Dump bed?

[mustango]

Anyone know of a dump conversion I could install on my '71 f100 l/b? I'd like to be able to dump a yard of gravel instead of shoveling it out. Also it'd look trick on a semi custom pickup.

[460 crew]

I remember seeing a roll up mat thing that was on tv, dunno if it was any good but might be worth lookin for rather than changing over your bed. I remember you could take it in and out.

[FORDification]

There's an auction on E-bay for that roll-out style:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... gory=33655

At $75 it might be the ticket if you only need to do something like this once in a while, but probably not for a commercial vehicle, where it's a regular thing.

[hardtailjohn]

Try www.surpluscenter.com they advertise the whole thing in their catalog... I always thought one of those would be handy too!!
John H.

[72hiboy4x4]

try this link....

http://www.motherearthnews.com/library/ ... Dump_Truck

its an interesting idea for little bucks.

[mustango]

Pretty cool idea, but nI'd be more interested in the hydraulic type for my truck. It's going to be hot rod/utility vehicle.

[FoMoCo]

Instead of hydralics thers a kit for using an air bag. I saw it on the Trucks TV show. It will utilize the existing bed and frame and be able to tilt the bed about 60 degrees of level.

Nick

[72hiboy4x4]

one other thing to consider is that, being a 1/2 ton truck, how much quantity and how many times is that truck going to haul a yard of gravel before the suspension, rear axle, steering, bearings, ect. give out? If it is occasional use, than probable a long time, but for serious use, a 3/4 ton might be a better choice.
thats a lot of effort and cost for just the occasional dumped load.
I have never been impressed by a 1/2 ton trucks load capacity when it comes to the heavy loads, like gravel. My F150 has to use the air bag suspension just for lighter loads i haul! (scrap steel mostly)

that being said, as soon as I get settled into the new house I am working on building my dump trailer! with 3 trucks available, I can match the truck to the load and not worry about 1 truck being down.

the air bag idea is a great one. tow rigs use something similar when uprighting an overturned semi trailer in soft ground.


just my humble worth

[mustango]

I'm going to stiffen the springs a bit. But the Main reason I'd like a dump bed is because it would be a cool custom addition. I plan on semi restoring the truck and installing 18" Torque Thrust 2s and lowering it a few inches. It won't be a show truck but it'll look good and still be used on occasion.

[Faithful Old Road Dog]

Occasional hauling is fine for that 1/2 ton. That stiffer spring will help. Keep in mind the bearings are still the same. Sounds like a cool set up. Why don't you do like those mini-trucks that lift the entire bed up in the air, spin and then "fly apart"?

[mustango]

Sure, but only if it'll spin with a yard of gravel in the bed?