How to build a wooden bed for a Ford Ranger or a Mazda B2300.

This video describes how to make a wooden bed for a Ford Ranger or a Mazda B2300. It uses pine and Trex for the bed. You should see my other video "How to put sideboards on a wooden bed" and "How to wire a 3 wire LED tail light." You might also like other videos of mine. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar.
Links:
How to wire a 3 wire LED tail light: • How to wire a 3 wire L...
How to put sideboards on a wooden bed:
• How to put sideboards ...

[@Lsailor169699]

For Jason McPeak. Thanks for watching my video! You may want to look at my other videos that deal with this project and other subjects. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Best of luck on the bed! The Sailor.

[@wire2394]

Man I wish you would have filmed while putting it together. What you did was fine but I like to see it worked out. Thanks for the video

[@Lsailor169699]

@@wire2394 Thanks for watching my video and your kind comment! You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscribe for the latest! Best, The Sailor.

[@ryansellers5416]

That looks really awesome! Also, props for living like half an hour from me! now I know who to call if i have trouble converting my ranger!

[@Lsailor169699]

Appreciate that Ryan and thanks for watching my video! You might like my other videos about Rangers/Mazdas and other things. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar.

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for watching my video Ryan! I would be glad to help you. You might like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar.

[@Lsailor169699]

Thank you Steve for your kind comments! I had a great time building it and everyday I get people beeping at me and giving me thumbs up. Have fun with yours!

[@kylekarwowski2642]

Really nice design, looks great. I especially like the back bumper with the 45 cut and lights installed on an angle. I am going to use this design as the basis for my f250 flatbed with a modification so i can reuse my overhead ladder rack. Maybe I'll make a video.

[@Lsailor169699]

Kyle Karwowski Thanks for watching and your kind comment Kyle! May want to see my video on side boards I made for it. You can see it (and others) by typing Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscribe for the latest! Best, The Sailor.

[@Lsailor169699]

It is about $1000. The expensive part is the Trex bed. Takes about a week if you are at it full time. You will want to see my other videos: "How to put sideboards on a wooden bed" and "How to wire a 3 wire LED tail light." Thanks for looking at my video and have a great time building it and enjoying all the comments you will receive after it is done! The Sailor.

[@Lsailor169699]

For 95 fordfixer. Thanks for watching my video! The bed has held up wey because I leave it in a garage and every three years I lightly sand it and put on a thined coat of Spar. As for the gas cap, I did not want to put a hole in the side, so I built a little "house" with a slanted top to handle the metal gas cap. I then bought a locking gas cap to prevent mischief. You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscibe for the latest! Best, The Sailor.

[@95fordfixer54]

Thanks for the info. Thats what I thought I was seeing up near the cab. Hope mine comes out as well as yours did. Great looking bed!

[@Lsailor169699]

@@95fordfixer54 I guarantee you will get lots of looks and cell phone pics! You may want to see the side board video I made. Any questions? Drop me a line. Best, The Sailor.

[@Lsailor169699]

For Rebekah. I made the rubber grommets myself by getting a 1/4 inch rubber mat and cutting them to fit. Best, The Sailor

[@matthewselay735]

Wow, that looks sweet. One day I hope to have a pickup and convert it to a flatbed.

[@Lsailor169699]

Appreciate you watching my video and your kind comment Matthew! You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscribe for the latest! Best, The Sailor.

[@jnowcom]

Hello there ....love love love the flat deck ......would you have more pictures of the work you did from start to finish ....we need all the help we can get as we are not as professional as you 😊😊😊

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks so much for watching my video and your kind comments! I have lots of pics, but you need to be more specific about a certain area that you are unclear. You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscribe for the latest! Best, The Sailor.

[@Lsailor169699]

I would think in the neighborhood of about $1000. The expensive part is the Trex. It is way cheaper than a metal bed. I got quotes for about $3500! Cheers and you will enjoy it. I get comments about mine almost every day.

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for looking at my video and the nice comment!

[@Lsailor169699]

Thank you for your nice comment!

[@brianafrojack5215]

Awesome Man, an idea later down the road for my Ranger XL.

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for watching my video and your kind comment! You should watch two other videos that go along with this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqmlc4eXhM99d5o kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6XZmZqDpdJ_lZY You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscribe for the latest! Best, The Sailor.

[@taylorlabbruzzo1656]

Awdsome quality ans the deck boards looks sweet. Great idea and will likely be doing similar on my f150

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for watching and your nice comments Taylor! You may want to read the comments section of the video for things that I added/changed after making it. You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscribe for the latest! Best, The Sailor.

