Utility bed design for gooseneck?
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Utility bed design for gooseneck?
Has anyone seen a service body design which has ample tool boxes and can still pull a gooseneck trailer? I've found one bed builder in Southern CA that has one but all the storage space is below bed (hitch level). I know that I'd be able to mount 1 foot boxes on the sides of my flatbed above bed level in addition to those that are already mounted below the bed. I'd like to find a service bed instead of just modifying a flatbed.
If anyone has, or has seen a good bed design; I'd like to know about it before buying a new truck. Any pics would be appreciated.
If anyone has, or has seen a good bed design; I'd like to know about it before buying a new truck. Any pics would be appreciated.
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From: Windsor, Colorado
There have to be more out there, but here is one I have seen before. The key is keeping the tool boxes low. the info doesnt state gooseneck, but I have seen these knaphiede service bodies pulling gns.
http://www.knapheide.com/products/we...sternerstorage
http://www.knapheide.com/products/we...sternerstorage
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From: Wheatland, Mo
The need for clearance is not only for flat pulling a gooseneck but for the off camber turns where the main support for the trailer that attaches to the bed will get close to the bed. That is why you prolly only finding them with the tool boxes underneath or at the front of the bed. You pretty much want to be sure the the height of the side boxes don't go higher than the standard bed and the floor is the same height of a standard bed.
Last edited by BillyBob69; Jan 2, 2008 at 11:29 AM.
Tuned
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From: ind. (kc)
hi, i have a f450 ,that iput a "CM" bed on . it has lots of tool boxes &a trap door goosehitch . i've had it a yr. like it a lot , only thing bad i can think of is the locks onthe toolboxes suck . oh it has a nice head ache rack . barry
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My buddy in AL at truckerswarehouse.com builds custom aluminum beds. I'm sure if you have the $ he'll make it any way you want it! Take a look at the pictures in the aluminum bed section. I can only dream of having something like that some day. The 3rd pic in the police / fire /rescue section may be just what you want.
Last edited by hitchman; Jan 2, 2008 at 07:51 PM.
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Thanks for the info.
I've seen those low sided service bodies before and it didn't click that they could haul a goose neck.
BillyBob69, I keep worrying about the clearance issue, are you saying that I can check the depth of a regular bed to determine the maximum heighth of the side boxes? That makes sense to me.
Hitchman, those are some good looking beds.
Now another question about hauling with a gooseneck. I think I've had the truck almost perpendicular with the trailer when I've been manuevering it into a tight spot, is there any instance when you might have to go more than that? When you do a U turn does the truck and trailer exceed 90 degrees? I'm wondering if a service bed can have tall cabinet type boxes forward of the hitch and how far forward of the hitch they would have to be.
I've seen those low sided service bodies before and it didn't click that they could haul a goose neck.
BillyBob69, I keep worrying about the clearance issue, are you saying that I can check the depth of a regular bed to determine the maximum heighth of the side boxes? That makes sense to me.
Hitchman, those are some good looking beds.
Now another question about hauling with a gooseneck. I think I've had the truck almost perpendicular with the trailer when I've been manuevering it into a tight spot, is there any instance when you might have to go more than that? When you do a U turn does the truck and trailer exceed 90 degrees? I'm wondering if a service bed can have tall cabinet type boxes forward of the hitch and how far forward of the hitch they would have to be.
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From: Wheatland, Mo
Take alook a where the bed rails come to against the cab....that should be your height max. Maybe a couple more inches. Your trailer design is going to make a big difference. If the hitch support arms are real high, then you can add taller boxes. If it is lower, then lower boxes. There aren't many utility beds that were designed to accept a gooseneck too but..with a little imagination and work, anything can be made to work. Just need to be sure that as you turn, on an angle, the arms to the coupler are not going to hit the top of the boxes.
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From: Windsor, Colorado
Originally Posted by eshoaff
Now another question about hauling with a gooseneck. I think I've had the truck almost perpendicular with the trailer when I've been manuevering it into a tight spot, is there any instance when you might have to go more than that? When you do a U turn does the truck and trailer exceed 90 degrees? I'm wondering if a service bed can have tall cabinet type boxes forward of the hitch and how far forward of the hitch they would have to be.
If you are getting a new truck you might want to look at longer wheel base cab/chassis. would let you mount the hitch further back and allow for space for taller boxes up front.
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From: Wheatland, Mo
Originally Posted by mudmaker
It would have to be a seriously tight uturn to exceed 90. Like said it really depends on the hitch design of your trailer. If it is a flatbed GN I think you could get away with taller front boxes.
If you are getting a new truck you might want to look at longer wheel base cab/chassis. would let you mount the hitch further back and allow for space for taller boxes up front.
If you are getting a new truck you might want to look at longer wheel base cab/chassis. would let you mount the hitch further back and allow for space for taller boxes up front.
With the B&W Gooseneck setup, it gives you two locations to mount the ball. On a full length bed, (8ft), 46 inches puts you just above the rear axel. 43 inches, behind the axel.
I'm not sure if all manufacturers of gooseneck hitches does this tho.
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From: SW Oklahoma
http://www.cmtruckbeds.com/Categorie...e-ec4f1ef63bc9
Here's the CM like be250 mentioned. These are really nice beds, though they're a long ways from southern California. You might give them a call though, I know they send trailers all over the country. At least, it might give you some ideas. I have a friend that has one and he pulls trailers through fields and pastures all the time, so I'd think it'd prob'ly work for you.
Here's the CM like be250 mentioned. These are really nice beds, though they're a long ways from southern California. You might give them a call though, I know they send trailers all over the country. At least, it might give you some ideas. I have a friend that has one and he pulls trailers through fields and pastures all the time, so I'd think it'd prob'ly work for you.
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From: Wheatland, Mo
Very nice!!! That is the perfect design for boxes and gooseneck. Notice the front boxes don't go higher than a regular bed would. Then the others are lower for clearance.
Nice find ramblin.
Nice find ramblin.
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Yeah, that is exactly what I'm looking for and it's a lot better looking than what I've patched together on my flat bed. They have one for the 11' cab & chassis and that would give a lot of tool storage, it looks like they have utilized all the space available. Now I just have to resist the urge to buy the crew cab with the 11' frame again. I love all the space mine has but it is awkward.
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From: ind. (kc)
hey , that's it , ihave the tm model , it's great . the top box will fit full sized shoveles , the small box behind the rear wheels works for chains & receier hitches , the big box at front will fit a top mech. box ect. thanks for posting the link [i can't ] barry