Flatbed tool truck

[Brad Buchanan]

Hey folks.

I have a 2008 f350 that I use for hauling tools and other tasks. After changing the box once the new box is rusting to failure.

I am planning to build a flatbed for this truck and am trying to figure out what to deck it with.

The perimeter of the bed is probably going to be 3"x3" 3/16 tube and the front and back of the deck will be 12ga.

I guess my options would be 1:deck it with 12ga. or optionally diamond plate or 2: fabricate brackets and deck with 5/4" hardwood planks.

This truck primarily hauls round bales and groceries.

I will also be installing a 5th wheel hitch on the truck at the same time.

Thanks in advance for any and all comments,

Brad Buchanan

 

[Patsdeere]

I would go wood. Easier to replace when rotted and things are less likely to slide on a wood deck.

 

[kcm.MN]

If I were building a bed for such a truck, I'd try to have the best of both worlds. Here's a video for a truck bed toolbox where the top of the toolbox is flat. Why not adapt this idea to make a full Toolbox Flatbed?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoFHheJChfg

 

[Steve@Advance]

Not answering your decking question, but something to consider when designing...

Keep in mind a place for the fuel filler neck. Be sure it is high enough to get good flow into the tank.

Seems to be a common problem with those trucks, if there is not enough drop, the fuel will back up in the tank neck and take forever to trickle fuel in.

 

[D beatty]

I have that problem with my truck and am going to make some blocks to drive up on for left side.

 

[SVcummins]

Mine has a 3/16 deck and is made out of 1/4 inch square tubing for the crows members and 3 inch channel for the sides the headache rack is made of 3/16 2x4 rectangle tubing

 

[JayinNY]

I have both, the box on my 73 Chevy rotter away so I put a pressure treated flat bed on it, it's still solid today, although it's sitting in a machine shed. My other truck has a steel rack body on it, it's from 1989, it has a diamond plate steel floor. I don't think you can go wrong either way, my rack steel rack body does have some rust and it also has a dump hoist for if.

 

[WESnIL]

Have you considered a commercially made bed? With various manufacturers, sizes, materials, etc. available I wonder if one can save any money if your time and labor are worth anything in excess of minimum wage. All the manufacturers have considered filling tube, headache rack mounting, pockets for sides, etc. If weight is an issue there are manufacturers of aluminum beds that look really nice.

 

[D beatty]

The bed on my F450 is a General body that was modified for use by a steel fabricator. Bed has 7" C iron stringers with 3" C iron cross members set a 12" centers with oak wood flooring. They added another row of stake pockets along with rub rail. Bulkhead has rack on it and is heavy enough to carry weight. It also has I think they are 6" straps mounted to bed.

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[Duner Wi]

I really like fold down sides and end gate.
Search image , Home Depot flat bed rental truck or look at this

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r7uyfULgdxk/TE9aUwv0e8I/AAAAAAAAAyY/GlUSfDTp9h0/s1600/DSCN4927.JPG

 

[Mike M]

The most useful truck bed I have used and still have is on my 1981 F350. I have a crysteel dump bed on it and has an optional fold down curbside and the rear can also open up like a tailgate or you can adjust it to spread gravel from. I also installed a plate with a gooseneck ball on it to pull trailers.

 

[GEO-TH, In]

My implement trailer is treated wood. It can get very slick with snow or just water.

I love sprayed liner in my truck. Keeps things for sliding.

 

[Brad Buchanan]

That is what I am leaning toward. I like the idea of having underbed boxes for tools and my turnout gear!

Brad