed option for the Toyota Hilux and 70 series Land Cruiser.

The extruded aluminum drop sides are strong, and have a little bend to them, which is extremely helpful with larger loads.

I am willing to bed that Toyota's engineering team chose the Ute bed (Triple M) for their Hilux and 70 series platforms for cost and durability, over the dozens of welded beds available in the Australian market.

 

Again, side by side (my utebed) compared to summits is lighter duty and in my opinion dinky. Again different demands but from someone who has had there doors rip off the plastic hinges (cracked do to the cold out here in Canada and vibration from snow wheeling, then had to wait a few weeks for replacements), the metal ones from summit seem heavier duty. My word choice wasn’t meant to be demeaning by any means. It’s just that the summit ones are built with longevity and to take a beating where the uteltd ones are built for construction.

again you do get what you pay for 100% and I’m trying to have an unbiased opinion for anyone in search of a bed on here. Your demands really do dictate your needs. There are things in my uteltd bed that I had to figure out in order for it to work for my needs off-road and camping (filler neck, mud flaps, tie downs, cap (still figuring this out), bumper, lighting). Others you are paying for a turn key ready to go product.

will also add that most of the beds in Australia and even some of UTeltds have metal hinges…..I’m assuming plastic is cheaper for their bottom line. Hate to say it but it’s all nickels and dimes.

 

Well I’ll retract this statement. The utebed holds up to trees….guess the cold or just a fluke when mine broke.


These was dragged across a tree and held up. I’m sure everything has its limits but I was surprised (and relieved)

 

Lots of good info thanks