Flat bed coversion

[Sweetums]

OK, but what's the benefit over a regular bed?

• Better able to be knocked around without getting seriously damaged
• Sits up above the wheels so you don't have wheel wells inside the cargo area
• Larger cargo area because you don't have the hollow areas between the inner and outer skins of the bed
• Stronger cargo floor and tie downs
• Headframe to protect the cab and roof from damage (doubles as a place to put lights)
• Can be equipped with drop-sides for easier access to cargo.
• Usually have locking storage boxes under the cargo floor or behind the rear tires.

Just off the top of my head.

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[Freems]

OK, but what's the benefit over a regular bed?

Jermeys form and function…specialized product hauling. In the hay business it’s simple, it hauls more hay.

 

[LostWoods]

I think that comes down to aluminum vs steel. One of the reasons aftermarket trays are over $10,000 is because they are aluminum.

There's also a reason nearly all of them for the mid-size and half-ton market are aluminum too. A dually has the headroom for steel - your Gladiator does not if you want it for utility. Those who do it on the Toyota side go steel because cheap and easy to work with but they're also doing it because they have to lose the bed for big tires and they only need to carry tools, spares, and beer. That and because they usually integrate the shock mounts too.

 

[Biff Happy]

I have started to give it a lot of thought lately.
There are a few companies that carry it, but the prices are so high.
I'm thinking of making one my self. does any body want to join the ride? maybe we can cut the cost and have a better product?

saw this company, somewhat cheaper, built in Canada, haven’t contacted them yet.

https://setoverland.com/jeep-gladiator-flatbed-kit/

 

[sunrise089]

I’d be interested if it was cheaper. I put out as many as a hundred round hay bales per year. I have to either tow a trailer or swap to a boring non-convertible truck to do so. A flat bed would allow me to load the bale directly on the gladiator without a trailer which would be a huge benefit over the course of a year.

 

[johnchabin]

This one looks great:

https://rebeloffroad.com/rebel-flatbed-tray-canopy-system

But you’re right, not cheap. But I think it would make the bed much more useful. And more durable, lighter and better departure angle.

Mine’s a work truck first, so I could see this at some point.

 

[wildtaco]

This one looks great:

https://rebeloffroad.com/rebel-flatbed-tray-canopy-system

But you’re right, not cheap. But I think it would make the bed much more useful. And more durable, lighter and better departure angle.

Mine’s a work truck first, so I could see this at some point.

Man, that looks KILLER

 

[Sweetums]

Oh, I like that.

 

[BearFootSam]

A drop side single wall bed would be awesome. I use the Jt around the farm quite a bit because it fits through narrow gates and handles awkward slopes and ditches well. Being able to load pallets or oversize piles of branches would be really useful.

 

[Uparms]

Been getting FB adds for a company that sells kits for DIY. They list 8 truck models and none for JT.

 

[Freems]

Here you go…FB Market place

 

[Laredo]

can you send a link?

 

[BearFootSam]

saw this company, somewhat cheaper, built in Canada, haven’t contacted them yet.

https://setoverland.com/jeep-gladiator-flatbed-kit/

Oof, "Request Quote" button always foretells a big bill. That is exactly what I'd be looking for minus the ladder rack. The rear end looks really great in this setup, great angle and nice that the tow hooks remain in place. It's like a Hilux bed.

 

[Laredo]

ok, so from i'm understanding there are units made in china.
branded, and shipped.
I'm willing to spearhead the import. I believe I can get a combo unit for 5K or under.
I need 5 more guys.
Port of import will be LA
any one in?

 

[Stan H]

I had an older Ford with a Lunber flatbed but I custim built it from oak and it mirrored the fram and then the deck was resessed into the frame runners it was a very sleek job. But ultimately lumber even the oak I used will not hold up for more than 3 to 5 yrs due to wet,dry heat cold drying etc..
Metal is the way to go . Use tubular steel of a lesser thickness to acheive strength without weight. Ultimately the suspension will have to be beefed up. My suggestion is air. Not just cheap innercoil air bags I am speaking of coil spring removal and truck air bag type replacement. This will be the only way to counteract the load associated with such a rig as what you show in the pic. Additionally starting with the Dana 44 is probably not idea. I suggest a set of Dana 60 axles from and rear . Unless the Overland box plus load is not expected to exceed 1200-1400 pounds. One must also account for the top heavy nature of a box like that on a Jeep suspension. I again go back to the bigger options. When offloading even mildly certian dips and plunges will get you in big big trouble. Cheers good luck on the build !!

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