Well, my current tow vehicle is having a few problems towing my 78 K1500 around when it is fully loaded with all my camping and wheeling gear. So, in order to lighten the K1500 up a bit, I am thinking about taking the bed off. How much does a typical 8' bed weigh? Also, does anyone have any other ideas on how to lighten the truck up? Any help is appreciated.

Bed doesnt really weigh enough to make a huge difference. My 75 k2500 (like its really close to a stock rig anymore...) weighs around 6400lbs loaded out with extry parts fuel recovery gear etc. It ran without a bed for awile (and a few extra toolboxes) and actually gained weight.... Im assuming you have a decent trailer...your dealing with a load of around 9000lbs give or take.

9000lbs is alot...whats the towrig? Might be time to look into some upgrades, or possibly even a standy tow/snow truck...I used to tow around that kinda load with a 97 gmc k2500 that had a nice little 350 and a nv4500 (wish i still had that damn thing)...thing did just fine even with 3.73's and 35's....but by comparison, my new rig (an 04 1500 with a 4.8 and a 4l60e) isnt a tow pig by any means. A snowmobile or two, a couple wheelers, small camper or whatever...but im not gonna be putting any heavy rigs behind it until its paid for and goes under the knife....