Flat bed build 2014 turning a 2014 DCSB into a usable truck

Last year I bought a 2014 DCSB TRD off road 4x4 and thought it was my dream truck. I thought that the short would be adequate but am blown away with how small/unusable it is. So after a little thought and a lot of instagram day dreaming I decided I was going to copy the Overland under budget guy. The goal is to first make a functioning flatbed that is 76"X 76" and then this summer to make camper portion that can easily be removed. So far I sold my camper shell, removed the bed and bought the material along with some tools follow along and share your thoughts/ concerns this will be my first major welding project so any input is welcome!

 

Oh man I love the ambition but why kill your resale value when you can just sell it for more than you bought it for in this market and either get a long bed tacoma or go full size?

 

I would box in the stock frame, especially with the leverage of that overhang.

 

Been wanting to do this too or at least buy something to make it come true. Hats off to you brother

 

Cause that's not what he wants and trucks are impossible to find, also it's already his truck and he's continuing to customize it.

Why wipe after you go if you're only going to poop again tomorrow?

 

I'd suggest keeping tabs on the weight of your build. Truck beds are surprisingly light and its easy to get WAY over heavy on a flatbed build if you're not cognizant of it.

 

Holy cow, building a flatbed is your first major welding project??

 

Man that’s awesome! I know that instagram account you mentioned. His build looks like it was inspired by the australian rigs

 

Second suggestion: Plan out lots of tie down points - you'll need them if you ever wanna haul something on the flatbed.

Also plan out tail lights and bumper. Seems like a lot of people leave that for last and sort of just throw something on because they're tired of looking at it.

 

I bought the truck last year it is already a salvage title so I don't have any illusions of selling it for a crazy price and I kind of hate that these trucks are so overpriced these days and have no intentions of contributing to that lol. I also like the idea of the project and making something exactly how I want. also this is my "dream truck and I plan to keep it forever, the thought of maintaining the Short bed break over angle and turning radius with a big bed is exiting to me. so fuck it why not

 

Thanks for the input I will definitely do that I know these trucks have a pretty small payload rating!

 

Ill let you know how it goes... hopefully it works out and doesn't look like crap lol!

 

Thanks that was something I noticed when removing the bed it was only about 200 lbs I will weigh it when its all done see what the difference is!

 

Yeah a 6' first gen bed is almost exactly 200. i'd suspect a shorter composite one to be even less.

 

Looks very similar to the RSI flatbed. That's a really cool DIY build.

 

good to know yeah it only took a buddy and I to pull it

 

Ill check that out yeah that guy rocks I recommend his instagram page a lot a lot of DIY stuff just be careful he might convince you into doing something like this lol

 

I always liked this spare tire ‘cabinet’ idea. This wheel is ridiculously huge, but having a ‘drawer’ makes sense, and. Why not make the tool box top flush with the deck.

 

never wipe. let the shit crust.