Flatbed height over stock

[zach_c]

Has anyone completed a recent (last couple years) analysis of the various flatbed manufacturers to determine height over the stock bed on a Ram 2500/3500 or similar platform? I really want to keep the height as close to stock as possible while at the same time preserving off road capability. I will ultimately place a flatbed or slide-in camper or at times not have the camper on at all. Which manufactures are the closest to stock and what's the height difference? Which ones should I rule out?

 

[IdaSHO]

Something to keep in mind if you are after a true flatbed, that height will typically dictated by wheel/tire travel.

Ive built a few, this is the last one. Flatbed height wound up being 6" or so over floor height of factory bed.
Any lower and tires (with chains fitted) would scrub the underside when fully flexed/stuffed.

So, your mileage may vary

 

[andy_b]

Idaho nailed it - the final flatbed deck height is ultimately dictated by your tire and suspension package, plus accommodations for things like chains, frequent mud, etc.

IMHO all projects like this need to start with realistic weight and travel terrain assessments - then you’ll know what tires you need and what you‘ll need to do the suspension to accommodate said tires.

if everything were to truly remain stock (crazy imho), the lowest you could the deck will be around the height of the wheel wells in the stock bed. That was a good estimate on both of the times I did this.

All flatbeds are “custom” in that the final installer will have to adapt it to fit your chassis.

I built a flatbed camper in ‘22 and switched chassis recently so that is kinda like doing it twice lol.

 

[AZyucca]

Here are my actual measurements recorded while planning our flatbed TC setup. I had the luxury of having the exact TC ( Arctic Fox 865) in the family so I was able to plan from those. Weight of TC w/ full water & full fuel is 4,560 lbs.

2011 Chevy 3500 DRW, loaded bed height 33", overall height w/ oem A/C 12'5".

2026 F550 Cab/ Chassis w/ CM RD steel flatbed, unloaded deck height 41", loaded 38". Overall height w/ low profile OutEquip 12v A/C 12'3".

So in other words, my flatbed loaded with the same TC has a 5" higher deck height than our stock 3500.
HTH


( Oem A/C 12" high, OutEquip A/C height 7")

 

[andy_b]

What is your tire and suspension setup?

Technically, these discussions are academic because the flatbed will be as high as it needs to be to clear the tires. The planning can help in case you had a shop or similar (like I did) but otherwise, you need to sort your tires and suspension and then flex the setup as much as possible to determine your deck height.

 

[zach_c]

I'm currently on 35s with a Thruen suspension which is a 2" level lift in front. However, I planning to go with 37s and a Carli Pintop or Dominator, though trying to keep lift minimized, which may favor Pintop. And do need to account for chains or mud and general off road articulation. Not rock crawling, but some FS and BLM roads aren't very good

As for camper, most likely a FWC Hawk or OEV Backcountry. Loaded with water, food for a week, camp and recovery gear, hunting or fishing gear. So, nothing too heavy. Also will run without camper on at times.

 

[rruff]

2" front lift is plenty, with probably none in the rear.

Slide-in campers will be made for a lower bed, so if you put one on a flatbed you'll have an excessive gap between the cab and bottom of the berth, and the height inside the berth will be less than it could be. If a regular slide in is what you want, best have a bed made with wheelwells. You can get lots of external storage, above and below the bed.

Will that be a pickup chassis or cab-chassis?