[@Lsailor169699]

I cut them half way and then notched the main 4 x 4 to match. I then lag bolted them from the top.

[@nunurbuisness5877]

Looks nice. I've been thinking of doing this to my mighty max for some time as my box is majorly best up. I'd like to remove my box and have the cab painted then do what you did here looks good

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for watching my video Drew! You might want to look at the comments to this video before you start. I also have two videos that go along with this one. One for how to make the sideboards and another on the wring of the LED tail lights. They can both be seen by typing Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. If you like my videos, you may want tot subscribe for the latest! Best and have fun making it! The Sailor.

[@rssl7392]

Very very nice, Is there any more video on this when you first start the project ? Thanks. Is it heavier then Aluminum flatbed ?

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for your kind comment and for watching my video! I would think that it is lighter than aluminum. No further video on the bed, but watch "How to put sideboards on a wooden bed" and "How to wire a 3 wire LED tail light." You might also like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Best, The Sailor.

[@yamahondazuki95]

How yah doin sailor I watched all your flat bed videos, I'm gonna be building a very similar flat bed on my chevy and I was just wondering what bolts you used to anchor everything down with, for the trex as well as the 4x4's. Great videos man it came out awesome I wish to see more of the flat bed! Cheers.

[@Lsailor169699]

yamahondazuki95 Thanks for watching my video YD! Be sure to see my video "How to put side boards on a wooden bed." You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. The bolts and lag bolts are galvanized and for the 4 x 4's use the biggest diameter you can get thru your holes in the chassis. The Trex and sideboards are 3/8 inch lag bolts. Good luck with your project! Best, The Sailor.

[@javid234]

I'm building a flatbed for my b2300 and I'm using most of your plan and I would like to know how did u fasten the lights into the 2x10?

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for watching my video javid! I used black silicone outdoor sealant. It matches the color of the outside trim of the lights. You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscribe for the latest! Have fun building your bed and you might want to put the side rails on like I show in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6XZmZqDpdJ_lZY

[@scottgixxer67]

GREAT JOB...

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for watching y video and making such a nice comment Scott!

[@maurosilva5540]

I just buy one 1999 work on on size March this year 2022 I'm finished carpentry crazy about wood smell I will thinking about wy not to do on cypress decking with cedar railings I do like your wood work post some more videos fellow wood wood worker!!!

[@dgoins6]

I'm going to do this for my 2001 Mazda B2300. One question: did you beef up the suspension?

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for watching my video! I put on heavy duty shocks because I found that if I trailered anything really heavy, the bed would hit the tires. You might want to look at all the questions and comments below for some of the answers you want. Feel free to write me about anything. You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscribe for the latest! Best, The Sailor.

[@drrider100]

Can I just keep the rear bumper on?? Or does that have to come off too?

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for watching my video drider! My plans call for the bed and bumper to come off. You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscribe for the latest! Best, The Sailor.

[@KyleLesmeister]

Where did you get the tail lights and reverse lights at? I really like them.

[@Lsailor169699]

That would be Amazon Kyle. Have fun making it and use heavy duty shocks in the rear to help when loaded and to give it a raked look.

[@jesusserna5918]

How did you do to connect your lights I am trying but you can not my truck is chevrolet silverado thank you

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for watching my video! Here is how I did it on my truck: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqmlc4eXhM99d5o You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Best, The Sailor.

[@joeyschoonover7283]

Very nice, you need a headache rack.

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for watching my video and your kind comment! You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscribe for the latest! Best, The Sailor.

[@danpowell6706]

What size mud flaps did you buy? Did you get your light on amazon too? Thank you for your time and great job

[@Lsailor169699]

Got both the mud flaps and the lights from Amazon. Here are the particulars: 24" x 30" Aeroflap Fuel Reducing Mudflaps. I cut the mud flaps in half and shortened them. AutoSmart KL-35100RK Red Oval Sealed LED Turn Signal and Parking Light Kit with Light, Grommet and Plug. Thanks for the nice comment. You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar.

[@danpowell6706]

Lsailor1 Thank you and i will

[@Lsailor169699]

Hey Dan, If you go to the description and comments, you will find your answers there. Thanks for watching my video.

[@KamiCrit]

Wow that is amazing, great job. How's it holding up so far?

[@Lsailor169699]

Hey Kami, thanks for looking at my video! I've had it for a year and a half now and it is doing great! I still get people coming up and commenting about it. It is definitely the only one around these parts. The Sailor.

