Flatbed Questions
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Fulltiming in an RV! Currently Nevada
Posts: 488
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Flatbed Questions
Until I get around to getting a 4500 or 5500, I plan to build a flatbed for my current truck.
How much higher is the deck of the flatbed compared to the deck of the stock bed (I know the 4500/5500 don't come with a bed; I mean the bed on a 3500). Anybody know?
Based on my own measurements, for a flatbed that's 96" wide (the same width as the tires on a 3500 DRW), it looks like I'll have to go up 4". This would be from using 2x4 box steel for the sides of the flatbed. Did I measure right?
To figure this out, I measured the space from the bump stop to the leaf spring and subtracted the thickness of the helper springs. That measurement is around 6.5 inches. This is so the outer tire doesn't rub the flatbed.
I don't mind going up 4" if that's what it takes; what bothers me is adapting my B&W Turnoverball hitch. B&W tells me I should remove the Dodge-specific hitch and replace it with a $150 weld-in piece that they sell, which includes the pin/latch and stuff.
Thing is... is welding this thing into the flatbed going to result in something a strong as the big, beefy Dodge-specific one I have now? I use the Companion 5th Wheel Hitch with it.
The plan was to use 1/8" thick steel... 2x4 box for the outsides and probably the crossmembers too, then run 2x2 box to prop it up the rest of the way (since the stock bed sits about 2" above the framerails). The deck material would be steel diamondplate. I would set the crossmembers down slightly so the diamondplate would be flush with the outer frame.
Any input is appreciated!
Rob
How much higher is the deck of the flatbed compared to the deck of the stock bed (I know the 4500/5500 don't come with a bed; I mean the bed on a 3500). Anybody know?
Based on my own measurements, for a flatbed that's 96" wide (the same width as the tires on a 3500 DRW), it looks like I'll have to go up 4". This would be from using 2x4 box steel for the sides of the flatbed. Did I measure right?
To figure this out, I measured the space from the bump stop to the leaf spring and subtracted the thickness of the helper springs. That measurement is around 6.5 inches. This is so the outer tire doesn't rub the flatbed.
I don't mind going up 4" if that's what it takes; what bothers me is adapting my B&W Turnoverball hitch. B&W tells me I should remove the Dodge-specific hitch and replace it with a $150 weld-in piece that they sell, which includes the pin/latch and stuff.
Thing is... is welding this thing into the flatbed going to result in something a strong as the big, beefy Dodge-specific one I have now? I use the Companion 5th Wheel Hitch with it.
The plan was to use 1/8" thick steel... 2x4 box for the outsides and probably the crossmembers too, then run 2x2 box to prop it up the rest of the way (since the stock bed sits about 2" above the framerails). The deck material would be steel diamondplate. I would set the crossmembers down slightly so the diamondplate would be flush with the outer frame.
Any input is appreciated!
Rob
#3
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 365
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dodge has really detailed guides for upfitters (which is basically what you're doing) somewhere on their website. I'm not totally sure if it'd cover a truck that originally came with a bed, but if the 3500 C&C frame is the same as the regular, with-a-bed one then it'd be applicable.
#5
With age comes the cage
Rob,
I broke down and went broke myself today!!! I signed a contract on a 5500 4x4 Sterling I am going to build my own bed to..so I will post the pics as I go it might give you some Ideas..
Here is a link to the builders guide for the chassis and cab models..
http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/2008/dm/dmmo.pdf
I broke down and went broke myself today!!! I signed a contract on a 5500 4x4 Sterling I am going to build my own bed to..so I will post the pics as I go it might give you some Ideas..
Here is a link to the builders guide for the chassis and cab models..
http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/2008/dm/dmmo.pdf
#6
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Hunters, Washington
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't mind going up 4" if that's what it takes; what bothers me is adapting my B&W Turnoverball hitch. B&W tells me I should remove the Dodge-specific hitch and replace it with a $150 weld-in piece that they sell, which includes the pin/latch and stuff.
Thing is... is welding this thing into the flatbed going to result in something a strong as the big, beefy Dodge-specific one I have now? I use the Companion 5th Wheel Hitch with it.
Thing is... is welding this thing into the flatbed going to result in something a strong as the big, beefy Dodge-specific one I have now? I use the Companion 5th Wheel Hitch with it.
The only issue I can forsee is using the 5th wheel attachment since the "receptacle" will now be about 4 inches below the level of the deck. I converted our 35' 5th-wheel to gooseneck, but I know there are lots of reasons why many people don't. I had to go 4" higher with the flatbed than the box floor because of all the reasons stated by others (2001 2500). I have gone two years with a tire upsize, chains, fully loaded (2 ton) and I am glad I didn't do any less. Another option I see on many decks is they are designed for the tire to tuck up inside the frame of the deck similar to a wheel well. Mine also has 2x4 tube around the outside so the stake pockets are inside of that and I would stick with that.
Wayne
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
j
Performance and Accessories 2nd gen only
10
06-11-2003 02:10 PM