Flatbed for 1/2 ton?
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 56
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Flatbed for 1/2 ton?
I saw one on a 3/4 ton this weekend and was wondering if it would be a bad idea to manufacture one for my '90. its already pretty sluggish with the 300-6cyl in it, but I'm not going to be racing it. I can't spend too much on it either, so aluminum is out. Is this a bad idea?
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 453
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From: Bitterroots of Montana
I can imagine that a basic wood/steel flatbed wouldn't be too much heavier than a regular pickup bed and tailgate.
Some stake pockets and a decent headache rack would make for a useful flatbed.
Lots of them around here on 1/2 tons.
Some stake pockets and a decent headache rack would make for a useful flatbed.
Lots of them around here on 1/2 tons.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 205
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From: Big Sky Country
Here in the bigsky I see them frequently on craigslist (1/2 tons with flatbeds). I don't think it would be a prob at all.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,310
Likes: 9
From: E.Lincoln County, NC
That's what is going on my 95 4x4 4.9L if I ever get done with my other projects. Scout around on Craigslist and any other local shopper for used flat beds. I put a wanted ad on Craigslist and it was answered in less than a week. Bought my steel/wood bed for $200.
And yes, Midnite does have a nice flatbed rig!
Midnite's build thread
And yes, Midnite does have a nice flatbed rig!
Midnite's build thread
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,791
Likes: 8
From: Edmonton AB, Canada
i have the flatbed on my f150, there are pros and cons for the deck v.s. box.
unless you put sides on the deck and a end cant really just toss groceries back there lol
have to strap stuff down. but for me it serves the purpose to haul my rzr around.
unless you put sides on the deck and a end cant really just toss groceries back there lol
have to strap stuff down. but for me it serves the purpose to haul my rzr around.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,310
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From: E.Lincoln County, NC
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,791
Likes: 8
From: Edmonton AB, Canada
Lol nice catch.
I had one in my mustang too but it went with the car. Took 6 months to find another one for the truck
I had one in my mustang too but it went with the car. Took 6 months to find another one for the truck
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Postmaster
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,310
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From: E.Lincoln County, NC
That's true. Both of ours are steel frame/wood floors. Mine is 8' and I'll be cutting it down to 6 +/-. Midnite's looks to be about 8' judging by the photos. I'm looking to have to put F250 rear springs under mine.
I saw a Ranger locally with a steel framed flatbed with aluminum decking instead of wood. Very nice!
I saw a Ranger locally with a steel framed flatbed with aluminum decking instead of wood. Very nice!
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 160
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Definitely something different, a flat bed on a 1/2 or 3/4 pickup. I custom built one for my F250, rectangle tube and rough cut red oak flooring with dove tail and folding ramp. That's the reason I did it, to be different. It hauls my mower and equipment around during the summer months, well worth the investment. I'll have to post a pic as soon as I figure out how.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,791
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From: Edmonton AB, Canada
Mine is settl/wood. 8'. It is heavier then the 6' box.
I pulled it from a truck at the junk yard myself. Just got a hand from 2 small Asian guys on the other sideto lift it off so I could drag it down the row to the cart.
I pulled it from a truck at the junk yard myself. Just got a hand from 2 small Asian guys on the other sideto lift it off so I could drag it down the row to the cart.
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
Personally I woulnd not put anything, other than a Aluminum flat bed on a 1/2 ton. Steel and wood is just plain HEAVY.
This 9x8.5 bed I made on My F550 weighed in at a lil over 1,000lbs. YES I realize a 6.5x8' bed would be lighter, to the tune of about 700lbs. A pickup bed weighs in the neighbor hood of about 250-300lbs
This 9x8.5 bed I made on My F550 weighed in at a lil over 1,000lbs. YES I realize a 6.5x8' bed would be lighter, to the tune of about 700lbs. A pickup bed weighs in the neighbor hood of about 250-300lbs
Postmaster
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,310
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From: E.Lincoln County, NC
Personally, it's just an itch I've had for a long time since my old '53 F250 I had back in the early 80's. Mine will end up being about 6' long and it is 6' wide. it's a toy, something to be "different". If I want to really haul anything substantial I have a pair of trailers for that, a 6'x8' landscape trailer and a 18' tilt-deck car trailer w/8k lb Warn winch, oh and a tow dolly. That aluminum decking I'm considering should lighten it up a bit though. And if I don't like it I can always put the bed back on it.
