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troy_johnsen's avatar
troy_johnsen
Explorer
Jan 20, 2018

Considering a flatbed

I have a 2015 Ram 3500 DRW. I love the truck and it tows great. I'm considering replacing the box with a gooseneck flatbed. I'm looking at the Knapheide PGNB $2300 or PGNC $4500. Does any have any opinions about that particular manufacturer? Has anyone gone from a box to a flatbed regretted their decision?

I struggle loading things in the truck from the side. My small tractor doesn't have enough lift to get over the bedsides. I have to jump in the truck to manipulate my hitch due to the reach over the side hips. Those are most of my reasons but any strong negatives from you guys way sway my decision.

Thanks!
Tow Vehicles

28 Replies

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  • BurbMan's avatar
    BurbMan
    Explorer II
    Jan 20, 2018
    You say you struggle "Loading things from the side", what are you loading? Because whatever you load needs to be secured...does the C have enough storage for what you typically bring along or do you need the D body?

    Knapheide has been around for a while and is known for a quality product, only you can decide what best fits your needs. Might be worth talking to custom fab shop to get an idea of what else is out there and compare prices.
  • blt2ski's avatar
    blt2ski
    Moderator
    Jan 20, 2018
    Flatbed or typical pickup bed, licensing laws etc are the same.

    My swag would be there are some custom builders in Spokane. I can think of three here in the Seattle area minimum. If I include Everett and Tacoma, I can get to over a dozen. A local welder if there is one might be an option too.

    Issue I have with some of the premade ones, they are what they are. If you want one 6" shorter or longer, no can do. I've seen some with the back corners angles a bit, so easier to jacknife a trailer. I've always custom done the ones I've had.

    Marty
  • Turtle_n_Peeps's avatar
    Turtle_n_Peeps
    Explorer
    Jan 20, 2018
    I wish I could follow you Troy.

    Thanks for updating your profile. I don't know the laws in Wa. I hope they are not as crazy as the ones in Kalifornia.

    Good luck.
  • troy_johnsen's avatar
    troy_johnsen
    Explorer
    Jan 20, 2018
    Sorry I fled California. I'm in Washington now.

    Pretty limited resources here in my small town for a custom bed. My quote on the Knapheide is from a dealer in Spokane which is still 75 minutes south of me.
  • Turtle_n_Peeps's avatar
    Turtle_n_Peeps
    Explorer
    Jan 20, 2018
    Be very careful with a flat bed in the state of Kalifornia.

    Different licensing requirement; different insurance requirements...........different everything!

    Don't believe me? Go to the CHP and ask them for yourself.
  • blt2ski's avatar
    blt2ski
    Moderator
    Jan 20, 2018
    Not sure about your part of the world, but there are usually some local bed builders that can custom bed makers that can make a bed that is perfect for you.

    Marty
  • troy_johnsen's avatar
    troy_johnsen
    Explorer
    Jan 20, 2018
    I was looking at those. The PGNC has four boxes.....just trying to figure out if they are worth close to twice the cost as the standard bed
  • SDcampowneroper's avatar
    SDcampowneroper
    Explorer
    Jan 20, 2018
    Makes sense for your need.
    Many flatbeds have under bed cabinets for carrying that other stuff. Check out ranch and tow truck flatbeds.

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