How to save the bed?

[JedRattle]

I am trying to come up with an idea to save my bed...



The problem: I have a 2005 3500 longbed. I ride dirt bikes as much as possible. I notice on my last truck the front bed rail would bend when the bikes were tighten down. This is the first new vehicle I have owned. I want to keep this thing at least 10 years. I want to keep the bed in good shape for years to come. I cannot afford to replace the bed in 6-7years.



The solution: I was thinking about having a piece of 1/4 alumumin bent to form a new front bed rail cap and front panel. Bolt it down in about 10 to 12 places. Spread the load is what I am thinking.



Does anyone have another idea/solution? I don't want to hear. . get a trailer! Thanks for your input!

 

[Spooled-up]

How about this?

http://www.usrack.com/motorcycle_rack.html

 

[Spooled-up]

Here's another:

http://www.pickupspecialties.com/Space_Saver_Truck_Tool_Box/Dirt_Bike_truck_tool_box.htm

 

[Spooled-up]

Found another one:

http://www.off-road.com/ford/reviews/motorcycletiebar/

 

[Spooled-up]

One more:

http://www.ccrsport.com/

 

[McCRam]

I think your idea of extra support would work. Just make sure that you bolt it where the tires hit the bed. I bent the front of the box on my last truck when An idiot pulled out in front of me. ( he ran a stop sign). 200 lbs of feed went sliding forward. I was going to bolt on a piece angle iron, drill some holes for tie downs, and paint it to match.

 

[Fireman]

Wheel chocks, like Pingle.



Fireman

 

[DPelletier]

Those are some good ideas, but you don't need anything quite that fancy. I usually just form a pce of aluminum checkerplate over the front cap. I own a sheet metal shop, so it makes it easy, but any decent shop should be able to make you one without too much trouble. Only issue on the 3rd gens is the curved leading edge. You don't need anywhere near 1/4" thick. The stock body metal is approximately . 020 - . 025" so even . 064 (14ga alum) or . 081 (12ga alum) offers a significant increase in strength when formed with two or more breaks.



..... or you could just buy a trailer! Just kidding, I had to use a trailer for my family's four dirtbikes.



Cheers,

Dave

 

[DPelletier]

I forgot to add,

If you are only carrying one bike, just tie it into the corner of the box and haul the bike on an angle.



Dave

 

[VStahl]

I used 4x4 1/4 inch angle iron on my side rails as caps and then I welded to them, a 1/4 inch square tubing (same as what reciver hitches are made from) across the bed behind the rear window to protect the cab from larger objects and it gives me a very strong point to winch from. Having the tubing is perfect for when my 4-wheeler is loaded cause that is what matches up with the 4-wheeler.



I might have a few pics of them in my readers rig, can't remember.

 

[scootergmc]

Baxley Sport chock... oh wait... too big. Nevermind.

 

[gsbrockman]

What's wrong with the OEM tie-downs at each corner ?

Greg

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

I don't want to hear. . get a trailer! Thanks for your input!

... Get a flatbed.



You are welcome.

 

[JedRattle]

... Get a flatbed.



You are welcome.

I have a flat bed! But it's a little tough to hang it out at 75+ through the twisties with a 16ft flatbed strapped to your *****!!! Thanks for the input guys!