[@howardbenoit7474]

awesome job thank

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for watching my video Howard and your kind comment! You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscribe for the latest! Best, The Sailor.

[@andrewsirmon851]

Nice video! How has it held up? Did you apply treatment every few years? Looking at doing one myself!

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for watching my video and your nice comment! I built in 2012 and it has been super. With the bed being Trex, absolutely no maintenance. For everything else, about every two to three years I sand the areas that need it and reapply a thinned coat of Spar. You will want to see these two videos as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqmlc4eXhM99d5o kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6XZmZqDpdJ_lZY You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscribe for the latest! Best, The Sailor.

[@cple1]

How did you secure the tail lights and the back up light?

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for watching! I used black silicone sealant. You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscibe for the latest! Best, The Sailor.

[@brandongarretson9475]

AWESOME! THANKS!!!

[@Lsailor169699]

Brandon Garretson Thanks for watching my video Brandon! You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Best, The Sailor.

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks man!!!

[@dynocompe]

that decking must of been expensive! Its like $30 for 12 feet of the cheap trex decking in Canada

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for watching my video dyno! True. but when you consider it will never rot out, it is worth it. You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscribe for the latest!

[@adamdoucette1764]

I have a 2005 Ford Ranger. What are the measurements for the materials? How much did you buy?

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for watching my video! The dimensions are 6 foot 3 inches long and 6 foot 2 inches wide. I believe I spent about $1000 on the project. You might want to see the video on the sideboards I made for this bed. See it and all my videos by typing Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscribe for the latest! Best, The Sailor.

[@adamdoucette1764]

@@Lsailor169699 The main beams you used, are they all 4x4?

[@Lsailor169699]

@@adamdoucette1764 I started out with 4 x4s and found I needed to add 2x4s on top of them. The reason? You have to consider if you have a load on the bed. You don't want to have the bed touch the wheels. I ended up putting heavy duty shocks on the rear to avoid the problem and to give it a raked appearance. Best, The Sailor.

[@adamdoucette1764]

@@Lsailor169699 Would 6x4s work if I could find them?

[@Lsailor169699]

Possibly. Each truck will be different and the best thing to do is put a bed board down and see how much clearance you have. Best The Sailor.

[@GoPoop777]

did you ever make a material list for all the wood you used? i have a 98 ranger and im willing to do this in the spring, i just need to know how much it would cost overall (the way you manufactured it)

[@Lsailor169699]

Hey Will, thanks for looking at my video. No, I did not. I think I spent about $1000 overall. The big expense is the Trex bed. Feel free to ask questions along the way. Best, The Sailor.

[@GoPoop777]

what wood did you use for the sidewalls along with the back end? did you stain or polyerthane the wood?

[@GoPoop777]

how long was the trex decking? and do you have any pictures of how you made the gas tank opening for fueling up the truck, if so send it to [e-mail]

[@Lsailor169699]

Will Peters Will, the wood is just normal pine. Two x six for the sides and I think two x 10 for the tail (to accommodate the lights). You will want to look at my other video that goes along with this one: "How to put sideboards on a wooden bed." In it, it describes what I used to finish the wood. I used 8 foot long pieces of Trex, but the actual length used on the bed was about 6' 2". I will send pics about the gas tank filler tube. The problem I had was that if I put the filler in the side of the bed, I would be pumping "uphill." Best, The sailor.

[@GoPoop777]

okay thank you

[@jordankrutsch4037]

What did you do to deal with the gas line fill tube?

[@Lsailor169699]

+Jordan Krutsch Thanks for watching my video Jordan! I had to build a small box to hold it on top of the bed to insure the flow would be down hill to the tank. I put a locking gas cap on it. Best, The Sailor.

[@seansuperman]

Really nice looking work. I have a few questions, as I am about to embark on a wooden bed build myself. What size are those Aeroflaps? I really liked that design. Also, at 2:14 in the video, it looks like there are small pieces of 4x4 coming out the back. Were those just scrap pieces screwed on so you could attach a 2x6 there? Thanks.

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for watching my video! The flaps were 24 x 30, but I had to cut them down to fit properly. Did it with a jig saw. You are right, they were to hold the 2 x 6. You might like my other videos. Just type "Lsailor1" in the KZbin search bar. Best, The Sailor.

[@seansuperman]

Lsailor1 Beautiful. Also: what did you do to secure the filler neck? It looks like you built some sort of housing.

