Flatbed build 96 xtracab

I'm starting this thread because I'm going to build a flatbed for my 1996 xtracab and am looking for suggestions, I will also post the build here when I start.

Project goals

1. Storage- I plan to have as many low profile boxes as I can to maximize storage space.

2. Headache rack

3. Rails on the side as tie down points

4. Make it a little longer than the stock bed, probably about as long as the stock bed is with the tailgate down. Probably a little wider too, not sure how wider would look though so will probably keep it close to the width of the cab.

5. maybe make removable walls, I've heard of them being made of loading ramps and like that idea.

6. Keep weight at a minimum but still keep it strong, I'm undecided between steel and aluminum for this reason

7. functionality is the top priority but I want it to look good

8. Get new leafs that are stronger to help support more weight, maybe airbags too.

9. Steps to get in the bed easier, by the wheels, and at the back corners

I'm open to any suggestions and please post pictures of your flatbed.

 

Austin Niemela on YouTube has a nice set up on a Toyota pickup I was looking at at that one did mine

 

You can check out my build thread. Mine is a '99 xtra cab.

 

I like yours, how did model it, I have started to try on fusion 360, but without the frame to model it on, it's even harder than it already is.

 

Take your bed off and take measurements of your frame width and bolt locations, then just do a modeling of of that . I used sketchup, nothing fancy

 

Fun project!

Challenge will be keeping the weight down.

I've built a few flatbeds. This relatively plain one weighs 1520lbs:



(it was "overbuilt" a bit to allow it to carry short wheelbase vehicles)



I built a smaller, lighter bed for a SRW truck with the goal of reducing weight and ended up with this:



This smaller/lighter bed removes most of the headache rack and much of the internal structure is removed or replaced with lighter members. After all that, this bed is 920lbs. Yes, these beds are for full sized trucks, and it would certainly be possible to halve (or more) the weight of these beds when building for a Tacoma, but even at that, know that every handy feature will add weight at a rate that might surprise you.

I would suggest that you use 14ga square tubing whenever possible and avoid channel iron and angle iron. The tread/floor plate for the deck is also very heavy. You might consider a wood deck or if steel is a must have, 14ga tread/floor plate is available if you seek it out.

Best of luck, and be sure to share a pic of your bed when done!

ps: Great looking bed (and truck) Tuluk!

 

Check out Micah’s build! https://youtu.be/O2M7Z1ryaQg

 

Agreed on the weight. When I was building mine I found someone had ended up in 800 lb territory for the bed on a taco. Waaaaay too much. I kept mine as light as I could and ended up at 15lbs over stock, some of which is due to how I added a toolbox, so I’m ok with that. It can be done so long as attention is paid.

 

Wow, that is very impressive!

 

Strategic use of aluminum bleachers for the deck saved my butt.

 

That's nice, I plan on making it longer than the stock bed like your first one, and having some toolboxes. I don't know what I'm going to do about weight but I'm going to have to find a way to keep it down. I do plan on getting new leafs to keep it from sagging if anyone has suggestions on good leafs.