Permanently Adding Weight to Bed

So I need to add 100-200 pounds to my bed. It’s not for winter traction and more to help out my rear springs that need more weight to function correctly.

I thought about maybe bolting a couple 45# plates to the spare tire carrier but I’d be worried about 90# hanging off that thing and breaking off on the freeway or something.

I don’t want to lose a bunch of bedspace using something like buckets of concrete or big water bags.

Figure maybe some of you have been around trucks longer than I have and might have some ideas that I am not aware of.

My only other idea might be adding a big ass piece of 1/2” steel across sole of the bottom of my bed cage. But I have no clue where to get that much steel, or how to get it into my bed.

Here is what I am working with. So far I have my battery and a 37” spare.

 

Weld plates to the bedcage?

 

I think I’d have to do two sheets of 1/4” since I doubt I’m going to be able to wrestle around 160 pounds by myself.

If I did plates they’d go on the bottom tubes and then they could be a little shelf/platform.

 

Undercover Ridgelander tonneau cover weighs about 100lbs.

 

Maybe weld some metal to that frame that you could use for something else? Even if doesn't get the full weight, then you can add bulk elsewhere to remove when you need to.
No offense, but I can't imagine being worried about bed space with those mods, that is no grocery-gettir.

 

Make the wife and kids ride in the bed?

 

I was debating on a shell at some point but it’s going to be a lot of work to install it. I have fiberglass bedsides that won’t support the weight and have a slight curve. I have an idea how to do it along with the steel, just haven’t gotten around to it yet.

 

I thought about putting the plates on the frame as well. Figured on the bed might be easier to get to.

I only want the bed space for camping gear. Oh and for my shopping bags from Saks Fifth Ave of course.

 

Add additional framing to the existing tubes to extend to the tailgate, get some heavy duty drawer slides, and build a bedslide. With a reinforced 3/16 plate tray, you’re looking at around 100 lbs total

 

great idea!
Not my truck, but I can't imagine adding that much dead weight, there's gotta be something useful that can be done.

 

Now that I think of it many race cars (dirt track and others) have brackets to attach ballast weights. I'll bet you could google something to fab up and attach/remove weight blocks as needed.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...MI_oaNmtbf_AIVXmxvBB1jVQa7EAQYAiABEgLEbPD_BwE

 

Add a molle panel to the front of that Fram and add stuff you always take/need camping. Axe, shovel, bolt a propane tank in, traction boards, leveling blocks, etc. Little things add up.

If it's in the budget, look at adding a roller door style cover to the frame for more weight and security.

 

Ha. Front is already filled up.

 

Oh good call. Now I have a key word to google.

 

Bolt some plate on top the wheel wells out of the way no lose of bed space .

A few pieces to make the handling easier plus it puts the weight right over the springs

Also great for winter traction . Easy to remove if the added cargo capacity is ever needed.

just a thought.

 

Ha Ha Ha Wow that brings back Memories I forgot I made brackets and used a bar hung 700 pounds on the front end of a Truck i used for pulling.

 

Date a fat chick and tell her you keep Big Macs in the bed

 

You could always put 2 boxes at the tailgate with sandbags that way you can tune the weight and also play with placement.

 

How many feet of tubing did you have to order for that bed cage?

 

Quick, inexpensive and easy with a box cutter.
Go to your local tractor/farm supply and buy a big section of horse stall mat. This is HEAVY ~3/4" thick rubber mat. Cut some large rectangles out that fit on the bed in between the cage and stack about 3 layers deep. That will probably get you in the 100-200lb range for like $50.
They are unlikely to remove themselves on the road unless you crash and flip/roll.