I am about to buy a new 4x4 to turn into a expo rig, but i was wondering what to do with the bed (cause thats the only thing i haven't thought about), i want something that i can still use as a pickup (hauling dirtbikes, atvs, furniture,etc) but i want something that will act as a roll cage/ bed rack, i need something high enough to clear a fourwheeler but i want something versatile enough to have a fuel tank, tool boxes, and other storage so that if i feel like going and spending a night in the woods all i need is food and water (that means storage for tent/spare tire) and i don't mind converting to a flatbed but as long as i can still have enough room to do daily task


So,anybody have any idea?


http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k254/boxrocket/cruiser/flatbed_e.jpg

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=39613&stc=1&d=1037423590

http://lakebox.dnsalias.com/photos/1981%20toyota/fabrication/med/DSC04912.JPG

Hopefully this will be my start rig

http://images.mautofied.com/adphotos/10200174_201147185914.jpg

i like the idea. ive had a similar idea myself. one thing you could do is to make the rear "cage" removable with pins, so you can make the flatbed as open as possible.

one thing that will help for ideas will be more detail. specifically budget, and what specifically needs to be stored. on an open budget, i would have a custom to my spec's aluminum flatbed made. it would store a water tank underneath on one side, and shallow tool boxes on the other. with ingenuity, you can store a lot of stuff in a small area. i would make sure to have a full recovery set, first aid, warm clothes, and a full set of tools. spare parts never hurt either.

I came up with the idea today about maybe using a reinforced ladder rack instead of a roll bar.

like this:
http://www.titansm.com/LadderRack1.jpg

if i were you id raise the bed up a bit then put storage in the base
when you have all normal stuff keept in it
then for a 3 day thing you load the genny grill etc on top with straps
the spare can just sit on top or mount on a removable cage id hang it from underneath so it wont get damaged in a roll over also a highlift etc can be mounted similar to the spare

i like this rack if it were level with the top of the cab
http://images.craigslist.org/3nf3mf3o85O05Q55U4b472c167ed674f51a9c.jpg

Flatbed-style utility-bed with a lumber-rack that pivots at the main hoop right behind the cab, so you can have a roof and storage over the bed, or swing it forward so you can haul dirtbikes and have storage over the cab.

Bump

Flatbed-style utility-bed with a lumber-rack that pivots at the main hoop right behind the cab, so you can have a roof and storage over the bed, or swing it forward so you can haul dirtbikes and have storage over the cab.


I dont exactly understand what you mean, can you like draw me a picture or something

I really dig this bed (1speed off expedition portal)

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp258/singlespeedin/01%20Ram%203500/P8220393.jpg
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp258/singlespeedin/01%20Ram%203500/P2050004.jpg
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp258/singlespeedin/01%20Ram%203500/CIMG0052.jpg
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp258/singlespeedin/01%20Ram%203500/P2050001.jpg

That thing is pretty sweet but i dont like the placement of the air tank

That thing is pretty sweet but i dont like the placement of the air tank

not to mention all of the debates about welding to a pressure vessel...

check this out;
Aluminum utility bed for sale ! :smokin:
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x314/CaliCrawler/Photo0065.jpg
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?p=12854221#post12854221

that would be a excellent expo bed... loose the bumper and clean up the rear departure angle ... and may slide in a light popup camper ?!?

Run a basic $200 craigslist camper shell. Keeps your gear semi-clean, and semi-protected from thieves. 4 bolts and its off to hold a dirt bike.

Plus when there is a big wind storm, its a great place to hide out.

I really dig this bed (1speed off expedition portal)

http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp258/singlespeedin/01%20Ram%203500/P8220393.jpg
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp258/singlespeedin/01%20Ram%203500/P2050004.jpg
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp258/singlespeedin/01%20Ram%203500/CIMG0052.jpg
http://i417.photobucket.com/albums/pp258/singlespeedin/01%20Ram%203500/P2050001.jpg


They have a pic of this truck on warn's facebook
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150534841095206&set=a.10150534839855206.637440.126005460205&type=1

http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb382/jonathancurfman/0520111334.jpghttp://s1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb382/jonathancurfman/?action=view&current=0520111334.jpg

here's mine i am working on.

Very nice I like how you kept the toyota tailgate metal