Alright maybe its just me but I dont get what the whole appeal of flatbeds are, my trucks in need of a new bed (current one is dented and beat to hell) and its been suggested by a "couple" people that I just put a flatbed on it instead. So...what am I missing here for the whole appeal of the flat beds? I will admit the main thing I use the truck for is towing my 24' car trailer (~7-8k lbs) vs loading large items in the bed (actully kindve like the idea that I can throw a bag in the back and not worry about it falling out (or parts, gas cans etc)
Flatbeds...
- Thread starter kc0stp
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flareside_thun
Reviving The General Tao
I think flatness are more purpose-built. If you're always pulling a gooseneck and you've got to get at a trailer at a weird angle, sure. They are really handy on preventing other people's trash from accumulating though.
Keeway
ALL MOTOR!
flatbed are very useful and you will not umderstand that till you own one. my truck came from the factory as a cab n chassis and therefore had no regular pickup bed on it. a flatbed was installed and its been a flatbed ever since. they are useful for many things such as hauling items larger than what would fit in a regular bed. i can fit 2 atvs sideways on mine where as you can only haul one on yours, i can haul cabs and other beds and stuff on mine and stuff like that also. sure a flatbed might not be the best to go get groceries, but thats what I have other trucks for. but when it comes down to it and hauling bulky stuff, ya just cant beat a flatbed
antiqueford
Full Access Member
Its hard to explain. Just put a flat on, you'll find out. Besides, securing your load is a good habit to get into anyway.
Aside from that, I've never really had a problem with stuff sliding around. My spare isn't tied down, just as sort of an experiment. It hasn't moved in the 2000+ miles I've owned the truck. If you need space for loose crap, just throw a job box on or get under bed boxes.
Aside from that, I've never really had a problem with stuff sliding around. My spare isn't tied down, just as sort of an experiment. It hasn't moved in the 2000+ miles I've owned the truck. If you need space for loose crap, just throw a job box on or get under bed boxes.
All depends what you are using it for. Flatbeds can be configured many different ways for specific or universal purposes. Equipment can be mounted to them, they are rugged and the color doesn't need to match. Very common on company and ranch pickups. If you are working off the back of your pickup they are very nice because you can reach the bed from all sides. I would say the appeal is mostly function. For you the regular pickup box may be best.
justinray
Contributor
Durability, storage, space, front toolboxes make a good area for remote batteries, etc.
MIDNIGHT RIDER
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My personal truck, a flat-bed, was sitting parked alongside my driveway at home.
A guy from the lumber store, driving another flat-bed, delivering a big load of lumber, backed into my truck, side-swiping the flat-bed and scooting my truck about six-feet sideways in the gravel.
Had my truck have had a flimsy factory sheet-metal bed, it would have been a complete disaster.
As it turned out, I was able to repair all the damages with a can of Glossy Black from the Dollar General Store.
(This is not the only time my flat-bed has been hit; at least three times that I know about and untelling how many times where nobody hung around to claim responsibility.)
That is my main reason for liking flat-beds, but not by far my only reason.
Built well, a flat-bed will outlast several "normally cared for" trucks.
A guy from the lumber store, driving another flat-bed, delivering a big load of lumber, backed into my truck, side-swiping the flat-bed and scooting my truck about six-feet sideways in the gravel.
Had my truck have had a flimsy factory sheet-metal bed, it would have been a complete disaster.
As it turned out, I was able to repair all the damages with a can of Glossy Black from the Dollar General Store.
(This is not the only time my flat-bed has been hit; at least three times that I know about and untelling how many times where nobody hung around to claim responsibility.)
That is my main reason for liking flat-beds, but not by far my only reason.
Built well, a flat-bed will outlast several "normally cared for" trucks.
Last edited:
antiqueford
Full Access Member
^Indeed. My flatbed appears to be much older than my truck. At least, it has definitely taken the majority of the abuse my truck has seen.
Wyreth
Certifiable Noob
I keep being tempted by a flatbed... Well sorta, I keep being tempted by a stake bed. We had a couple at my old work in sac, and good lord were they useful.
Trust me, a flatbed while not the prettiest thing, is incredibly useful. It will easily handle alot of things you would have needed a trailer for before. Also if you add the staked gates too it, you can still use it much like a traditional bed. Tho height clearance can become an issue on the headache board. (I spend alot of time in alot of very low parking garages)
Also, you can put belly boxes under it. Altho I kinda think that's a must more than an option. Makes a goosneck easy, and gives room for big ass saddle tanks. Another good idea if you run WMO, WVO, or home made bio.
Trust me, a flatbed while not the prettiest thing, is incredibly useful. It will easily handle alot of things you would have needed a trailer for before. Also if you add the staked gates too it, you can still use it much like a traditional bed. Tho height clearance can become an issue on the headache board. (I spend alot of time in alot of very low parking garages)
Also, you can put belly boxes under it. Altho I kinda think that's a must more than an option. Makes a goosneck easy, and gives room for big ass saddle tanks. Another good idea if you run WMO, WVO, or home made bio.
flareside_thun
Reviving The General Tao
I've been tempted by a flatbed as well....The main thing holding me back is the weight. My truck is a **** as it is and adding a steel flatbed to it would definitely not be helping anything.
Carry enough straps, you can tie down anything you need on a flat, and you dont have to worry about tearing it up in the process' I love mine, I wouldnt want a regular bed, having to reach over and climb up in to get things, too much fuss.
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