Posted 11/30/2016 08:42 (#5666306) Subject: "Tailgate" ideas for flatbed
Central KY
Traded trucks recently and will be putting on a new CM SK skirted bed in the next couple of weeks. I got factory side rails thrown in on the deal, but would like to figure out a way fix up a little tailgate (same height as the side rails) for the bed. I'm not sure it would hold much in, but I like the idea of just throwing something up on the bed and not worrying about it sliding off the back of the truck. My last truck had a gooseneck brand bed that was square across the back, and just welded a piece of square tubing on hinges to fold up and down. The newer CM beds have cut corners, so that's what's throwing a wrench in things on this one.
So, what are some ideas you all have come up with?
Posted 11/30/2016 12:57 (#5666710 - in reply to #5666406) Subject: RE: "Tailgate" ideas for flatbed (picture?)
Southeast Washington
We have a Snake River that is the regional maker that makes beds for Bradford and under their own name but cheaper and it has the slots for the 2x6.
We have a Monroe that is like the CM and didn't have anything for the tailgate so we bolted a U-shaped piece of aluminum to hold the 2x6 with rubber belting wrapped around the 2x6 to keep it from being thrown out in rough ground.
On another with the straight back welded tubing to help protect lights and add support for the stock receiver hitch with stakes sliding into that to hold the rear tailgate.
Sorry for the dirt but these are working pickups with winter weather set in.
Posted 11/30/2016 10:43 (#5666517 - in reply to #5666306) Subject: RE: "Tailgate" ideas for flatbed
Oregon
I've seen some nice tailboards that just mimic the CM / Bradford / Hillsboro chamfer by cutting the same angle at the joints of the tailboard. I'd probably strengthen that wood joint with biscuits and Titebond II, but a small sheetmetal plate (mimic the angle with a brake) on the inside of both joints would work. The tailboard just drops into the notches in the side rails. (Like 1448 has illustrated).
I suppose that if you never take it off / don't use the goose / don't mind lifting, you could make something pretty bomber out of tubing or channel the same dimension as your side rails and mitre the joints to follow the rear bed line just like the wood tailboards I have seen. It wouldn't hinge like your side rails but instead would meet them at the back notch for the tailboard.
Posted 11/30/2016 11:30 (#5666583 - in reply to #5666517) Subject: RE: "Tailgate" ideas for flatbed
Elizabethtown,KY
The sides on my old flat bed are wood, my bed has stake pockets, so I took a 2"x8" board and cut some wood stakes and screwed the board to the stakes, then put 2 grab handles on with bolts so it is easy to lift out.
Posted 11/30/2016 14:57 (#5666887 - in reply to #5666306) Subject: RE: "Tailgate" ideas for flatbed
Osakis, MN
One that is bent to the outside dimensions of the rear of the bed would store nicely setting on the lower bumper if you made a way to fasten it there. A couple over center latches on the ends maybe.
Posted 11/30/2016 17:30 (#5667156 - in reply to #5666887) Subject: RE: "Tailgate" ideas for flatbed
Zabcikville, TX
A 1" ratchet strap across it works great, movable also. Hf213, that's got to be the best example of throwing money away. An all (or at least mostly) aluminum bed on a 90's model Chevy?? It don't even look good. But......its your money, not mine.
Posted 11/30/2016 20:28 (#5667666 - in reply to #5667156) Subject: RE: "Tailgate" ideas for flatbed
S.E. Washington
I thought hf213 put together a nice combination of pickup an flatbed. Looks good. I'm a dodge man myself but those old gm pickups have a nice clean look to them.
Posted 11/30/2016 19:27 (#5667456 - in reply to #5666306) Subject: RE: "Tailgate" ideas for flatbed
Central KY
Thanks everyone for the replies and ideas. Some ideas I've already had, and some new ones- think I can come up with a combination that will fit the need! Thanks again