Mounting a bed on a 4500

[JSawtelle]

So I have my 2011 4500 Crew Cab. Now I want to mount the Dually bed and it looks pretty straight forward. Looking for ideas from the membership of this forum. My thoughts are to replicate the stck type mounting of a 3500... .

Any ideas on brackets? Was also thinking about using the stock biscuit type mounts?? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[JSawtelle]

Really?????

 

[rashwor]

Two words: Work Bed. :-{}

 

[RustyJC]

Is the cab-to-axle centerline the same for a C&C as it is for the pickup?



Rusty

 

[CUMMINZ]

I can't help a lot but if you plan to add a gooseneck/5th wheel hitch be sure to figure all your framing to be plenty heavy and mounted to frame securely.

 

[JSawtelle]

Is the cab-to-axle centerline the same for a C&C as it is for the pickup?



Rusty

no there is a three inch difference plus the added Urea filler relocation... .

 

[JSawtelle]

So I guess the real question I should be asking here is, Has anyone done this and are there any pointers you can give me?????

Thanks

 

[RVTRKN]

Search for this in the C&C forum, but only know of 3rd gen conversions. Been done before but there is a difference in the in Cab to Axle. What about this option?

 

[JSawtelle]

Sub-Frame

So there I was... ... .

I wound up using 1. 5 inch - 3/16th wall square tubing doubled up on both sides the length of the bed for a mounting platform. Made 4 sheer brackets and bolted it to the frame thru existing holes with 1/2 Grade 8 fine thread hardware..... I used every factory threaded bed mounting point..... It should hold up better than any Factory mounting... ... I hope... ...

 

[JSawtelle]

So there I was... ... .

A pic of the subframe..... its not in its final form in this pic but you get the idea...

Ran 2 1. 5 inch 3/16 wall square tubes down each frame rail... ... shear brackets and perches in every factory hole on the bed and I tried to use the stock holes in the frame as much as possible. Just couldn't find it in my heart to start drilling a bunch of hole in the new $52K truck... . lol

 

[Motorhead]

Hope you show us a finished picture or at least with the bed mounted.

 

[BGlidewell]

good idea! What welder did you use? Did you set the work on the truck frame while building?

 

[JSawtelle]

i will post some final pics... ... . just used my old miller matic Mig.

More to follow.

 

[HBarlow]

Many of us would like to see your photos when the job is completed and if you are willing to discuss your private business, we would be grateful for a rough estimate of your costs.

A number of members have expressed interest in a 4500/5500 since they went on sale but back away because they don't want a flatbed, towbed, or contractor bed.

I think the key is in finding a take-off bed that matches at an affordable price.

 

[dclassens]

did we ever see any photos of this done?

 

[HBarlow]

Not here in TDR.

 

[dclassens]

does this mean that other forums or other web sites have the done photos, or he never followed up here maybe.....

 

[JSawtelle]

Bed Mounting Progress....

Sorry Fellas... .

I have been neglect in staying current on this build. I have had many irons in the fire... .

The bed is mounted and I still have not had it painted to match.

I did wind up using 1. 5 square tubing sistered up and shear brackets made from 3/16 plate. mostly used the factory holes to mount on the side of the frame. I only had to open a few factory holes for 1/2 grade fine 8 hardware. I will post some pics ASAP... .

I have made a number of trips around the west with my Host Camper Yellowstone DS (HEAVY) on the back and so far my engineering has held... ... I will see better when i remove bed for paint but nothing catastrophic that we can readily see.



once again, Sorry for the delay fellas. .



I am having problems getting the correct wiring plugs to go into the factory taillights... ..... the dealers tell me they cant even get them?? weird...



John

 

[EMAC2]

get any pictures yet?

 

[JSawtelle]

no finished product yet..... bodywork for filler door has to be done and Paint to match cab..... Very functional though... . just got back from 3000+ mile trip with camper.