Truck bed opinions on unit pulling trailer.

Posted by greenbeanman in Kansas on April 14, 2005 at 19:00:11 from (4.244.189.108):

Slightly off topic, but I use my 1949 Chevrolet one ton to pull the trailer I haul my Ford 1720 tractor on.

The truck has had a 10 foot grain bed which I have just shortened to 8 feet. I have some questions and would like suggestions and opinions.

For the moment I plan to use the composite decking 2"X6"s for the flooring. I have also considered making the floor from sheetmetal goods. I think 10 ga. was mentioned a week or so ago. BTW, the truck sets out, hence the reason for composite. No saw mills or oak available in our area so not a chance of using it.

How much room should I leave between the front of the bed and the cab? It was so close before that I couldn't even wash between them.

What are your opinions for 5/4" composite decking for making the sideboards from? Metal?

While I would like to keep the look of riveted fastenings for the sideboards, are ¼" rivets doable for cold riveting? Bolts?

I figured on bolting anchor rings to the floor on the inside perimeter of the sideboards for booming things down to keep them from sliding. Three on each side of the 8 feet or four?

Rather than a chain spreader to hold the sideboards from bowing out I planed on using a truss rod, which would also provide tarp run off.

Tarp strap hooks for accessories, and I have thought about adding a holder and loading ramp that will fit between the bed rails above the chassis. Anything else? Rack for hauling long items, ladders, etc.? Underbed toolboxes, I currently use a toolbox that sets in the bed.

While I have switched the truck over to 12 volts it still has a small battery under the floor of the cab. Should I consider using LED lights to ease the electrical load while I'm trailering? For added safety from the added brightness?

I find that I'm required to have clearance lights. Flush mounted or surface mounted on the back? Tail/stop on the bed or under the bed? Turn signals on the bed or under the bed? Tail/stop flush mount require a 4½" hole. Will that weaken the 6" bed rail too much? I can't see that it would.

Wiring will be run in PVC conduit along the chassis. At juncion boxes I'll switch to heavy weight flexible PVC conduit going to bed corner markers, etc. Any other thoughts?

Any recommendations for a certain brand of trailer
connector?

Tires are 18". Any suggestions where to place a spare tire?

Obligatory red with white pinstriping?

I appreciate any critism, any suggestions, opinions, hints, tips, etc.

Thanks for the help.

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