Stepside Trucks--Cool but why?

AMP762 · Sep 16, 2003

Well you may not believe this,but there was a time when trucks were built to work. The step-side was handy for standing on to load stuff.loading hay was one place it was almost required,I would not try this with the new fiberglass beds /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif of course new pick-ups are not meant for work anyway.
My .02

RobertN · Sep 16, 2003

They kinda look cool sometimes. The step could be used for getting at load items.

For a handy bed, it is hard to beat a flatbed. Not as stylish, but MUCH more useful.

Still trying to figure those designers out. They build these trucks, put a bed on, but don't give useful tie points. What's up with those silly little hooks in each corner of the bed, half way down where you can't reach them when the bed is full? And then, there's only four... Try to secure a sizeable load securely, especially in a long bed.

No wonder there's so much junk on the sides of the roads and highways!

rdam · Sep 16, 2003

I think the older "real" stepsides were neat. I'm not sure when they stopped making them. I remember in 1981 I looked at a new GMC stepside, shortbed, 3 speed on the column. This was an actual, real, bolt on fender stepside.....I wish I had bought it and still had it. (Even though it's a GMC)

heehaw · Sep 17, 2003

i haven't read all the post on this thread..but thought i would add what the dealer told me when i bought my new truck last july..i questioned why the stepside style truck had such a high price tag....resale....according to the dealer its the hardest to find and easest to sell of any of the gm trucks..it looks good, and i would guess, a lot of folks buy trucks, and never haul anything...
heehaw

RobS · Sep 17, 2003

<font color="blue"> The ultimate in ugly fleetside is that Ford crew cab with that 4 or 5 foot bed... What a waste. Now that is a poser yuppie truck for sure!!! </font>

Uh oh, am I going to have to post some pictures of my yuppie-mobile tonight? Yes, it is a short bed crew cab F250HD 4X4 and yes, I could be considered a yuppie by many respects. Gotta say though, of all the trucks I've ever owned this is the best configuration by far. Room for the kids (extended crew cab would be just that much better), room for stuff in back, muscle for hauling/towing but still fits in the garage. I sized my garage for a long bed crew cab but really can't see the need at this point. Even pulling our fifth wheel the short bed is just fine /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

bigpete · Sep 17, 2003

Sounds like a great towing vehicle and family car. FWIW, towing and family hauling a are shared by socio-economic classes outside of yuppie-dom. I kinda' like that combo you have....especially because it's in the 3/4 ton class.

MossRoad · Sep 17, 2003

Rob, I've seen your truck... it's not a yuppie mobile. It looks capable and you actually use it like a truck, not a car. Hope that makes you feel better. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

RobS · Sep 17, 2003

Thanks Pete, yeah I'm pretty happy with my truck. Just wish it were a diesel.

Upon re-reading Gary's note about the shortbed crew cab I'm wondering if he was referring to the SuperCrew F150 and the Explorer Sport Trak. If so, I'll have to agree completely. Those trucks are pure style with very little trucking capability. The ultimate was the Lincoln Blackwood based on the SuperCrew. It came with a hard tonneau cover and a mohagany lined bed. Vaguely reminiscent of the original step sides but the whole intent was to be able to carry golf clubs not hay bales. Ford realized that mistake and pulled the Blackwood after only selling a few hundred of them. Collectors cue though... those few vehicles could be very valuable many years from now???

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

RobS · Sep 17, 2003

Thanks Dave. If you recall the side of the bed, sometimes I use my truck a little too much /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I'll still post a shot tonight but maybe under the Safety Forum /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

fivestring · Sep 17, 2003

The model I'm talking about looks like an F150 w/ crew cab and the tiny bed (it's like 4 or 5 feet with a swing-out thingy that fits on the tailgate to make the tailgate an extension of the tiny bed). My sister has one. I guess it's a step up from the mini van.