Flatbed with dogbox

[Jeff Eberle]

i like keeping 2 hunting trucks , and had to retire one recently . Before both trucks were same and dogbox worked for both . Well now I'm switching to a full size and need to make a new dogbox and was thinking of going with a flatbed with dogbox . So what my question is how much clearance or how high does the bed need to be above the tires to clear when 4 wheeling. And if anyone else has run this setup and the pro's and con's of a flatbed.And any pictures

[pegleg]

The measurement depends on the truck and if the tires are stock etc. The easiest thing to do is measure the distance between the rubber frame stop and axle and use this to figure out the minimum clearance you will need if the truck is ever fully loaded which is unlikely for heavier trucks with a dogbox. I do have one with a dog box in front that i pull a gooseneck with.
Most of the time it will be 4-6" above the frame directly over the rear axle and will need to be leveled across the rest of the frame. I only say this so you have a starting point to compare your measurements with. If you still have a hard time make and model would be helpful.

[Jeff Eberle]

[pegleg]

If i had other reasons for using the flatbed. Yes. If i couldnt really see a use for one. no. The only direct comparision i can see is that you can build your box with more options on a flatbed. Side facing doors etc. Larger box if needed or different storage options. If you use a snowmobile or quad its easier to accommodate on a flatbed. But if you can do what you want with a factory bed im not sure spending the money on a factory or selfmade flatbed makes much sense unless you have other reasons besides a dogbox.
For example i wouldnt bother putting one on a newer truck less then 3/4 ton . although if you have a old beater 4Ă—4 with the bed falling apart you might throw something on it. Or if the truck sets real high making reaching the doors on a dog box difficult with a factory bed.
You can normally get more rear clearance with a flatbed if you dont mind relocating your hitch higher .
But still with these things and others i can think of. The basic question is does the factory bed do the job you need or not? If you like customizing things a flatbed is a great platform to work from.

[Nolte]

My best advice is to not do it. Once you run a flatbed for strictly hunting you will always want one. You can customize the dog boxes and storage plus allowing a sled or a quad if you sacrifice dog box space. Personally I have a tacoma flat bed but sometime wish it was full size. I lack hauling capabilities but gain trail possibilities by having basically an overgrown atv. I also really love the air flow you get for summer hunting and the ability to build separate boxes for all the dogs which makes handling and cleaning much easier.

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[Jeff Eberle]

[Nolte]

Jeff, sorry I didn't check in on this post. I'll send some picks your way when I get a chance.

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[Jeff Eberle]

Well started building one not really a flatbed more like a ice cream truck (Lol) it's a 2in x 2in frame sitting on 2in x 6in bolted to frame with 3/16 aluminum plate bolted to steel frame , with 1in x 1in aluminum square tubing skeleton frame welded to the aluminum deck then skinned with the 3/16 aluminum.

[Jeff Eberle]

[Jeff Eberle]

[Jeff Eberle]

[Jeff Eberle]

[Jeff Eberle]

The brown you see on the aluminum is epoxy that I'll grind off or sand blast. The plate came from a particle board plant and is why it has the epoxy on it

[david]

Wow. You have been busy! Looks like it will be super nice.

[KittyRig69]

That is turning out pretty cherry! If you don’t mind me asking, how much money in materials do you have into it.