Let's see your flatbeds!

[mikehaugen]

So my poor old Dodge is rusting out pretty bad, and I see it as an opportunity to make it more functional. I am toying with the idea of building a flatbed for it. It is a 2500 (so not a dually) and have looked around at different options for srw flatbeds. Most look weird, but some look good, I think they really need to be done right to look right. The only criteria I have right now is that I want fold down/ removable sides and a headache rack. I would like to put frame rails following the contours of the original frame, then put 3" channel cross-members on top, but that may be too tall. Maybe put the cross-members right on the truck frame? Wood or diamondplate deck? I like the ones that have the diamondplate drop down in the back to fill the gap to the hitch, but I don't need skirts on the sides. It will definitely be steel for cost and ease of welding.

What do you guys have? Who has built there own? We all love pictures here, so let's see them! Also if you could share some details about the build if you did it yourself it would be great. What do you like about it, what would you change about it? How did you frame out the gooseneck ball (if you have one)? How much did it cost (either to build or buy)?>

 

[dodge man]

I've thought of going that route also. I agree, a lot of them that aren't a dually look weird but once and a while you see one that looks good. There is a place in Quincy Il. (Knaphiede sp?) that makes them and will make custom ones also. Probably expensive but they are a nice product.

 

[mikehaugen]

Thanks Dave, I see their truck bodies all of the time and assumed they made beds too, but this is an old truck and I'm a cheap a** and won't buy a factory one... unless I find a good used one. I am hoping to keep this around a grand, IF I go through with it. I say a grand knowing that will probably turn into 1500 when I'm done. Good news is that in my line of work, I can come across odds and ends pieces of steel for free once in a while. Besides, I like building stuff for myself. With the ideas I get from other beds I see (and hopefully other members here) I should be able to build one exactly how I want it.

 

[swlman2]

Here is my 06 2500 short bed

 

[motownbrowne]

View attachment 386044
Here is my 06 2500 short bed

That definitely looks goofy.

I'm sure it's handy, but sure looks funny.

 

[swlman2]

Some like it, some don't. I like it.

 

[swlman2]

Some like it, some don't. I like it. Gets in to places a forklift cant go.

 

[Wnc3]

View attachment 386044
Here is my 06 2500 short bed

Form follows function. It is purpose built.
I like it.

 

[dieselcrawler]

View attachment 386044
Here is my 06 2500 short bed

Not knocking your truck/bed... but that's more a job specific welders bed than a general use flat bed.

In any case... making a flat bed look good isn't easy. Making one look bad isn't hard... the one that was on my boss' truck fits the latter. Sorry, no pic.

 

[redprospector]

Some like it, some don't. I like it.

If you like it, I love it!
I actually do like it. :thumbsup:

Here's a picture of my 98 that I traded off last year. It's wearing a PJ bed, I'm thinking about getting another PJ for my 05.


This is my old 97.