I haven't posted in ages, but I hope you're all doing well.

I have a question regarding installing a hydraulic dump mechanism underneath a factory longbed.

I measured the mechanism, it fits flawlessly between my F350's frame rails so that's easy, and it also fits nicely in front of the rear tank and over the driveshaft even if the suspension is completely compressed. Measured that in real time by wrenching down the rear suspension to the snubbers - room to spare.

The question relates to the fuel tanks. Obviously the tanks attach to the inside of the bedside behind the filler doors, and I'll have to rearrange that somehow so the bed can dump and the fuel filler hoses aren't ripped off rudely.

So, to those of you who installed such a thing under the factory bed, how did you handle the fuel filler hoses, doors, and gas caps? I've been staring at this every night for a couple of days and the only thing I could come up with is to leave the doors on and remove the welded-on metal frame that the necks attach to, and fabricate some brackets so those remain in a fixed while the bed moves up and down. Though, since the side of the bed curves under slightly at the bottom, they would hit. Moving them back would result in the gas pump nozzle not making a good seal, and tripping constantly.

Just curious.... thanks!

 

No ideas? Anyone?

 

I had a buddy that installed one. He had a trap door in the bottom of the bed with modified filler necks. This may not be the best idea though. After a few months he realized one it sucks to lean into the bed for fuel and two when the bed is full, fueling isn't possible.

 

The only thing I can think of right now is, what you were saying except turn the filler neck so you can gain access through the wheel well.

Good Luck

 

The only two ways that I have seen this done is -

1 - thru the wheel well as mentioned
2 - by rising the bed to fuel

I know you already have the cylinder, but because of this inconvience, I went with a dump bed insert - and left the bed in its origional position - plus it is easily transfered to a different truck.

Of course now I have a bigger dump truck so I don't use the pickup based one much anymore.

Good luck with your project, whichever way you go it is nice to have a dump!

David

 

That sounds better than the deck of the bed. Your really limited to the locations due to the height of the tanks. Too far away and there will be no drop to allow fuel to flow. You could always fabricate a telescopic filler neck. Pull it out when you fuel and use the existing doors. Or even a detachable extension with O' rings and locking tang. I think the wheel well would be the best bet unless you relocate the tank(s). If the tank was close to the cab you could fabricate the old style fuel filler just behind the door on the cab. Remember the "behind the seat" tanks on the older trucks? Well I better stop now I'm really reaching lol.

 

Thanks for the ideas guys.

"Reaching" is fine because I've been staring at it and getting nothing - which is usually not the case. Usually I get *something* to pop into my head.

Yeah, a dump will be nice, not that I need it that often. On rare occasions I'm "sent" to get dirt, pea gravel or sand, and it ends up in my truck until I feel like shovelling it out scoop by scoop. Dumping it on the lawn would be so much easier and I can use my truck without hauling around 3000lbs of stuff for days.