I need to add a dumping flatbed for a chassis cab truck. Any recommendations on manufacturer's? Also, should I go aluminum or steel for the flatbed. How much of a premium is the weight savings of aluminum worth?

 

I've built 2 beds with steel framework and alum. treadplate skin - T6-6061 for the deck and soft polished for the sides and rear. Alum is 1/3 the weight of steel and a lot more expensive. I used a lot of steel (closer centers) in the frames to make sure the alum had plenty of support behind it. I may have defeated the purpose of the alum but I didn't want to have the steel skin to paint. My beds ended up weighing 850 lbs with the bumpers but it makes a truck ride better. Your dump unit will add a lot of weight so you might want to think more about an alum bed. Check out alum-line.com. I think that's the site. They make some NICE stuff but I never priced any of it. I don't think I want to, either! Craig

 

Check out alum-line.com. I think that's the site. They make some NICE stuff but I never priced any of it. I don't think I want to, either! Craig
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Me, too. Afraid to ask. But you can spend hours there.