ReluctantTraveler
Well-known member
I've been trying to find out what the typical deck height of an F-550/5500 flatbed is on an otherwise stock vehicle (standard 19.5" tires, etc.), and my Google skills are failing me. Anyone have any idea?
Flatbed Deck Height?
- Thread starter ReluctantTraveler
- Start date
Thinking this post might be interesting for your flatbed mount: all-aluminum Durrance Design subframe on a RAM5500 with box.
ReluctantTraveler
Well-known member
Thanks! That's unfortunately a subframe. I'm planning to build a removable camper on top of a stock flatbed.
That varies depending on the type of flatbed, how it is attached, 4x4 vs 4x2, etc.
I think what might be more helpful is to try and find the height of the framerails since cab-chassis trucks don't come with any sort of standardized bed to make an apples to apples comparison.
ReluctantTraveler
Well-known member
That explains a lot! Thanks!
ReluctantTraveler
Well-known member
what do you mean by “Tire location” in this context? The loaded height? Or it’s placement relative to the rails (and how the suspension affects that)?
and yeah, you’ve got it. I’m trying to keep the height down as much as possible without bottoming out the tires against the flatbed.
2020 Ford 550 wrecker's flat bed is 44 inches, it's aluminum and bolts on just as a flat bed, if you ordered one with a flat bed. But that also includes mechanical/hydraulic components to roll the deck off.
However, might consider the suspension and mounting points for a flat deck, because yours may be different by the time you prepare any deck to hold the box.
Saying, I don't think you just bolt a box on a standard flat bed as the racking/twisting can tear the box apart.
However, might consider the suspension and mounting points for a flat deck, because yours may be different by the time you prepare any deck to hold the box.
Saying, I don't think you just bolt a box on a standard flat bed as the racking/twisting can tear the box apart.
ReluctantTraveler
Well-known member
My understanding was that that’s exactly what happens, though often with a rubber mat between them.
ReluctantTraveler
Well-known member
I should note, I’m planning a removable box, not bolted on but held with heavy duty latches or fast guns.
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
Like I said, when tire tire is stuffed, as in, when truck is flexed at its limits and one side of the trucks rear axle is hanging on its springs and the other is stuffed/flexed into the bump stop.
That will likely dictate how low you can go with your bed deck height. The way mine is built, there is nothing more than a 1/4”sheet of aluminum tread plate and 3/4” of air, between the camper and the tires when stuffed/flexed. Unless I notched the camper walls for fenders, it is absolutely as low as possible.
ReluctantTraveler
Well-known member
ohhhh that’s the thing where folks Jack up one side with a forklift, right? Didn’t know it had a name. Sorry!
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
Another way to look at it is to base it loosely upon available up-travel of the rear end.
At ride height loaded I have less than an inch of height between the 35's and the bed rail.
Given the rails are 6" tall and I have less than that in uptravel I'm in the clear.
Though when you add flex to that uptravel the tire will move FURTHER up.
Empty I have about 2-1/2" of height between tire and bedrail. So empty deck height it right about 44"
At ride height loaded I have less than an inch of height between the 35's and the bed rail.
Given the rails are 6" tall and I have less than that in uptravel I'm in the clear.
Though when you add flex to that uptravel the tire will move FURTHER up.
Empty I have about 2-1/2" of height between tire and bedrail. So empty deck height it right about 44"
ReluctantTraveler
Well-known member
Another way to look at it is to base it loosely upon available up-travel of the rear end.
At ride height loaded I have less than an inch of height between the 35's and the bed rail.
Given the rails are 6" tall and I have less than that in uptravel I'm in the clear.
Though when you add flex to that uptravel the tire will move FURTHER up.
Empty I have about 2-1/2" of height between tire and bedrail. So empty deck height it right about 44"
Seeing the way your rig is configured makes me wonder if I should be considering a truck with a shorter wheelbase and overhang the flatbed by a few feet.
Another way to look at it is to base it loosely upon available up-travel of the rear end.
At ride height loaded I have less than an inch of height between the 35's and the bed rail.
Given the rails are 6" tall and I have less than that in uptravel I'm in the clear.
Though when you add flex to that uptravel the tire will move FURTHER up.
Empty I have about 2-1/2" of height between tire and bedrail. So empty deck height it right about 44"
Looking at yours, the only way I could see getting any lower would be if the camper itself had fender arches to matched a "notched" bed ala:
In this way, the flatbed isnt a flatbed. When most people design flatbeds, they want to put stuff over the wheels. With campers, however, we're interested in getting the COG as low as possible while maximizing usable space and lowering entry/egress.
What are the pros/cons of lowering deck height around wheels and building a camper with built in arches?