TOP 10 Flatbed Questions Answered - Q&A

[@chadpearce7555]

It was Great to work with you on this project. If anyone has Questions Please feel Free to reach Out to us. Scott. Just to let you know The Ram box off on the invoice is for the light adapter that goes between the flatbed wiring harness and the factory wiring. It makes it so the flat bed can just be unplugged. Look forward to seeing more of your videos. Thanks, Grant County Truck Bodies

[@Stonyboot]

Thank you for explaining that. You do great work and are wonderful to chat with. Maybe we will see you again in the future!

[@mkennisebc]

How much more would it have cost to have the same one but in black powdercoat?

[@johnhuff393]

Good afternoon from Godley Texas, thanks for answering the bed weight question. Great review. Stay safe and happy travels 😎

[@Stonyboot]

Thanks for tuning in! I still can’t find exact numbers for the factory bed. I’m hoping someone shares them in the comments.

[@AFKDays]

This is really a cool mod! Works well for your step. Thank you for being so transparent with this change. As always, nice work friends!

[@ourtimetorv3151]

Great video. You answered all my questions plus some of the ones I didn’t ask. And thanks for the cameo at the beginning. 😀

[@Stonyboot]

Glad it was helpful!

[@celestedickson6475]

Thanks for posting this. We have a Cirrus 820 on a Ram 3500 but don’t leave it on. It’s such a trial to get it loaded from our uneven storage site in the mountains. We’re going to put in a concrete pad to store it, but are leery of taking it off while traveling. My husband saw your video and now we’re thinking of converting ours to a flatbed. Thank you!

[@kennethmoore5629]

Can't wait to see it with the boxes under the Cirrus 920. Looks good now!

[@Stonyboot]

Thank you!

[@cirrus820travelers9]

Thanks for the great content! Definitely want to get that done next year. We've been considering it in Oregon where our rig is stored. Plus tax-free!

[@jjjohny_a5965]

nice truck looks cool.. plus its all set up for big 5th wheel trailer more storage with boxs...thank you for the view

[@yonmoore]

Good video. I've been wanting a flat bed for over a year now for snowmobiles and a camper.

[@saeedkawish]

I am also watching youer all videos and talks , and youer this idea is super 👌

[@livinthelife6056]

Thanks for the information!

[@Stonyboot]

Thanks for watching!

[@doug2078]

Not a bad price for all that was done. Great video !!

[@Stonyboot]

I was happy with it. Thanks for watching

[@drcsep]

Outstanding upgrades… bendiciones amigos

[@Stonyboot]

Thank you so much!

[@chucktrow8577]

Nice detail on the install and numbers. Have you thought about doing a video on what it cost to be on the road monthly/yearly in expenses? I know as I look to going on the road it is surprising all of the small expenses that come up or forgotten during planning/budgeting. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@Stonyboot]

Thanks. We have thought about it, but to be honest, the process of preparing it doesn’t excite me. However, this winter when we finish our books, I might be more interested in breaking it down. We also have the challenge that many of our expenses are related to business, but are also part of our camping lifestyle. So I guess I could just explain the details and then move on to the numbers. Good idea, writing the comment gave me a little time to think about it. I’d say early next year would be a good time to do it. Thanks!

[@eradicator187]

Great review 👍

[@Stonyboot]

Thanks!

[@murdiesel]

Getting ready to do the same myself. 2107 Ram 2500 4x4, NorthStar 850sc.

[@Stonyboot]

I still like my flatbed, however keeping it looking new is hard. Aluminum doesn’t hold a shine for very long. But, no rust.

[@panhandletrains]

Nice well explained video - love the flatbed 👍

[@sarahmcarthur9107]

I'm really curious about your experience with the camper possibly moving sideways when you're driving in high wind or over super bumpy roads? You mentioned it at the install but I haven't seen where you might have noted it again. We have the same truck (factory bed) and have put bumpers in front and back of the tire wells to help keep our camper (Arctic Fox) completely centered. We've had the camper get pushed (before the bumper blocks) more than an inch off center in high winds before, so it's somewhat scary to think what could happen on a flatbed (without experience, of course). Love your videos--we watch you guys all the time!

[@Stonyboot]

That’s a great question. Honestly, I’ve only had it move maybe a 1/2 inch. I had my rubber mat down and the camper on top of that. At one point, we hit some HUGE bridge joints an the camper became a little crooked, maybe a total of 1 inch. I repositioned it and it was fine after that. We only have about 4000 miles total with the flatbed, but it’s been great. The ribbing on the flatbed seems to prevent side to side movement because it bites into the rubber. Of course, you really need a rubber mat for all campers to add cushion and prevent excessive movement. Also, keep an eye on your turnbuckle tension.

[@HappyHus]

Thanks for sharing this information. One question you didn't cover here and I've listened to most the other video's, is the reason for wanting a flatbed. Is it because it gives you more room to add extra storage? I like what you've done.

