Flat Bed Inspo

Been watching some 4WD 24/7 lately and really been loving the flat bed look of Australian utes and hoping for some ideas for Tacomas. Would love to see some ideas or what y’all like. (How much does a stock bed sell for?)

 

https://www.na.rsismartcap.com/products/bedreplacement

 

That’s a really good looking bed

 

When I was lusting for an Ute tray I like this company a lot. I don’t know why specifically.
https://www.bfcampers.com/

 

I think they updated it and the drop sides work as ramps.

 

Ha, looks like they took some inspo from “Overland Under Budget”.
https://youtube.com/c/OverlandUnderBudget

 

Cough @tacoma16

2nd gen but yeah.

 

Is his custom built or ordered? Any case I like it.Wondering cause I’m looking start a flat bed build of my own and was wondering what issues people have faced and what specs, sizes, and lengths of aluminum people used.

 

I’m really trying to go for this look

 

Haha, I mean a good build is a good build so no hate

 

Have you looked through the Flatbed Information thread? Some great inspiration and info there. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/flatbed-information-thread.558179/
Most folks I've seen on here use the bed from UTE ltd. @Ralf has a good write up on installing the ute bed here
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2016-ute-ltd-tray-install.683035/
and his company makes a plug-and-play flatbed you can find here
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-na-produced-trays-for-midsize-trucks.698619/

 

Just read the whole thread (https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/flatbed-information-thread.558179/) and have to say it was really informative. An all alloy tray in black with my cement grey is really what I’m hoping to do now.

 

We can certainly help you out with any questions or desired options! Our design at Summit Expedition Trucks is designed with a pure modular platform, with the easy ability to add accessories as you decide what suits your needs or budget, as well as the ability to ship directly to your door. The icing on the cake is the ease of installation. All of our wiring kits are 100% plug and play and no need for cutting or splicing of wires. Finish it off with a stylish and Aussie inspired design, and you got one sharp looking truck! And yes, we certainly offer powder coating!

 

Then you should be familiar with Mits Alloy

 

@Ralf I’ve been looking at your company for a bit now and was wondering what’s the weight of your trays as compared to the stock bed and is there an option to retain the backup sensors and camera from factory?

 

So our flatbeds start sub 300lbs with fenders, headboard and tailboard center. Factory 5ft box is about 250lbs. Side gates are about 40lbs total. Tool boxes are between 20 and 25lbs each, and the rear drawer is the heaviest accessory at 95lbs. We typically recommend adding upgraded leaf springs if going with a fully loaded model, as you're going to be also loading that bed up a lot more than the factory one.

Looking at your profile picture, looks like a 5ft box truck, so our 72" model would suit you nicely! Nearly doubles the usable square footage! Attached a photo of our truck with the same configuration.

I have also attached a photo of the sensors relocated on an F-350 and how we relocate your camera, trailer connector and inverter.

 

I have this in my bed right now which has added about 40 pounds without my tools but I work in construction so upgrading to a flat bed is definitely my next step. Just gotta start a new piggy bank but, I love the look of your trays on the Tacomas and the 300lb weight is definitely an upside.

 

https://youtu.be/O2M7Z1ryaQg

DIY all the way. He has a lot of tutorials on IG as well.

 

With all the accessories you're still sub 500lbs! Best part being, you can add any of the accessories later. Most are bolt on. The side gates require drilling if adding them later, but it's actually quite easy!

Being in construction, you will really appreciate the beating our decks can take due to the aggressive extrusion we use. It's great for grip, ratcheting down pallets, crates or anything else. A serious non-slip surface.

Not sure how tall your drawers are that you built there, but our optional pull-out drawer is 6" deep, 20" wide and 48" long.

 

With future add ons in mind is there a price difference for buying say the 2 tool boxes, rear pull out drawer, and side gates separately rather than buying them all with the bed? Curios because I like to buy things in sections/over time to see what I will really need and really use.