Why not more cab chassis?

[GreatWhitehunter]

As I come to use my truck more and more it dawned on me that a cab chassis with an aluminum flat bed would really serve me better. The standard pick up bed is fairly limited and fragile compared to the flat bed offerings. I'm starting to wonder why more of us don't end up going the cab chassis route? I'm thinking real hard on trading in the current pick up and going with the flat bed.

Matt

 

[Laderbuilt]

This is my game plan when I get ready for a truck. I want a flat bed with nice fitting side rails that I can put in place when needed

 

[George2615]

My local dealer is mainly a truck dealer but also sells cars. He has 3 cab and chassis units left in stock. He deals with several outfitters for different body options. Dealers order what they think they will sell the most of. This dealer sells more pick ups so he has more of them in stock. He sells about 5 or 6 cab n chassis trucks a year so that's what he stocks. I was at the dealer today for service work and saw the 3 cab n chassis units and asked about them. People that do want them usually get a flatbed, dump, or utility body but as he said he only stocks what they will sell.
I checked a few other brand dealers when I left but no cab n chassis' in stock.
I think the main reason people on TBN don't get them is 1) Most dealers don't stock them and would have to order them and 2) People don't know they can order them or if they do, they don't want to wait.

 

[bcp]

Make it with fold-down sides, and dump.



Bruce

 

[Laderbuilt]

Also look beyond the norm. Check with a local big truck dealer like Freighliner. They carry a sterling brand truck very much a "dodge". It's equipped more for work type setups still no body on the back. I'm assuming other options exist as well. I'm

 

[RedNeckRacin]

I have a flatbed on my international and I use the heck out of it. If it wasn't for the ease of throwing something in the bed and not tying it down as well as arguing with the insurance over it being non commercial I would always have a flatbed. I think if the dealers made it a little bit more reasonable than 7k for an aluminum flatbed to be installed more people would opt for it. As it is now, its an aftermarket decision unless you get a C&C from the factory. Also, I think RAM derates their C&C trucks.

 

[Diamondpilot]

As I come to use my truck more and more it dawned on me that a cab chassis with an aluminum flat bed would really serve me better. The standard pick up bed is fairly limited and fragile compared to the flat bed offerings. I'm starting to wonder why more of us don't end up going the cab chassis route? I'm thinking real hard on trading in the current pick up and going with the flat bed.

Matt

I'm the opposite. I need the bed sides for all the loose items. Big stuff that needs loaded with a forklift I use the trailer.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Make it with fold-down sides, and dump.

View attachment 494038

Bruce

Now I could live with that.

 

[Rustyiron]

If your talking 3/4 - 1 ton srw, I'd suggest just getting the factory bed and save or sell it. My experience has been the dealer credit for bed delete is squat. (price out just a replacement tailgate). Now if you order a c/c, you should be able to get a 60" c/a (cab to axle) and have a 9' bed. Pickups are 56" c/a. Just a little info. for your decision making.

 

[Wagtail]

The flat tray (with fold-down sides & tailgate) is a fairly standard configuration here in Aus. Mind you, so is what N.A. members would refer to as an "El Camino"... and, yes, I've seen them with a flat tray too.

They're not sold with the tray, but 'naked'. You then take it to a specialist tray 'shop' and have it custom made to your desired configuration(s) and function.