Thinking of custom truck deck

[Cyle]

Been thinking about instead of a sled deck, taking the box off my dodge and building a deck. I figure the big advantages would be it's only rougly 3'6" off the ground instead of a 6' sled deck because my truck has 8" lift and 38"s. Not to mention, a deck is about what 400lbs, and the box tailgate and bumper roughly 600lbs? A deck would maybe weight 500lbs? Right now, I couldn't put a deck on and pull a 2 place with 4 guys in the cab, I would be overloaded for sure. But saving like 500lbs would mean a lot and the weight is nice and low. Not to mention, I can't think of any disadvantage, anything would be so much easier. The only bad thing I can think of is swapping the box and deck off, but I figure leave it on all winter until sledding is over so only twice a year. Not to mention, considering I am likely going to a 174" and my box is 6'4" having a longer platform would be nice.

Haven't seen to many people do this. If anyone has or has pics it would be great. Really thinking about it.

 

[Thunderr]

Been thinking of doing the same, except buying a truck specifically for sledding/toys.

I sure do like the look of the new Marathon deck, but $4000.00 ish? add a couple grand +- and voila.

 

[Cyle]

Yea the price of a deck hurts to. I figure for even $1000 in material I could have one heck of a nice deck and just get it line-x. And even some storage space that is a lot easier to use then under a sled deck.

Can't really see much of a downside of doing this

 

[trailrider]

One thing you might want to do is call your Insurance company about the flat deck modification. I bought an older ford with a flatdeck ,did not think to tell them about the deck got in an accident and they refused to cover me because of modifications to truck. Just a thought!!!!$$$$

 

[maxwell]

your not allowed to do anything cool if you want insurance i guess?

 

[sweld]

no different than putting a welding deck on your truck

 

[Cyle]

Yea WTH is wrong with a deck? Nothing but metal and lights, not for work or anything. I can see a welding deck because it's for work, and your hauling extra gas, diesel, and other hazoudous gasses. Insurance is retarded. One day i'm going to have to update my policy and tell them about my lift and other goodies.....but don't want to know how badly they are going to ding me in premiums.

One concern i've though about is, if I go with a 8' deck, it would be getting tough to tow a trailer. I mean a hitch extension is fine for a tiny 2 place. But I still need to tow a 12k bobcat trailer once in a while, and hitch extension is not an option. And a reciever built into the deck would get into a lot of weight and time for it i'd think mmmm. Have to measure, but I guess I could make the deck like 7'6" or so, then have an extension when hauling sleds.

 

[Bogger]

just have a hinged extension on the deck..... that way when you need to tow a heavy trailer you can flip the extension up out of the way, but you still have the option of a longer deck when required....

 

[99summitx]

Don't forget a space under for ramps

 

[catmando]

Mines been pretty good,covers just about covers everything,Im surprised more people dont do it,Really handy too if someone slams there door into it!
:d catmando!:d

 

[Trax 2 Treadz]

Here is another option.

 

[Stg2Suby]

Great topic, I've been thinking about this for years and even more now that my truck is 10 years old and needs bodywork to get rid of rust.

Trax that setup is awesome, flip up sides, ramp underneath - nice job!

 

[Cyle]

That is exactly what I want. Except i'd probably want to add a toolbox or two for some storage room. I don't want the big price tag of the custom ones so will probably have to build myself.

Catmando it looks like that ford was a short box before? Did you run into any issues putting a long deck on and still using reciever or did the deck have a new one?

If anyone has pics of building one it would be great. I can't visualize the best way to attach it to the frame or anything. And how to build it with enough room to put a ramp in.

Plus want to do it because if I ever want to pull a gooseneck I could, not possible with a box on my truck because of the height.

 

[maxwell]

That is exactly what I want. Except i'd probably want to add a toolbox or two for some storage room. I don't want the big price tag of the custom ones so will probably have to build myself.

Catmando it looks like that ford was a short box before? Did you run into any issues putting a long deck on and still using reciever or did the deck have a new one?

If anyone has pics of building one it would be great. I can't visualize the best way to attach it to the frame or anything. And how to build it with enough room to put a ramp in.

Plus want to do it because if I ever want to pull a gooseneck I could, not possible with a box on my truck because of the height.

the box will have 4 or 6 large mounting points with holes. great for mounting so you are able to remove it aswell

 

[Cyle]

the box will have 4 or 6 large mounting points with holes. great for mounting so you are able to remove it aswell

Yea I am guessing it's usually done with big u-bolts? And a good idea to have rubber or something inbetween the frame of the deck and truck right?

Looking at kijiji a bit for used ones, the odd ones are dang cheap but not sure if it's worth it to try and make a used one work or build from scratch.

 

[Summit X]

i might suggest to hit fernie snow with a pm, he has also removed his box and put a custom deck on his last two trucks. really nice looking deck on his current rig. sides fold up for regular everyday use, and drop down to carry two sleds. ramp slides underneath.

 

[Trax 2 Treadz]

Great topic, I've been thinking about this for years and even more now that my truck is 10 years old and needs bodywork to get rid of rust.

Trax that setup is awesome, flip up sides, ramp underneath - nice job!

I wish we could take credit for that product, but it is actually built by a company called Silverlakes Manufacturing. It is company I came across in the never ending search for new product to bring to market. Anyway I seen this thread and thought of this deck. This not a one off custom deck so I'm thinking they are not going to cost an arm and a leg. If anyone is interested here is a link to their website.

 

[Cyle]

Yea it is a nice deck, really interested to know the cost. Looked at SWS suprised they are only around $2000.

 

[Trax 2 Treadz]

These is the only Canadian contact shown, they may have more now?

Jared Dwery - Westlock, Alberta
780-498-6486

 

[ponyboy]

HEY CYLE , i could custom fit this to your truck , with storage boxes , under deck fuel tank , custom lites , ramp , head ache rack . ( no checker plate ) last pic is what i use for sledding , doubles as a welding truck LOL