Posted 2013-02-09 7:04 AM (#149784) Subject: Flatbed Pickup
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Posts: 489
Just purchased a new to me pickup that will be a dedicated trailer pulling rig. Previously I had a short box pickup so it will be nice to spend less time worrying about breaking back windows, denting the box when turning sharp or driving up or down a steep grade. One thing I know I am going to miss is the ability to put hay, feed, coolers, etc in the back of the pickup on show day.The pickup will have under bed boxes but I am going to use those for jacks, tools, etc that are universal to both of my trailers rather than having a need to keep two sets.For those that haul with flatbeds do you keep anything on bed? Do you put a few bales or bags of feed behind the cab and call it good? Do you strap things down (this pickup has 4 inch slip up side rails) or do you just understand that going with a flatbed means giving up some storage?
Posted 2013-02-09 9:34 AM (#149789 - in reply to #149784) Subject: RE: Flatbed Pickup
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Posts: 134
It took my husband a long time to talk me into a flatbed, for all of the reasons that you stated. Now that I have one I wouldn't go back to a box for anything. I no longer have to worry about crunching the neck of my trailer if we are in the back country. With a little creativity I can put as much on my flatbed as I did in the box. I also have the added benefit of superior traction from the added weight when the roads are slick. I have found that the straps that work the best are mini cumalongs with a assortment of bungee cords. Enjoy!
Posted 2013-02-09 10:10 AM (#149790 - in reply to #149784) Subject: RE: Flatbed Pickup
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Posts: 379 Location: Missouri
The only thing I miss about having a flatbed is everything must be tied down. Aside from that there are too many advantages for me to every have a pickup bed again.
Posted 2013-02-10 6:30 AM (#149809 - in reply to #149784) Subject: RE: Flatbed Pickup
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Posts: 264 Location: Sumas Washington
I switched my Dodge to a flatbed this winter and could not be happier. One of the first things we noticed is that the truck is QUIETER than before while towing. The stock bed must amplify road,tire and exhaust noise. On the hauling side it takes a diffrent mindset to make the flatbed work for hauling. You can build or have built short sides that go into the stake pockets. Or as mentioned before just strap things down.
Posted 2013-02-10 7:55 AM (#149810 - in reply to #149784) Subject: RE: Flatbed Pickup
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Posts: 197 Location: AZ
There is a saying....'once you go flat, you never go back'. Though our dually is 'bedless' right now, we are in the long process of building our own. Frame, headache rack with light holes, light skirt on rear bumper, and bumper hitch receiver are in..we have to have a leaf spring removed from one side of the truck (we think it was a delivery truck) and then get the diamond plate (very expensive) and mount the flat bed and we are done. we will install underbed lockable boxes as well.
Though it's taken a while due to time and $$, it has cost us a lot less than a pre-made one. Plus, we have an 11' bed, and those are very pricey from CM, Bradford, etc.
Posted 2013-02-10 8:05 AM (#149812 - in reply to #149810) Subject: RE: Flatbed Pickup
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Posts: 379 Location: Missouri
My previous truck had a Bradford bed on it that only cost me about $300. Don't let salvage yards steal your pick up bed. I parted my bed out on Ebay, tail lights, tail gate, dually fenders, bumper, ect, by the time I was done I recouped all but $300 the cost of the flatbed. Just something to think about if you're not handy with a welder and fabrication.
Posted 2013-02-10 9:40 AM (#149816 - in reply to #149784) Subject: RE: Flatbed Pickup
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Posts: 402 Location: Valentine, NE
Don't forget to tell your insurance company that you changed to a flatbed. Most companies will offer a pretty good discount for a pickup with a flatbed over a box.
Posted 2013-02-10 12:12 PM (#149818 - in reply to #149811) Subject: RE: Flatbed Pickup
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Posts: 134
My husband built wood sides for mine and then stained them to match the truck. Looks great. He added slots and ran a two by four across the back. Works great. Not the same as a tailgate, but it does work.
Posted 2013-02-11 7:55 PM (#149855 - in reply to #149784) Subject: RE: Flatbed Pickup
Member
Posts: 16
Just had a new flatbed built for my 2008 Dodge, I am very happy it has a custom dog box and 8" sides that will fold flat or can be removed and 4 underbody boxes
Posted 2013-02-12 1:55 PM (#149887 - in reply to #149784) Subject: RE: Flatbed Pickup
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Posts: 330 Location: northeast Texas
Ha this is a question I was going to bring up because I am wanting to change my dually into a flatbed. I am just so sick of climbing over the thing. The older I get, the harder that gets, and it would be alot easier to haul, and unload, hay and feed from on a flatbed. What I was wondering was what to do with the bed that comes off the truck. I have a 2007 silver Dodge and the bed looks like new. One tiny mark in the tailgate that was there when I got the truck (certified pre-owned with 20K on it). It has a full LineX spray in liner and B & W Turnover ball hitch. I hate to just give away an immaculate bed. I know what those lights, tailgates, fenders etc cost when one needs replacing. Not to mention the hitch.
Posted 2013-02-12 6:26 PM (#149893 - in reply to #149887) Subject: RE: Flatbed Pickup
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489
Originally written by CTRider on 2013-02-12 1:55 PM
Ha this is a question I was going to bring up because I am wanting to change my dually into a flatbed. I am just so sick of climbing over the thing. The older I get, the harder that gets, and it would be alot easier to haul, and unload, hay and feed from on a flatbed. What I was wondering was what to do with the bed that comes off the truck. I have a 2007 silver Dodge and the bed looks like new. One tiny mark in the tailgate that was there when I got the truck (certified pre-owned with 20K on it). It has a full LineX spray in liner and B & W Turnover ball hitch. I hate to just give away an immaculate bed. I know what those lights, tailgates, fenders etc cost when one needs replacing. Not to mention the hitch.
I see them on Craigslist once in a while for about $500. It probably a lot of luck in getting them sold, if you have the bed someone needs it may be worth $1000 and if nobody needs it you might not be able to get $5.00.
Posted 2013-02-12 9:22 PM (#149902 - in reply to #149784) Subject: RE: Flatbed Pickup
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 522 Location: Tucumcari NM
I will never own a pu with a standard bed again. I am too short to reach the floor while standing on the ground and it really ticks me off to have to climb into the truck bed to get what I want. With my flatbed everything is within reach. Makes me a much happier camper!
Posted 2013-02-12 10:21 PM (#149904 - in reply to #149784) Subject: RE: Flatbed Pickup
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Posts: 155 Location: North Salem, IN
I love my flatbed! I don't think I would ever go back to a regular pickup bed for a hauling truck ever again. There are times I miss having a regular bed when I have to strap little things down that could otherwise just be thrown in the bed, but those instances are rare. The usefulness of the flatbed more than outweighs any negative aspects.
Flatbed Pickup
I haul my grocery bags back there, et cetera...YMMV...
