My '86 F-350 4x4 (SRW) has a service body (bins) on it, and it needs to go away.

I'm really interested in putting a light-weight (plank floor) stake bed on it. The truck has the standard 8' bed, 56" cab-to-axle distance.

Are there different types of these flat beds? I'm not looking for tool boxes or a headache rack, just a nice bed with low plank sides. I've seen a few photos of this kind of bed on bull-nose trucks, and they look really good!

Are there specific types or manufacturers that should be sought out, or avoided? Are there issues that might come up that might influence fitting a good frame mounted hitch?

Thanks for any information,

Chris

 

Chris,

The only flatbed I can remember discussed here recently was home made by one of our Oklahoma chapter members.
There is a well documented build thread.
It was modeled in CAD and incorporated fixed low sides, not stake pockets.
More of a lip around the edges, to keep things from sliding off.

To the best of my knowledge it is now in Kentucky doing duty as a chicken coop.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ion-plans.html

I can't imagine any issue installing a receiver hitch.
All of them I've seen bolt to the bottom flange of the frame rails.

 

My first truck (81 F150 Custom 4x4) had a combination stake bed/low rail setup on it. It was something built by the PO and it utilizes the stake bed base with the low rail sliding into the stake points. My mom kept it for a while and just sold it to some guy in Kansas or Missouri back in January. I'll ask her for some pictures, as I don't have any anymore.

 

What a great idea! It never occurred to me to build a bed completely out of wood.

That would let me have whatever I want. I do want to keep the ability to do some hauling, but this isn't going to be a work truck. If it can handle 1500 pounds of engine/trans on occasion, or similar, my needs are met.

I want to get rid of the service body NOW! What's required to keep it legal for public roads? Lights, of course. Are fenders over the rear wheels required, or are mud flaps sufficient? Is a rear bumper required? This would allow me to dump the service body right away and have easy access to the frame/related items for any work that might be appropriate while working on a design for the flat bed!

Thanks for the idea, gentlemen! I read all 27 pages of the linked thread with great interest.

Chris

 

"Wheels need to be covered" <-- City and County of Denver rules, check your local laws

 

Yeah, I think I'm going to have to do something about that.

BTW, this service body is free to anybody that wants it. It's a STAHL, 8' long, for a SRW truck w/ 38" frame rail spacing. It's not in perfect condition but, if we can move it, it's yours. I'm in SW Colorado.

 

I use my truck as a firewood hauler and a body like that would be a hindrance more than anything to me

 

Utility bodies are great for utility workers, weldors and mobile mechanics.
Someone wants it!

Northern tool makes some stake pocket hardware you could bolt to the inside of a wooden flatbed.
Trailer Stake Pocket — Straight, Model# 45004G | Trailer Stake Pockets| Northern Tool + Equipment

 

I think a steel framed wood bed would look nice. It would also allow you to weld fender halves over the wheels. This idea would utilize the flat bed as the top of the fender, and have a section coming down in front of and behind the wheel.

 

Northern has a lot of trailer parts that could be easily used.
Lights, fenders, markers, rope rings...
Check out their whole trailer site.

 

Snagged a pic for you:

 

Just a FYI. Wood is NOT light. You will want white oak or pressure treated wood for anti rot. If you make a bed that is 8' long and 6.5' wide out of wood, it will EASILY weigh 800-1000lbs

If I were to BUY a bed, there is no doubt I would be buying one of these
TAFCO Equipment

The Home Depot uses them on their retail trucks. VERY light yet very strong.
I actually have an old HD bed at my house, just truing to find the right truck to put it on

 

Best build I've seen for a while.
Do a search in the 87-96 forum and you'll find some flatbeds.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-o-ration.html