[@warrenmullett]

My only concern is the strength and durability of the install.. looks like a lot going on. ..I figured too they would be direct bolt on and made perfect for each truck. …but thats not really economical for the manufacturer…I’m sure these country boys got it done right but even more sure if it needs adjusting, reinforcing or any improvement you can handle it ! I like the utilitarian looks and function of the flat bed too and I love tool boxes !! I may get a flat bed if my bed ever gets damaged.

[@Stonyboot]

For the most part, the install is ok. There are some flaws. But it's held up pretty well, so, I'll count it as a win!

[@jameswilburn6605]

I do have another concern. You seem more knowledgeable than I am about drones. Do you think the $99.00 tactical drones they advertise is worth it for beginners. I have never flown one before and they make these sound so appealing but in your honest opinion are they really worth it. Jim

[@ThePilotbuzz]

Would be great to see what it looks like with the TC loaded, tie downs, and access. Is there room for side boxes? Ok, watched 1st video and saw how you used tie downs. Nice options, especially if you add on bed side boxes!

[@wilbobblehead2219]

You kids doing ok? Hoping so, we miss seeing your videos. Sending you all the best.

[@Stonyboot]

We are doing well. We just have a lot on our plate right now and KZbin had to get slid to the back burner. I’m working on a video right now though, so I’m trying to get back into the groove. Thanks for checking in, we will be back ASAP!

[@ekimviewmaster5010]

Thanks so much for ALL the informative videos. I hope that flatbed gives you more flexibility and storage for your setup. Looking forward to more wonderful videos and being a tag along on your adventures. ❤

[@Stonyboot]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@terrylarkin690]

Scott you and Sasha got a very good deal. Nice dealership

[@Stonyboot]

Thank you!

[@valyd45]

What was your initial reason to switch to the flatbed? Will be nice to see when your done adding boxes and having the camper on the flatbed.

[@Stonyboot]

Storage and flexibility with mounting stuff. Also, it’s hard to prevent the bed from getting beat up, a flatbed is more utilitarian and durable. Makes it easier to work on and inspect the suspension and under truck stuff. But, primarily, boxes and storage.

[@valyd45]

@@Stonyboot Makes perfect sense. Glad to see you got a good deal.

[@stuckcamping]

Saw the bed in person here in Moab and looks great! How long y’all in town for?

[@deltabravo1257]

When mounting the bed to the truck frame, using the bolts shown, were new holes drilled in the frame, or were existing holes used?

[@jameswilburn6605]

Looks good but one question ( I'm not very knowledgeable about truck beds) why did you want a flat bed anyway. To me it seemed fine as it was but I'm not up on this kind of thing jim

[@craz8677]

Curious also!??

[@Stonyboot]

For us, it provides extra storage and makes it easies to put the camper on the truck.

[@nevysadventuresllc9074]

Ok now after having it hopefully you put some miles on it, would you do it all again or would you order the truck with the flat bed already on it from the get go? I know when I was looking at truck campers that was something I was looking at also. I guess what would you recommend doing?

[@Stonyboot]

I would start with a f550/5500 and flatbed. For our purposes, we would never be happy with a pop up overloading rig, we want a hard side camper with enough space for both of us. A f550/5500 would be enough for just about any camper. Also, I’d like to switch to gas, diesel has the power, but it’s expensive to repair and maintain, we don’t really use all that power and diesel is harder to find. It also limits our travels to Mexico, US and Canada. Alternatively, an older diesel, like a 99-2003 f550 with a 7.3 would be great. But then you will have a hard time finding parts and it’s a 20 something year old truck. I’d probably order a new f550 with a 7.3 gas engine. Find a flatbed I like and have it installed. That opens up possibilities to almost anything, including any 5th wheel or bumper pull options that you want. What do you think? Maybe that’s a good topic for a future video.

[@nevysadventuresllc9074]

@@Stonyboot I agree I think Truck Campers are a great way to go especially now that you can find ones that are made to order like that one company i can’t remember the name you did a video on that was a huge truck camper. I think a video talking about that stuff would help out other people looking at them to start off with the right set up instead of going on updating and upgrading as they go because their rig isn’t handling it as well as they hoped. A lessons learned video maybe? Also new KZbin videos on the the engines and transmissions on the new F series super duties have been popping up. They are amazing have you seen any of them? Definitely changing the game i think.

[@johneskrich362]

@@Stonyboot I personally thin this would make a great topic. Hope this upgrade exceeds your expectations. As far as aswering the question of why you did the conversion, tell'em the truth, because Im a Guy And I could :)

[@jasonlovell3934]

What do you do with the spare tire?

[@Stonyboot]

It’s still in the factory location under the truck.

[@ericperry9590]

In the original bed, you had boards laid out for the camper to sit on, just curious why that was done. Thanks Eric

[@Stonyboot]

It’s a glorified spacer/platform. It also serves to keep the camper from moving around. I did a quick video about it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2bXhWWdj9OXgbc

[@ericperry9590]

Awesome thanks for the link I really appreciate it.

