truck bed sheet metal strength?

[bajavanadu]

I'd like to add a bedside step to make it easier to reach the front of my roof rack. Thinking about mounting folding step to the sheet metal bedside but im worried about it deforming the side of the bed from the stress of repeated use any thoughts?

 

[DaveInDenver]

The sheet metal on vehicles anymore seems pretty thin, I dunno.

Perhaps alternatives to get the wheels spinning. A buddy of mine had one of these over the wheels steps to get stuff on his roof rack and it worked alright.


This one looks like it may hang from the box, not sure, but maybe there's some structure there to support it or you could lever from the frame.

 

[bajavanadu]

The sheet metal on vehicles anymore seems pretty thin, I dunno.

Perhaps alternatives to get the wheels spinning. A buddy of mine had one of these over the wheels steps to get stuff on his roof rack and it worked alright.
View attachment 462685

This one looks like it may hang from the box, not sure, but maybe there's some structure there to support it or you could lever from the frame.
View attachment 462686

need the step to mid way up the bed to reach the surfboard tiedowns

 

[WOODY2]

Most likely rip it out in short order. Perhaps fab some type of short ladder apparatus that you could hang over top of bed lip?

 

[lowrider_rt2000]

Most likely rip it out in short order. Perhaps fab some type of short ladder apparatus that you could hang over top of bed lip?

There is no structure support on a bedside skin to hold any kind of weight. Push on the side of your bed. It will pop in no problem but pop right back out. No support. You could cut your bedside off and weld in a support but that would be a lot of work for just a step. Woody2 probably has the best idea. I know it's more to carry along with ya.

Sent from my WJ

 

[WOODY2]

I'll post a pic later this pm of what I'm thinking of, pretty easy actually and easy to stow too

 

[rayra]

It'll 'deform' the first time you step on it. Automotive sheetmetal has been flimsy crap for decades, no more than 18ga.
You could add such a step but you need to reinforce it with some sort of supporting connection to the frame.

 

[WOODY2]

Sorry for size of pics. I rescued this from an old 5th wheel trailer was used to get into bed over the hitch. All you would need to do is work out the part that goes over/ sets on bed rail

 

[WOODY2]

here's another, if you are close to San Diego you're welcome to it?

 

[bajavanadu]

here's another, if you are close to San Diego you're welcome to it?
View attachment 462729

I am in dago, thanks for the offer! but you've given me an idea for alternative setup. I'm thinking about something a bit smaller.

 

[WOODY2]

Success!! multi use, put it flat and you have a table

 

[javajoe79]

I think if you spread the load out with a large plate and multiple fasteners, it would work. You could also add some structure in the void between the bedside and the inner bed wall.