Flatbed Information Thread

I am maybe half way through this build.. still tons left and then to take it all back apart for paint.. lol
Been working on it 5-6 hours a night since I started.. so stoked to see it start taking shape.

 

Test fit a few things .. fridge, pantry,battery, and stove..

Need to have this semi functional by the end of next week for a trip..

 

Here it is …I like how it came out working on drop down sides/loading ramps

 

Picked up some harbor freight ✨aluminum✨ loading ramps for drop down side gates/ tables. Perfect fit for 6ft bed but need to cut them down to about a foot wide. To powder coat or not to powder coat….. that is the question.

 

Saw this the other day, thought it was pretty neat.

 

You may have inspired me a bit, or a lot. Not fold down, but just the right length. If you drill out the rivets you can reconfigure them (i turned them inside out). Also the panels that make up the middle are actually individual pieces, which may or may not make it easier to cut down. The beta version I threw together in a few hours survived a week of vacationing (with the help of a ratchet strap), so I think these will be an excellent basis going forward once I customize them more.

 

Is UTE LLC still the best value option for the aussie tray style?

 

The loading ramps are a bitch to customize atm being multiple parts put together but looking good so far used skill saw with aluminum blade used a 2x4 and clamped down to do the 6ft cuts…
Plenty of room for petrol ⛽️ swag ⛺️ and extra room !

 

Flatbeds and ute canopies are super cool, I’m surprised they aren’t more popular in the US. Having a full-width flat surface makes such a huge difference.

 

If they weren't so expensive I'd have one already

 

Anyone know what the usable area of the MITS short bed tacoma flatbed and canopy is?

For example, can you sleep sideways in the canopy given the dimension are 6 foot and/or is the actual sleeping area within the length truly 5-8' or some of that is taken away from the rack and/or internal structure?

One of my biggest regret is getting a shortbed, so looking to get a flatbed/camper situation in the future that will allow me to stealth camp (no roof top tent).

 

I have a MITS tray and canopy on what was a 5' bed..

I suppose it depends how tall you are. I wouldn't recommend sleeping in the canopy because it doesn't open from the inside. Also, you can get a stubby canopy, a mid length or a full length canopy, just depends on what you want. The length of the tray will be an improvement over a stock 5' bed with a new length of 5.8', and the width is the most obvious increase at a new 6.13'.

The bare tray with no canopy, folding sides or ladder rack will yield you the entire surface area for use of your choice as it is completely flat.

Depending on where you are located, you are welcome to check out my tray and canopy. My canopy is roughly 1' shorter than the tray.

I am in Washington, specifically in Olympia- and I see you post in the WA threads once in a while.

Also, the tray and canopy setup is the tits. So be prepared for questions and googoo eyes everywhere you go.

 

Great response I really appreciate it. Next time I’m up in WA from Portland I’ll make sure to hit you up. Really interested in getting a 5-8’ build on some sort while keeping this platform.

 

I’m in Vancouver all the time so I can let you know next time I am down there as well.

 

If I can get away I’d love to see it too.

 

Found this from @big_gas the other day. Really seems like a cool concept. Has anyone else bought one?

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/big-body-truck-co-llc-flatbeds-for-midsize-trucks.813947/

 

Also, for anyone who has gone to a flatbed - any regrets? What are the downsides for you?

 

No regerts.

 

I got to see the @big_gas setup in person yesterday and tour the shop. Very impressive and exactly what I think most of us want. Light, modular, adjustable, DIY install, and reasonable price targets. He has lots of great ideas.

 

Thank you for the kind words! I am super happy you could come check it out, if any of y'all are located in SoCal shoot me a DM if you want to see it in person!