[@Lsailor169699]

I did. I wanted to put it on the side like originally, but I would have ended up pumping gas sideways. Used the original neck, but put extra hose on it to have it almost vertical. Have a locking gas cap on it.

[@seansuperman]

Lsailor1 Interesting. Now, I have a few more questions. What size bolts did you use to connect the 4x4 to the frame? Also what size are the boards that bordered the outside? Did you use 3/8 lag bolts all around? Thanks again. I appreciate the help.

[@Lsailor169699]

seansuperman For the bolts on the frame, it was dictated by the size of the frame holes. If I had to do it again, I would get a length that would get both the 4 x 4 and the 2 x 4. I had to add the 2 x 4 because the wheels would have touched the bed when I had a load on the bed. The side boards are 2 x 6 and the rear board is a 2 x 10. The 2 x 10 was cut on an angle to match the 2 x 6's in the back. Yes, all the bolts for the bed are 3/8 inch lag, recessed and galvanized with a washer.

[@TSCtheTHC]

did you end up having enough wheel well space, or are you bottoming out tires to board?

[@Lsailor169699]

kaSey BlaIN Thanks for watching my video kaSey! Good question! I put extra 2 x4s on top of the 4x4s to avoid a problem with that. I eventually came up with the best solution. I bought 2500 lb. heavy duty shocks on the rear. It also gives a nice "raked" look to the truck!. Best, The Sailor.

[@TSCtheTHC]

thats what i thought. thanks for the upload and response

[@Lsailor169699]

kaSey BlaIN My pleasure! You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscribe for the latest!

[@jackieleeroberts270]

We're did you get the tail lights!!!

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for watching! Got both the backup and turn/stop from Amazon: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004NYD55Q/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 You might want to see my other videos concerned with the sideboards and wiring those LED lights. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscribe for the latest! Best, The Sailor.

[@mattpickron5307]

is your truck lowered at all?

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for watching my video Matt. No, it is not lowered in any manner. You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Best, The Sailor.

[@jordandewolf3606]

Did using a wooden flatbed increase gas mileage?

[@Lsailor169699]

Appreciate you watching my video Jordan! I could not tell you. When I bought the truck used, I immediately had the bed removed. I never drove it with the bed installed. You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscribe for the latest! Best, The Sailor.

[@wtf2975]

Do you have exact measurements?

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for watching my video! If you go to the comments section of the video, I believe I put them in there. You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscribe for the latest! Best, The Sailor.

[@masonbaney5898]

How much did the whole set up cost u?

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for watching my video Mason. I think around $1000. You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscribe for the latest! Best, The Sailor.

[@bigfork01]

How did you mix up your finish?

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for watching my video David! I used Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane and mixed one part Spar to two parts mineral spirits. Put two coats of that on and then finished with an unmixed coat. You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscribe for the latest! Best, The Sailor.

[@bigfork01]

thank you so much is there a reason you didn't use regular screws instead of bolts on your trex decking? I was just wondering because I am thinking of using screws.

[@Lsailor169699]

I used bolts to insure the boards won't get loose. It also has a more "manly" look! 😁

[@geo6892000]

Where did the 4x4 'butt' ends in the back @ 2:14 come from?

[@KyleLesmeister]

I'm wondering the same thing. But I think their just being used to support the back base board( the one that holds the tailights and lisense plate.

[@Lsailor169699]

Just cut them to fit and bolted them on. You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Best, The Sailor.

[@robram4349]

COOL 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸😎👌

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks so much for watching and your kind comment! You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscibe for the latest! Best, The Sailor.

[@otiliorosario656]

what is the exact measure of the 4 by 4

[@Lsailor169699]

Thank you for watching my video! It is all very confusing, but a 4 x4 is actually 3/12 inches by 3 1/2 inches. Here is an article that it explains it all: www.harvarddesignmagazine.org/issues/45/nominal-versus-actual-a-history-of-the-2x4 You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscribe for the latest! Best, The Sailor.

Kinda looks like a deck on a truck:-)

[@Lsailor169699]

Thanks for watching my video Steve! Here in Alabama, we like to take a little bit of "home" when we tailgate at an Alabama game, so we bring lawn chairs and the grill on the truck and it is like sitting on the deck back at our trailer ;). You may want to see the video with the side boards attached. Here it is :kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6XZmZqDpdJ_lZY You may like my other videos. Just type Lsailor1 in the KZbin search bar. Like them? Subscribe for the latest! Best, The Sailor.

[@allandocater6296]

Make it wooden with the help of the Woodglut instructions.