Bed removal techniques

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Jul 29, 2018 | 12:25 PM

KC8QVO

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Bed removal techniques

What are some methods that you have used to remove truck beds - aside from several people lifting and walking it off and fork lifts or tractor loaders?

The tie down holds in the corners seem to be strong - if they are good to hold loads down with I would imagine they would be adequate to hold the weight of the bed while hoisted from the top. Has anyone tried this? Are there any flex issues?

Jul 29, 2018 | 01:51 PM

jetty

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From: Houston

I have used a cheap Harbor Freight engine lift w/ OK results. Lift all the way boomed out, using 4 ratchet straps to precisely balance the load prior to lifting.
(Remove tailgate, position lift in the rear, 2 straps on center and 2 straps on frontmost corners)
Lift bed up over the tires and drive truck out from under bed. (did not feel load lift was stable enough to roll around; my concrete is really rough and with me.

Using only one man (me) this works, but not a whole lot of margin.

Jul 29, 2018 | 02:46 PM

KC8QVO

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Any flexing issues? Or is it really just a matter of balancing right so it doesn't swing much when lifted up?

Jul 29, 2018 | 03:06 PM

jetty

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From: Houston

No flexing at all. An 8' box is not that heavy, just bulky. To get it safely lifted off w/ an engine lift it is all about balancing the load w/ ratchet straps before starting to lift.

Jul 29, 2018 | 03:14 PM

finn

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From: Upper penninsula

Put an eye bolt through the center pocket (hole is about half way down) and use an engine leveler with the chain hooks through the eye bolts, and an engine hoist , skid steer, tractor bucket, or other lifting device to lift the bed straight up, and high enough to clear the bumper and rear tires.

alternately, diagonal ratchet straps threaded through the engine hoist hook.

Jul 29, 2018 | 08:53 PM

TooManyToys.

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From: Jersey Shore

The bed tie downs are fine for lifting the bed off the frame, four 800 lb tiedowns work fine. Engine lift, A-frame, loader, backhoe, whatever.

The bigger issue is what you’re planning on doing with it afterwards, as in flip it to do rails. That’s the interesting part.

Jul 29, 2018 | 09:28 PM

KC8QVO

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I made a lift out of wood several years back for picking the cap off my truck - Leer 180. I presume it is in the 300-400lb range. It has served well through the years. I have gone through 3 winches to power it - come-along at first, then a brake style hand crank cable winch, then a 4500lb Superwinch electric winch. For my utility hauling the 4500lb Superwinch is a life-saver. I have the remote for it also. My idea was to use the cap lift, or something similar, to pick the bed in the future.

I may make a steel gantry. I need to load equipment and supplies on the top rack of the cap every once in a while and that sits over 7ft up. It is very hard to get heavy gear up there - generators, 12 gallon fuel tanks, ect, That may be another method of pulling the bed.