Ditch the bed?

[ADQ K9]

Toss the pick up bed and replace with a 5th wheel hauler bed? Seems to be a lot more useful than a regular pick up bed, or get a chassis cab and have one installed Looking at options for the next TV
Any one here have a TV set up with a hauler bed? Pros Cons?

[JRTJH]

Pro:
Functional for towing and storage of towing supplies (based on configuration)
Often lighter than a OEM bed (increased payload)

Con:
Limited resale appeal
Possible decreased resale value (unless the OEM bed is maintained for reinstallation)
Storage costs/space is the OEM bed is kept to be reinstalled.

Just a start, other Pro/Con issues will likely be added to the list.

[ADQ K9]

Good points John, looking @ 5 ers in the 20K and up range so I am gonna have at the very least a 350. Looking @ Ford chassis cabs about the only thing they don't offer that I would like would be the LED headlights (Per the Ford build and price website). There seems to be quite a few body builders out there so there are a varietey of options for the hauler beds This configuration also seems to be popular among people that haul goose neck horse trailers.

[77cruiser]

Or one of these.
https://www.google.com/search?q=frei...w=1366&bih=636

[ADQ K9]

77 Cruiser,
I know a guy that has an older one for his toy hauler looking at these they have a similar footprint length/width. but are much taller (think climbing in and out) that extra step adds up over time.

[JRTJH]

Mike,

Do your homework carefully !!! I'm no expert on the differences between the F350 and F450, but in years past, the wide stance front axle was available in the F350 trucks. I believe with the aluminum bed models, starting in 2017, the wide stance axle is no longer available in the F350 line. According to what I've heard, the wide stance front axle improves turn radius about 50% over the "very awkward F350 turn capability"...

Everyone I've talked to with any "comparative experience in driving both the 350/450 trucks" recommends the wide stance front axle option. That would limit you to a F450 if you're looking at buying a new Chassis/cab model to put your own bed on it.

[tylerj1966]

I paid $95k for my 2020 M2 and it's loaded. I built the bed myself so you would have that expense. These are so much more capable than anything from the big 3. And no one can tell me their dually can out-haul my srw! Lol

[ADQ K9]

John, That is one reason I am attracted to the 450 is due to the front axle it also has bigger brakes I think the rear axle is beefier too when you step up to a 450. A 450 Chassis cab is also a 16K GVW to start.
Tyler, that is a nice set up I see lots of room for a tool box under the left side.

[tylerj1966]

... and fuel tank for the side x side, extra fresh water, etc.

[ADQ K9]

No room for the SXS in the Raptor I assume or more toys?

[tylerj1966]

Nope. Wife and kids like to ride their own. I haul 3 ATVs in the garage.

[travelin texans]

Originally Posted by 77cruiser

Or one of these.
https://www.google.com/search?q=frei...w=1366&bih=636

ADQ K9,
On another thread you indicated you're looking at New Horizons 5th wheels. I would be looking at one of these rigs. The NHs we looked at in the past the dry weights were nearing 20k, IMO pushing 1 ton dually limits.

[ADQ K9]

Danny,
NH are nice and I like their construction. DW likes the Riververstone 39RKFB. they seem to be constructed pretty good. I am still looking at others like Space Craft and DRV. So once the 5 er is selected we can narrow down the TV.

[ADQ K9]

Originally Posted by tylerj1966

Nope. Wife and kids like to ride their own. I haul 3 ATVs in the garage.

Nice

[larry337]

I would definitely go f450. In pickup form it is "de rated" down to 14k gross for registration purposes but will handle more. And will tow around 31k. In cab and chassis form the gvwr is rated higher but you should also know the motor is detuned to a much lower hp and torque for commercial longevity. I don't have those numbers off hand. And i'm guessing the reason you cannot get the LEDs on the cab and chassis is because BLIS is a required option with the LEDs and the sensors for the BLIS are in the rear tail lights, which would be a completely different tail light in a C&C. You have to buy a Lariat Ultimate or higher to get the LEDs, though I understand you can order them on lower units in Canada for some reason. For my money I would get the pickup version.

[notanlines]

It would also behoove you to look into all big three's "Chassis/cab models" and read about the diesels being detuned. They generally are because of the trucks mainly being used for commercial use.

[ADQ K9]

I am aware of the detuning. Do you want to sacrifice a little power to live longer? Will it make that much of a difference? I am sure there is a way to turn it up to what the pick ups put out, not sure if that will effect the warranty though. A question I can ask a diesel tech or two that I know.
Newer Cummins motors in commercial trucks it is a matter of reprograming the ECU as far as I know.
Jim I think I have asked before, How much are you pulling with your 450?

[mtofell]

Not sure if it matters to you or not but but removing the bed can have warranty implications. Basically, with the bed off it's considered by some to be a commercial rig and might fall under different rules.

[bobbecky]

At least in California, even if the truck is only a half ton, if it has anything other than a pickup bed, it's required to go through the CHP scales.

[msubobcats]

Originally Posted by bobbecky

At least in California, even if the truck is only a half ton, if it has anything other than a pickup bed, it's required to go through the CHP scales.

One of our in-laws are cattle ranchers in northeast california. Their trucks are mostly all "flatbeds". Mentioned one day I would love to do that to my Silverado 2500 hd and he also said watch out for licensing, insurance, etc...