Flatbed jetski hauler build

[ltr171]

Been thinking about cutting up my prerunner for awhile and converting it to a flatbed. I kinda just put it into the back of my head as a cool idea, until I found a flatbed local for a decent price and got talked into it. After I pulled some measurements off the flatbed I dove straight into cutting off my bedcage. Which means no more hitting any sweet jumps.



After that I got the bed all squared up and I was it was a way better fit than I ever would’ve though.



Now the flatbed is 8’ long and my oem bed is only 6’, so I needed to fill the space in behind it. Decided why not put some boxes in to fill the space and also have some storage. Went on Craigslist and luckily found 2 nice boxes for only $100.

 

[ltr171]

Next part was cutting the boxes in half to mount. When I went to mock it up I realized it’s about 3 3/4” too wide. Ended up having to cut a section out of the boxes, which wasn’t fun at all.



Welded the boxes in place and plated the section behind it.



The flatbed already had universal hooks on the side, so I decided to wrap it with flatbar for more strapping points.



I filled the space in the flatbed where the cab is after that with some square mesh, but I don’t like it as much as I though. I’ll probably be cutting it out for diamond plate.



Got a few progress pictures.

 

[ltr171]

That’s about all I have done to it right now. I’m wanting to build some removable aluminum bunks with a winch/ramp setup. I have an idea of what I want to do, but if anyone wants to share their setup I’m always looking for ideas.

 

[Big Kahuna]

Guessing you are not planning to back it into the water I hope.

 

[ltr171]

Guessing you are not planning to back it into the water I hope.

No not with those boxes. I’ll have a ramp and winch so it shouldn’t be a probably.

 

[ltr171]

Got the diamond plate on the rear bumper and set my buddies sx on it. Looks like i’ll be able to fit 3 skis facing foreward or 2 skis and a pitbike for Daytona

 

[Big Kahuna]

How about cutting the headache rack and follow the roof contour?

 

[OCD Solutions]

The possibilities are endless!

I have always wanted to do a flatdeck hauler but have never had an ideal vehicle to do it with. I have countless hours scouring the internet for pics of low profile aluminum flatdecks and even have a pic somewhere of a Toyota with a custom tube frame deck that would really suit that rally truck.

 

[ltr171]

How about cutting the headache rack and follow the roof contour?View attachment 366723

I thought about it before I mounted it, but I kind of like how it sticks out a little bit. The contour actually follows the truck pretty good considering it came off a 2500.

 

[Big Kahuna]

I see what you mean. It does!

 

[ltr171]

Hitch receiver is mounting so theoretically I can haul 4 skis with no trailer lol.



I also went ahead and wirewheeled the whole thing. Then sprayed a couple layers of paint.

 

[ltr171]

Went into the shop today and got the aluminum bunk setup mostly done. I decided to just go with two bunks. I set them out pretty far so I can put my beach cart and other stuff in the middle. The whole setup is actually pretty light and I can mount it by myself easily.

 

[ltr171]

 

[2lick]

Awesome build thanks for sharing!

 

[ltr171]

Got my ramp made today. I’m waiting on my wheels to get here for it. It’ll have 16-20 wheels for the skis to roll up. I also made the universal hooks for the rear for tie down points and for the ramp to hook into.

 

[OCD Solutions]

Looking good!

Did you bend the tight 90’s or buy them and weld them in?

 

[ltr171]

Looking good!

Did you bend the tight 90’s or buy them and weld them in?

Thanks, the ends are just 90 degree elbow I welded on.

 

[ltr171]

The wheels for my ramp came in today and they are too small. They work really good they just aren’t quite y’all enough, so I’m going to have to replace them.

 

[2lick]

I spent a bunch of time looking for economical wheels. For the way you are attaching them, these at HD are a good deal. If left outside forever, they would rust, but I've had some weather on mine and no problems. No bearings to go bad either.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-2-in-Rigid-Non-Marking-Rubber-Caster-4033245EB/203672384

 

[2lick]

Also, I see your jack stands used to start the ramp up some. I went that route too thanks to my buddy giving me the idea. Creating something out of wood that folds up and travels well was the plan until I stumbled on these half off. Worth it for $30 bucks or whatever you can get one on sale for!

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-42-in-W-x-32-in-H-Steel-Adjustable-Saw-Horse-800-lb/1000105365