Building a flatbed for my F350

[TSO]

If you're using PT, a lot of the modern treatments promote rust like crazy.

On the last project like that I did, I used rubberized roll flashing like they use on doors and windows to put under wherever the boards would touch. Time will tell if it actually helps or just eases my conscience, but I rest better knowing it is there...

Good info, thx

 

[sixdogs]

If you're using PT, a lot of the modern treatments promote rust like crazy.

On the last project like that I did, I used rubberized roll flashing like they use on doors and windows to put under wherever the boards would touch. Time will tell if it actually helps or just eases my conscience, but I rest better knowing it is there...

I'm planning on using quarter sawn southern yellow pine on my pending truck bed that will have limited outdoor exposure. Maybe I'll paint it if need be.

A few years ago I used quarter sawn southern yellow pine on an outdoor picnic table that was blasted with rain and sun and cold and after several years it looked great. All I put on it was a sloppy mix of 60% paint thinner mixed with 40% real varnish once a year. I planned to paint it but it never needed it so I figure if it worked for a picnic table it will work for a show truck/light work bed. Does this sound OK?

 

[newbury]

TSO - looking great.

Mine is a F250, would not want to do without the dump. I use it for 1 1/2 tons gravel, firewood, mulch, firewood, more firewood. It is my only truck, gets used for everything. No 4 wheel tractor, no big equipment, so being able to dump a yard of material is worth it to me.
That is a very nice looking bed. How much heavier than the stock bed?

I use my F350 routinely for gravel and mulch and have found that the Loadhandler type belt and crank works great

Works even better when my son provides the power
I ended up buying the additional pad so it slides off even easier.

 

[George2615]

TSO - looking great.


I use my F350 routinely for gravel and mulch and have found that the Loadhandler type belt and crank works great

Works even better when my son provides the power
I ended up buying the additional pad so it slides off even easier.

Then I guess you should have shown us a pic of your F350

 

[newbury]

Then I guess you should have shown us a pic of your F350

The second pic shows the rear of my F350 after a partial unload.
Do you need complete diagrams?
The first pic was from the link I gave.
What difference does the pic make?

My point was that although a dump is often desirable, for the small loads (< 3,000lbs) there is another inexpensive alternative for rather easy unloading with some muscle.

We unloaded about 5 "bedfuls" of mulch, sand, gravel manually with a shovel before I bought the HF load handler and I was surprised the load handler would work so well.

 

[George2615]

No, I don't need complete diagrams. Its just that anyone looking at the pic directly under your wording (without clicking on the link) seems to indicate you were posting a pic of your truck and son powering it. I had no reason to check the link so guessed it was your pic as I'm sure many others probably did.
No insult intended and I'm sure those loadhandlers do a great job and your point well taken.

 

[jenkinsph]

The picture Newbury posted is fine. Why would anyone care who is in the picture or who's truck it is?

Now just looking at the picture it would seem that if you walk the load to the tail gate it would be a disaster for the truck bed and tail gate. Just my thoughts.

 

[TSO]

Some updates...

Here's the solution to re-locating the fuel-fill neck. I mounted it thru the side-rail, and the cap sits flush with the outside of the rail.







Also finished the bulkhead. Added a few bungee and cargo strap holes. I'm not going to cage the rear window. I'd rather have access to it in case of needed repairs/replacement, and available for exit/entry (if needed).






Then finished up by reinforcing the fifth-wheel-rail welds and adding gussets to the C-channel near the rails attachment points.



So, construction is complete. Just have a few holes to drill for wiring, trailer-connecter harness, license plate, backup camera, etc.... Then time to clean her up and paint!

 

[ovrszd]

Very nice work!!! Professional grade!!!

I tried the horizontal gas filler method. Puked fuel out unless filling slowly. Even then dribbled every time. Finally moved to a vertical position. Hope yours works okay.

 

[TSO]

Very nice work!!! Professional grade!!!

I tried the horizontal gas filler method. Puked fuel out unless filling slowly. Even then dribbled every time. Finally moved to a vertical position. Hope yours works okay.

Yeah I'm hoping so, but i expect it will be ok. It's now the exact same height as the factory mounting location was.

 

[ovrszd]

Yeah I'm hoping so, but i expect it will be ok. It's now the exact same height as the factory mounting location was.

Yeah, the angle was what made mine dribble. I mounted it level. Should have angled it a bit. Hoping your works because it looks factory. Great work!!!!

 

[jenkinsph]

That looks like a good way to go with the fuel filler. If it turns down before the end of the nozzle you should be good.

 

[dieselcrawler]

I put a flat bed on a buddy's truck, and routed the fuel filler towards the cab. I'll look for pictures, no fill issues reported in the last 2 years of use.

 

[kebo]

Very nice work!!! Professional grade!!!

I tried the horizontal gas filler method. Puked fuel out unless filling slowly. Even then dribbled every time. Finally moved to a vertical position. Hope yours works okay.

Totally agree with the work done on it, looks like a pro built it! That bed will look great and last a long time. Slap some paint & wood on it, and you'll be ready to bolt it on. Like I said earlier, I'm anxious to see pic's of the finished product on the truck.

 

[TSO]

Finished the licence plate holes and trailer connector mount holes...

All painted up!





Now just need to clean up and paint the truck frame, and take care of a couple maintenance items... And then I'll get her mounted

 

[jenkinsph]

Looks great, can't wait to see it mounted and complete.:thumbsup:

 

[TSO]

Finally able to prep the frame (sanded, powerwash'ed, etc) and paint it. New shocks going on and servicing the rear axle when the paint dries...

Hopefully I'll be mounting the bed later this week.

 

[dragoneggs]

Just stumbled on this thread... very very nice TSO! This thread is reinforcing why I need a bigger shop. Looking forward to the finished work. You are making great progress.

 

[BaldE]

Well done. I will be starting this same project next month. Thanks for all the great step by step pics

 

[George2615]

Finally able to prep the frame (sanded, powerwash'ed, etc) and paint it. New shocks going on and servicing the rear axle when the paint dries...

Hopefully I'll be mounting the bed later this week.

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Upon zooming in on the painted frame pic it appears the brake pads are not making full contact with the rotor. May want to check that out before mounting the bed.