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Thread: Flatbed Vs Box?

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    Flatbed Vs Box?

    We have a '19 3500 DRW to haul our 43' Jayco Northpoint.

    Curious if anyone has experience removing the stock bed and putting a flatbed on.

    I was looking at something like the CM steel hauler body.

    We have a Reese Goosebox on the 5er, so we pull with the gooseneck ball. Has anyone regretted getting rid of their bed for a flatbed?

    Thanks.

    Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk


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    DIESELWRKS's Avatar

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    Re: Flatbed Vs Box?

    You will be 1000% cooler.

    I'm not a dually, but I'm saving my coin for a bruiser flatbed.

    The past flatbed I had was basic and not as enjoyable, but it was on a 2nd Gen.

    Rating towing etc.

    Looking forward to what I want is a multipurpose flatbed.

    Ability to have some fences and choose to have up or down.

    Payload ability

    Have a fixed bed ball?

    Fixed anchors for the 5th wheel?

    Connector plug location

    I am lighting away clean and out of the way.

    Do you want skirts, fenders, etc.?

    Storage security?

    And then how much weight are you adding over the factory bed taken off?

    These were all the things I have complied with myself.

    I want my flatbed to have the ability to be more helpful with my lifestyle.

    I do know the good bed manufacturers are the guys that will listen to your needs and will listen,

    Modify or already have choices for lifestyle.

    And not just push and make a simple bed.

    Good luck.

    2017 WON TON CC LB 68AUTO
    Secret stuff that make it vroom and whistle better Thuren 2.25 w/2.0 Fox Resi

    Justin
    Southern Oregon ( the Republican part)
    UNITEDSTATES MARINE CORPS 1993-2007
    No better friend, No better enemy.

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  5. Top Of Page | #3
    toyota_mdt_tech's Avatar

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    Re: Flatbed Vs Box?

    I did this on a GMC truck.

    The issue is a regular truck bed frame vs. a cab and chassis frame, different animals.

    The cab and chassis frames are flat and parallel, 36" apart from outside to outside.

    It can be done, but you will probably need to add metal members to make it work.

    There are other factors to consider. If you add a tow receiver, extend the receiver behind the rear bumper and then weld a pipe onto the end under the frame to keep it from flexing (rocking) with the tongue weight of a trailer.

    Also, that rear mount needs diagonal braces for heavy towing.

    Gooseneck or 5th wheel bed needs to be well attached to the frame, large U bolts, plenty of them; bolting on welded brackets will crack with flex over time and could come loose.

    If you do this, once the bed is off, prep the truck to accommodate the flatbed.

    I have to add another set of rails to this GMC; the only part 36" apart was near the back.

    The frame got wider as you went forward.

    I bought my new flatbed, a Dakota model made by Rugby in South Dakota.

    I paid 1800 for it, drove the truck up to get it (already prepped), set it on my premade rails, chained it down with chain binders, went home, and secured it.

    So measure the frame, size it up, and get all prepping done in advance.

    You need a good size welder, a MIG 210A unit like the Hobart MVP210, metal cutting gear, and you plan on buying steel.

    I used a 4" channel iron to make my parallel rails.

    I'd advise an excellent plasma cutter; I roll a Hypertherm that blows through 1-inch steel like its butter.

    I got this exact unit, but it was made to replace an 8-foot bed with a 9-foot flatbed.

    RUGBY MFG



    2010 Dodge 2500 SLT CCLB 4WD G56 Cummins 6.7 turbo diesel, 3.42 LSD. Add ons: Banks Monster Ram, Grid heater delete, Spyntec Free Spin Kit with Warn hubs (62672) Laramie Alloys (includes spare), "Powerwagon" Flares, Powerwagon bed decal (4X4 off road) OE Ram mudflaps, OE Slush Mats, OE Clearance Lamps, Geno's shift knob in black, 5" DPF back with muffler delete, spray in bedliner, OE brake controller, Durafit Seat Covers, Pro Tech Toolbox, Speed Turtle, Upfitter switches, Ham Radios, 8 Antennas, headache rack, emergency light bar,....

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  7. Top Of Page | #4

    Re: Flatbed Vs Box?

    I changed my dual bed to a CM flat with no boxes.

    I did have to do some modifications to the bed rails to make it sit where I liked it.

    Then, the rail spread in the back at the receiver was more comprehensive than my truck rails.

    So, I had to install some plates between them and then bolt.

    I did have to remove the factory gooseneck plate, which wasn’t a big deal.

    The dealer wanted $1k to install, but I thought, heck, I can do this!

    Which I did with the help of a crane at work (made things more accessible).

    I made a few brackets for the front, which worked perfectly.

    The fuel filler neck was the most significant pain caused by the height of the bed versus the tank.

    I can add pictures if needed or not too late.

    I wouldn't go back to a dual bed, that’s for sure.

    I will install two boxes up front, but I haven’t yet.


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