Tundra Flatbed

[VTundra]

SO,
I have toyota cancer on my 2000 SR5 Access Cab 4x4. Ive got a nice hole in the passenger side bedside right above the inner fender...the classic. This truck has 85,000 miles on it and a brand new frame so i though maybe I would sell it and buy a new (to me) truck, maybe a 95ish powerstroke. As it turns out, my truck really isn't worth anything to anyone but me so it looks like i'll be keeping it. I've though about a flat bed for a while just because its so convenient to have on a farm for moving hay, gates, water tanks, whatever. I'm thinking about fabbing up a basic, practical tray with stake pockets, bump rails, and a headache rack. Its certainly not gonna be an offroad style custom and cost is a concern so i'm thinking clean and simple but not trashy. I've also got saggy springs so i thought that i'd build the bed, weigh it, and buy some new custom springs (alcans, deavers). I know that this will decrease my available payload but i don't think it will cripple it, especially if i go with a steel frame and a wood deck. Aluminum would be nice but pricey. What do people think?

 

[VTundra]

Just an idea

This is the crude drawing i did. I dunno if i like the skirts.

 

[Flagster]

If I can decide on a new truck my tacoma is going the same route as you...I am looking to get the camper shell off and maybe put on a UTE bed since I don't have the fab skills...nice sketch

 

[VTundra]

I would be disappointed to lose the use of my cap for camping (the bed fits a queen sized matress to the inch) but i do own a slide in Skamper. I also though about rigging up a high profile utility cap. The cheaper aluminum 3 door ones. I would maybe space it up so that it sits flush with the cab. Maybe bolt a bracket on the bottom so it slips into the stake pockets.

 

[JCMatthews]

I like it

I like the idea, and I like the skirts. Make them into storage bins with locking doors, and that would be the cats meow. Build it long enough for your Skamper, and then fill the spaces on the side with medal tool boxes for more storage. You could always add air bags or Timbrens to help with the weight.

 

[HMR]

I like your idea. Just to add to the mix... I've been talking to these guys about building an aluminum flatbed for our Tacoma. The owner has a T100 that he's used for a couple different flatbed designs. Here's one example:

FWIW- I know that steel is "easier" and cheaper but I'm willing to pay a premium for the increased payload capacity provided by aluminum (just my opinion). These beds are surprisingly light and our Toyotas need all the help they can get. Keep us posted on your progress.

 

[VTundra]

we're talking about a 2-2.5 k difference in cost in difference here. That's alot. Plus, I don't like the idea of a metal deck...too slippery.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

why not find another ruse free bed and put it on?

 

[VTundra]

I guess i figured that this would be easier, cheaper, and more practical.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

I guess i figured that this would be easier, cheaper, and more practical.

Probably....lol. I guess you could treat the under side of it some how to prevent this from reoccurring. I have thought of trying to make some kind of splash guards for the rear wheel wells to stop rust before it can even start.

 

[VTundra]

I thought about bed lining the lower panels (below the trim pieces), inner fenders, and all that, and removing the wheel trim. seemed like a lot of prep (inner fenders) and cost. I think that may be the best bet.

 

[jim65wagon]

If you order custom springs from Deaver or Alcan you can specify how much weight over the stock springs you want. Haggis has Deavers on his DC Tundra and asked for 600 lb more capacity than original, they are noticeably firmer than the stockers but still ride nice....