2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission How to move a bed?

[BBenz]

I did a search on the forum and did not find anything on this, but if there is, I appologize in advance. The rear fendors on my '96 3500 cracked and I found that it is cheaper to buy a complete bed rather than to get the fendors separate.



Anyway, I am in Ohio and the bed I am getting is in Georgia so I need to know the best way of getting it home. Here are my thoughts:



1. Tow it back on a trailer.

2. Strap it down somehow on the existing bed.

3. Drive down without my existing bed on and bolt it on down there.



Keep in mind for number 1 that I currently do not have a flatbed trailer to put it on but this would be an excuse to get one :-laf . Also, my truck is red/black waterfall and the bed is black so if I did number 3, then I would have to take it back off when I got home to paint it. So, I am leaning towards option 2 and need to know if anybody has attempted such an endeaver, and if they have, what is the best way to do it.



Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[CNichols]

I would stick some steaks or correct size wood in the steak bed holes in the old bed, flip the new bed upside down and set it down on the wood that is protruding (sp?) out of the old bed strap it down and head back home.





Clear as mud huh??

 

[datablitz]

you will probably have to go with option 1. the bed should be placed on supports, that will hold the sides of the bed off the ground. look under your bed, and measure the distance from the floor of the bed to the bottom of the bed. you should use blocks that are the at least that height, to keep the bed on the trailer without bedning the outside edges of the trailer. i suppose for option #2 you could make two supports that went from side to side in the bed, and then place the same blocks on thise supports, which would hold the bed above the existing bed. after you do either of those, make sure you tie it down.

 

[CNichols]

even better good idea.

 

[BBenz]

I like the upside down idea a lot after reading the replies. I already have the topper clamps since my current bed has one on it. Some parts of the country say "topper" and around here I grew up with them being called "caps". But what's important is that we all understand each other.



I'll just take some wood blocks with me, probably grade stakes and just have an upside down bed be my topper!



Thanks again guys. This TDR forum is a great resource.