Teuck bed to flatbed, would you convert?

[George2615]

With the age and mileage it might be cheaper to put a flat bed on than to repair the body. I found some new ones on CL for $2350 and used ones for less.

 

[Leyenda30]

I'd pull up close to a big tree and get a 4x4 8' long and and a hydraulic jack and push it back in line from the opposite side it got pushed. Put that insurance money in the bank for a down payment on a newer truck. JP

 

[Whitnel]

I wish I could live with it messed up and pocket some money but I can't live with it that way. This is my daily driver plus I really don't think my work would like it much. I get an allowance for the truck, while they can't tell me what to drive I don't think they would like me driving around a beat up truck representing the company. So the bed gets fixed or replaced.

 

[kevinwak]

There are lots if SRW F250 and F350's in my area with flat decks. The scaffolders use them. When they first started doing this the decks looked awkward. I am not sure if I just got used to it, or they redesigned the deck better, but I think they look pretty good now. I will try and take a picture of one when I am at work next week.

Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet

 

[QRTRHRS]

With that kind of miles and age, a flatbed is a no-brainer IMHO. Much easier to work with without the bed sides to lean over all the time. I would go with steel over aluminum price wise with those miles in mind as well. If you do sell, I believe TN is like KY in that there is always someone looking for a good used work truck.

If you do decide to go stock bed, I see new takeoffs listed in the Auto Locator for sale where someone has changed over the stock for a flat.

 

[Leyenda30]

I wish I could live with it messed up and pocket some money but I can't live with it that way. This is my daily driver plus I really don't think my work would like it much. I get an allowance for the truck, while they can't tell me what to drive I don't think they would like me driving around a beat up truck representing the company. So the bed gets fixed or replaced.

I see your point. Have you tried the companies that install service bodies, they used to sell the take-offs reasonably and white is a popular color for company trucks. Also have you considered pop a dent for the cab which doesn't require painting...if it isn't to dinged up?

The photos did't show the full extent of damage but I have massaged a few major bent beds back in line with comealongs and such....good luck. JP

 

[SSdoxie]

I see you are in Lebanon so not too far from McMinnville. There is a guy East of McMinnville on 70S that has (or did have last 4 times I have been past there) truck beds setting on his lot. He is either on same lot or right next door to a used equipment dealer. No idea if they were Ford, Dodge, or GM but might worth checking out.

 

[PoorPlowboy]

I'm not sure, but I think having a flatbed, and maybe a service body too, raises your insurance rates. Just something to consider. With 2 foot bed rails on my regular bed, I can haul a lot more wood than my buddy's flatbed, but like was mentioned above, if you're loading and unloading with forks, they can be slick.

It actually lowered the rates on my dually that I swapped a flatbed onto. Apparently busted dually fenders are a high % of claims and I can't possibly make those high risk claims now.

 

[AGRIMAN]

I bought a CM bed earlier this year for my 450 and really like it. It was actually cheaper to buy it than build it myself. I personally don't really like the look of a flatbed on a SRW, but that's just me.

I do see a lot of them around, so many people do. I wouldn't be afraid of the flatbed, I think you will like it.

 

[terryknight]

i've been thinking abut converting y truck to a flatbed. for what i now use the truck for it would be more useful. sell the bed to help offset the cost of the flatbed. my truck is a reg cab SRW. i think these as flatbed look bed than a Crew cab SRW flatbed, but to me it is more about function than about looks

 

[redprospector]

If you go with a flatbed, prepare yourself. If you learn to utilize it, you'll never be happy with another pickup bed again.
One thing that makes a flatbed look better on a SRW is a skirted bed, or putting a lot of thought into it, and putting under body boxes on it.
A buddy of mine calls a flatbed on a SRW a "skinny girl" My trucks are DRW so he calls them "fat girls". :laughing:

 

[treman]

I would vote for the flat bed. If I had kept my duramax I would have eventually put one on as the bed was getting the snot beat out of it hauling wood. Also I just hate loading and unloading material or tools over a bedrail.

 

[RobertN]

Flatbed would be awesome. Worked with a friend for a couple year; he had an '01 F450 with flatbed and dump. It was great!

only thing I do not like about most flatbeds I have seen, is they leave the underside, frame etc exposed and unfinished. They are function over beauty for sure.

And, in my case, I would need a solution for my 5th wheel.

 

[dieselcrawler]

Truck at work I just got done putting cab corners and rocker panels in... boss loves his flatbeds... also has a 13' dually with flip down side boards. Both have 7.3's and 280k and 220k respectivly.

 

[Whitnel]

Re: Truck bed to flatbed, would you convert?

I am still on the hunt for a replacement bed. Called a few places today for pricing. I really like the Gooseneck and Bradford Built brands, but still exploring options. My problem is the beds I like are several states away and shipping is killing me. There is a WIL-RO manufacturer just up the road that I am going to stop by and see what they can do.

Gooseneck brand




Bradford Built




The Hillsboro GII looks good too, close to the Bradford. And I like the rail on the top board that would allow you to tie off stuff easy.



I think I like the gooseneck the best at the moment.

 

[schmism]

If they are several states away, can you just drive over without the bed and pick it up in person?

 

[Whitnel]

I could but getting time off work is hard and cost of fuel drives up the price. The gooseneck brand has a dealer within a few hours but still have to pay the shipping from the factory to their shop. Going to try and get by the local manufacturer and see what they can do.

 

[nc redneck]

I just bought one of these for my 2013 Chevy 3500. Main use is pulling 5th wheel. Preparing for retirement and a trip across the country. Pricey but I could not find anything close that looks good, light weight and gives me ability to carry tools, extra storage. It is all aluminum only adds 700 pounds to truck.

 

[ultrarunner]

Here in California if you install a flatbed on your pickup you have to stop at the scales. You have to have a DOT sticker. What a hassle.

I helped my friend build a flat bed for his F250... he ordered it new without a bed and it came with one anyway.

We pulled the new bed and built a flatbed which is what he needs for quick loading of materials for the job... never got a DOT number and never stopped at a scale and he bought in 2000.

Put the bed up for sale and got $800 for it... thought it would have been worth more but $800 was the best he could do...

Guess he's just been real lucky.

Last year I had my 38 Bantam and 33 Bantam on a rental flatbed tow body... pulled into the scales near Sacramento and was waived off... almost look like I was being scolded...

 

[chad22]

I'd go with a flat bed myself. My bed on truck isn't in the greatest shape. I plan to replace it someday with a flatbed with a steel diamond plate floor and tool boxes on the sides underneath the bed.

Current bed is too small anyway.

Good luck with whatever you decide.