Trans Mule dump bed clearance question

nickel plate · Oct 19, 2009

I have a 3010 Trans Mule and this question should also apply to the newer 4010 Trans Mule.
I just purchased a GR Manufacturing ABS top and have yet to install it as it is still in route from Texas. The owner of the company told me that the Trans dump bed will not clear the ABS top when lifted with the moveable screened "headache" backboard frame in the full bed, two passenger mode but it will clear in the full four passenger mode.
Has anyone addressed this condition by cutting down the height of the backboard frame just enough to create proper clearance when lifting the dump bed in the full usage position? Seems to me that I would perform any such alteration just below the top bar's radius and not at the bottom where the barrel bolts are located. I think this would only effect a couple of inches of the overall height and wouldn't hurt anything structurally but until I assemble the top, this is only a fair assumption. I'm a good small project metal cutter/fabricator but not a welder.

firefighter9208 · Oct 20, 2009

I just bought a 4010 and have the GR top. I'm not sure how much you would have to cut down the screen, but can measure for you when I get home this afternoon. Send me a pm and I'll give you my email address. That way I can email you with the figures when I get home.

Chris

Gary Robertson · Oct 20, 2009

Good morning! I am Gary Robertson, or GR as most folks call me. I am the GR in GR Manufacturing, so I wanted to chime in on the discussion.

I didn't register to get on here and promote my products, since this is against the rules, and, people who want products like ours can easily find them at dealers across the nation, or on our site. I just wanted to shed a little light on the discussion, and hopefully help answer some of your questions.

With regard to the question by Nickel Plate- you shouldn't have to cut down the headache rack more than about 2.5". When the products were designed, we figured that 99% of the folks who bought a Trans Mule were mainly buying them for the extra bench seating (versus a longer bed). The GR Manufacturing top that Nickel Plate asks about is indeed versatile, right out of the box. You can easily change from one to two seat mode, with zero interference from the top. In addition, you can easily dump the bed in the short bed / full two seat mode. If someone wanted to dump in the long-bed / one-seat mode, the headache rack does interfere with the top. On the occasional dumping basis, you can simply remove the headache rack while dumping. We just didn't spend the extra $50-60 per top to design it where it would hinge, mainly because a lot of people would never use the long-bed dump mode. The bed is extremely heavy in this mode, and an electric lift (or hydraulic) is the best solution.

If I can take any specific measurements for you (to help in your modification of the headache rack), please let me know. I will be more than happy to assist.

Thanks!

Gary Robertson

firefighter9208 · Oct 20, 2009

Well there you go. Doesn't look like I'll have to do the measuring for you tonight Nickelplate.

One question for you Gary. I'm looking at buying the bed mat or making my own for the mule. The dealer doesn't really know because he hasn't sold many. The kawasaki mat says that it's two piece. I know that the bed is 48"x48" in 2 seat mode. and smaller in one seat mode. How does the factory 2 piece mat work???? Does one piece install under the seat when in 2 seat mode?

I'm just curious because I can buy a 48"x96" rubber truck mat at Tractor Supply for about $40.00 and cut my own bed mat and floor mats out of it. I've already measured and they'll be enough there.

.

Nickel Plate. sorry to steal your thread.

BTW, Gary I love your top and windshield. Hope to save up the money to buy the overhead console with stereo and speakers soon!!!
Chris

firefighter9208 · Oct 22, 2009

Nickel plate,

Don't know if you got my email or not, but I did measure. The screen will have to be cut down so that it only sticks up 10" above the sides of the bed.

Chris

nickel plate · Oct 25, 2009

firefighter9208 said:
Well there you go. Doesn't look like I'll have to do the measuring for you tonight Nickelplate.

One question for you Gary. I'm looking at buying the bed mat or making my own for the mule. The dealer doesn't really know because he hasn't sold many. The kawasaki mat says that it's two piece. I know that the bed is 48"x48" in 2 seat mode. and smaller in one seat mode. How does the factory 2 piece mat work???? Does one piece install under the seat when in 2 seat mode?

I'm just curious because I can buy a 48"x96" rubber truck mat at Tractor Supply for about $40.00 and cut my own bed mat and floor mats out of it. I've already measured and they'll be enough there. .

Nickel Plate. sorry to steal your thread.

BTW, Gary I love your top and windshield. Hope to save up the money to buy the overhead console with stereo and speakers soon!!!
Chris

Chris,
I am installing a Kawasaki factory bedliner in my Trans today. The bed piece is indeed a single, full length section that fits from the tailgate all the way to the bed's leading edge under the back seat. The area of the floor mat in the short bed mode is ribbed/channeled to the headache rack and forward beyond that it is smooth/flat under the back seat so that the two side wing walls will swing when opened to complete the full length bed.