Pros and cons of a flatbed

[Bucksaw]

I have been toying with the idea of putting a flatbed on my truck at some point (no time soon, just at some point) but I cant decide if it would be a good idea or not. I don't pull a gooseneck all the time, but I do occasionally. This weekend I almost lost my tailgate when pulling my FILs cattle trailer through the pasture because the neck was so close to the top of the bed, and whe nI went over a hill the tailgate contacted the neck, luckily it just got into the plastic tailgate cap and not the steel. It would be very convenient for that, and for loading stuff on and off the side of the bed, but Im afraid not having bedsides might get cumbersome at some point. I know ratchet straps and bungees would be a staple at that point.

Does anyone drive a flatbed and wish they had a conventional factory bed?

What are some other pros and cons of a flatbed that you guys have experienced?

[doghouse]

I carry way to much in my bed for a flat bed. Shovels, chains etc.

[twistedmidnite]

You can but flatbed sides that slip into the steak pockets on the sides. I don't have them, I just ratchet everything. I haven't regretted having mine...

[boh347]

I have had both and thinking of going back to a flatbed. just because it's more durable.

[twistedmidnite]

I carry way to much in my bed for a flat bed. Shovels, chains etc.

I have a toolbox bolted to my bed with about a foot or so gap between it and the headache rack. I throw all that stuff in that gap

[Atfulldraw]

I miss mine, but I don't miss losing stuff off the flatbed anymore....

I miss having the boxes where I knew where everything was, but I don't miss looking like an unployed welder

If you pull the trailer a lot, just get a replacement vented tailgate with the v drop in the center.

[Low Fence]

We have a flat bed in our "fleet" at the dairy. No one can stand it... I even hate it. If you had a strictly service type trick... Maybe see it being a plus. Other than that you couldn't give me one

[Dale Moser]

I really want to try a flatbed, but I constantly have random junk laying in the bed of my truck.

THen again, maybe that would keep me from having so much random crap laying in the bed of my truck...

[overcomer401965]

Flatbeds make nice work tables, plenty of lockable storage, bale spear, much easier to step up on, much easier to hook up to my gooseneck trailers, built in headache rack, cooler easier to access, easier to fill auxillary fuel tank. Just my opinion but the thing aint just for looks either its a work truck.

[tex4k]

I think it depends on what you use your truck for more than anything, I've used both, if your in and out of your truck bed on a daily basis, the flatbed is nice, especially now they've gained some popularity and you can get one pretty much configured just to suit you. Currently have just the truck bed, don't do enough to justify the cost these days.

[Draco]

If you build the bed with drawers between the bed cross supports, you can carry mucho tools with out a box.

[Draco]

Little side boards can be added so stuff won't come off and it is still easier to reach into the bed and grab stuff.

[junkmanhunter]

I have a flatbed and have had one for about 6 or 7 yrs. It definitely has its pros and cons. The accessibility is very nice. Working out of it you don't have to worry about scratching or dinging up the sides of the bed. It cuts down on the junk you let accumulate in your bed.

Biggest cons for me are, when you go to lease or a hunting trip, all your luggage, gun and bow cases,coolers and etc are exposed. I have a 4 door but if you have more than one person with you everything goes on the bed.

I am in construction so I work out of mine everyday, therefore it is very practical for me.

[Tejas Wildlife]

Listen to this man

I miss mine, but I don't miss losing stuff off the flatbed anymore....

I miss having the boxes where I knew where everything was, but I don't miss looking like an unployed welder

If you pull the trailer a lot, just get a replacement vented tailgate with the v drop in the center.

I have 5 gooseneck trailers at home & use the vented tailgate he described. Very inexpensive solution to your problem!

[Sean]

No place to throw all the empty beer cans with a flatbed.