I want to put a flatbed on my 2001 F250 SD 4x4. There are lots of used ones out there but not sure what will fit without doing a bunch of fabrication. I went and looked at one that I was assured would fit but it turned out to be 8 feet wide and 11 feet long. There are too many Navy jets flying around here to be driving an aircraft carrier-sized flatbed around. :-) Another one I was assured that even though it was on a Dodge truck, it would fit any long wheelbase truck.

How do I make that determination? What measurement constitutes a long wheel-base? Also, I've been looking for the definition of Long and Short wheelbase. What measurement makes a long wheelbase long? I know, if it's longer than short, right? LOL

Ford has so many different variations and I just want to know what length has to be exceeded to consider a truck long wheelbase? Google has let me down. I find all kinds of discussions that talk all around it without actually saying what it is.

As Python would say, "Blessed are the thick."

 

Easiest is the most expensive, take it somewhere and have them do it for you and just write the check.

Cheapest is to get something used (can save alot of cash).

Buying a new one and fitting it is somewhere between the two, seems like there is always something that needs adjusting (they try to make them fit alot of models so they don't fit every model perfect). Just the way it is.

When I look at used flatbeds (pretty close to the cheapest), I usually do this:

1) Measure the existing frame distance from main support to main support, and measure the width.
2) Measure from the back of the cab to the end of the main support, and also measure any ups or downs from the frame bearing surface.
3) Draw a little sketch of it in plan view (looking down) for reference. I put notes about where the gas tank and other obstructions as well as noting the height of the tires from the top of the rail. Make a couple copies of it so you can make notes on it.

Then when I go to buy the flatbed I measure where its supports are and see if it lines up (draw on top of one of the copies). Need to make sure that if there are main support blocks they line up with spots on your frame that are available. Not complicated, but it does need to be accurate.

As far as how far back to go, you need to pick up the last rear main support of the flatbed with something. If the last rear main support of the flatbed is behind the end of your frame, I usually pick it up with whatever bumper I am fabricating for it, but that gets into fabrication if you are doing a custom bumper.

If you aren't going to have the truck for more than 10 years, you can put a wood flatbed on it. They are the easiest

 

 

That's some very good info!

 

The thing to remember is the frames are different between a pick up and a CC truck.
I would think most of the flat beds you are looking at are for the CC trucks as vary few want a flat bed on a pick up.
Based on the few you said you looked at sound like for a CC truck with 8 feet wide and 11 feet long!
As said measure your frame so you know what you have to deal with.
Dave ----

 

Thanks for the info, Dave. I think you are right about the CC beds. I hate paying 4k for a truck bed but at least I'll know it's the right one. LOL

 

Measure your frame rail width center to center and the length. These are the numbers you want to match closely as possible with the flatbed.

When looking at used, if it was from a cab & chassis truck you do NOT want it. Cab & chassis trucks have narrow frame width.

 

What is said above. Measure the rails and then see if the bed matches up. As far as I know they are all quite similiar and could be made to fit with slight fabrication work. As to the long vs short wheelbase question whoever the guy is that told you that is a dweeb. It doesn't matter what wheelbase your truck is. You can have a crew cab short box with a 156" wheelbase or you can have an extended cab long box with a 155" wheelbase, both pratically identical wheelbases but different box lengths. Superduty trucks come with two options for box length. 8' (Long Box) and 6'8" (Short Box) if the flatbed is 8' as most are then it will fit on the back of your truck and cover the frame rails just like your regular box would.