Still Having Problems With TC and Truck
I got brand new Torklift forward frame mounts because the old ones were torn apart. They failed due to the “towers” failing that hold the bed and hold the top of the Torklift frame mounts. I i...
Forum Discussion
Continuing on the flatbed discussion:
I have a flatbed with boxes above and below. It's steel - very heavy, but I can do field repairs and modifications with a small flux core welder I carry. I'm always making small tweaks to it. If weight is an issue (and it sounds like it is), you probably need to stick with aluminum. You can also forgo the boxes to keep weight down. I have 19' of 18x18" storage.
I've had my truck up on three corners with the steel flatbed and there was no visible deflection. I'm not sure the same would be true of the stock bed or an aluminum bed - but I think the 4" C-channel with several crossmembers that sits on top of my frame rails certainly contributes to the rigidity. I went with steel for the ability to self-repair and because I'm not so sure aluminum would handle long-term abuse as well. Of course, steel is a pain to keep from rusting without a powdercoat or bedliner, which may come in the future.
I have a flatbed with boxes above and below. It's steel - very heavy, but I can do field repairs and modifications with a small flux core welder I carry. I'm always making small tweaks to it. If weight is an issue (and it sounds like it is), you probably need to stick with aluminum. You can also forgo the boxes to keep weight down. I have 19' of 18x18" storage.
I've had my truck up on three corners with the steel flatbed and there was no visible deflection. I'm not sure the same would be true of the stock bed or an aluminum bed - but I think the 4" C-channel with several crossmembers that sits on top of my frame rails certainly contributes to the rigidity. I went with steel for the ability to self-repair and because I'm not so sure aluminum would handle long-term abuse as well. Of course, steel is a pain to keep from rusting without a powdercoat or bedliner, which may come in the future.