[@thenumbertwo2]

Curious, how long is the rear overhang (distance from center of axle to back of bed) with the flatbed? Trying to calculate where my short bed camper would sit if I were to switch to a truck like this.

[@lawrence7065]

What is the benefit of the flatbed over the stock bed?

[@Stonyboot]

For us, it provides extra storage and makes it easies to put the camper on the truck.

[@ToddStull]

I'm probably getting a flat bed for my 07 duramax. Is the extra 4" height any issue with windage? Also, are you still using the torklift mounts and did you need any feet extensions for the camper jacks?

[@Robert-ex2qp]

Is your truck and 8' dually or 6' dually? The bed looked small removed from the truck. Thanks for the video I follow you guys on youtube and instagram.

[@Stonyboot]

It’s an 8 foot bed. And you’re right, it does look small, but it’s a long bed.

[@gregchadwick8428]

How do you find it handles the corners with the higher center of gravity?

[@saeedkawish]

Super idea 💡, but youer bike side breaks lights cover , and lights wiring in under dangerous in off road mod.

[@jd24bdc72]

It is what it is. It looks nice. I'm gonna save up, I guess, stay safe God bless 🤙 🇵🇭

[@kevinaubuchon5979]

What is "def" tank?

[@Stonyboot]

The Diesel Exhaust Fluid tank.

[@wingnutbert9685]

Other place to pour money....... LOL!

[@andrewsmith1735]

Newer Diesel trucks have "def" tanks. Diesel exhaust fluid tanks. The D.E.F. is liquid nitrogen fertilizer, also called urea, that is injected into exhaust to be used in catalytic converter systems. In the systems, it eliminates the "by product" of nitrogen oxide. Otherwise, government solving "problems" it causes with passing of the farm bill, but that's "in the weeds"

[@arnejahr3531]

That a fare price they did a quality job

[@Stonyboot]

We agree!

[@RichardBradford-t7d]

What happens when one side of my brake lights only work in the other side is out what

[@ez-g3090]

Check the bulbs and fuses.

[@davez2989]

install looks a bit hacky to me. filler port. notching around the rear parts welding to hitch. but the looming, sensors and other aspects i like. and 6 inch height cost kind of sucks. to me they could have spent a little more time in making it solid install vs hacky. bed looks awesome and functional so if your happy that's what matters

[@brentmcmahon8188]

My 05 Dodge dullay bed a guy backed into one of my rear fender over wheels and they 1000 bucks a piece so the fenders are 2 grand just for fenders and insurance supplies buy these up but don’t know what they pay for them.

[@Stonyboot]

Modern vehicles are crazy expensive!

[@jacintosantos9954]

Why a Dodge 3500 why not a Ford 350 or 450 and why not a Chevrolet or GMC 3500 this is a fuel economy or the price or the height that's my question

[@Stonyboot]

This is a great question. Maybe I'll make a video where I'll ramble off all of my reasoning for the RAM vs other brands. The summary for now is: In 2019, there was a shortage of trucks, the Ram has a Cummins and we liked the comfort of the interior more than the Chevy/GMC that was available at the time, this was important to me because of back issue. Now the new GMC trucks are completely different and worth a look again. We had our eyes on an f450, but there were none available. Looking at older fords in the 2015-2019 range, we discovered that they had significant problems with their computers. Reviews indicated that while covered by warranty, they frequently failed to fix them leaving people dead on the road for weeks and months at a time. After researching the potential problems with the RAM, the biggest issue seemed to be the possibility of transmission failure in the 120k-170k mile range. That is easier to plan for than intermittent computer failures. This truck was also only 350 miles away and we got a good deal at the right time. 3.5 years and 73k miles later, I still love it!

[@brentmcmahon8188]

Why in the world would you buy a black truck and they have so many draw backs heat dirt scratches and I got white and it doesn’t show unless you wipe your finger threw it and they are a lot cooler in summer but with camper your in the shade all the time but dirt you have to wash it every week.

[@Stonyboot]

I’m glad you asked. It was a long term plan to make people ask questions. But in reality, when we purchased in 2019, it was the only one that fit our needs. And I couldn’t order one. So it’s dirty, no big deal.

[@celestedickson6475]

I’ll tell you why I bought a dark truck for my camper set up. Because it’s the only one I could find for miles with enough payload to haul what I want to haul. I bought a used truck. Because why in the world would I order a brand new truck when they lose value as soon as you drive them off the lot.

[@aaaddfhsvh348]

سلام🙋......چطوری دوست من چرا ماشینتو به این روز انداختی...امیدوارم هر چه زودتر سفرتو شروع کنی ولی اینبار شمال امریکا👍👍👍

[@cyumadbrosummit3534]

An angle grinder erases welds.