Cargo or utility beds? Who's done what?

[Czechsix]

I'm going to mod the Hustler that I have, and I'm planning on doing a utility bed on it. I'm still figuring out the basic design, but if anyone else has done something, I'd love to see it.

I'm thinking a basic flatbed, with the rear seats removed. Bed supports will go down to studs welded onto the frame, with bracing. Separate expanded steel or mesh to cover the engine/transmission area. I'll make an ABS sheet floorboard to cover the chains.

For the bed itself, probably I'll cut some Apatong out of pallets, add some stake pockets in so I can run sideboards, headboard, and a rear board. I'll make the sides and rear capable of dropping, and supporting a load when they're dropped. Top of sideboards will have pockets for tarp supports. I'll do a minimalist front hoop to tie in a canopy over the operator (lots of desert out here). When I'm welding up the bed supports, I'm also planning on adding front and rear hitch mounts. Then it'll be on to doing a complete rail, and adding light bumpers and winch mounts, plus work lighting and some other fun stuff on there.

Might have to go to aluminum due to weight, but I'm not planning on carrying a ton on it to begin with. Mostly bulky, but light stuff. Might be tasked with a load of firewood or trash every now and then, though.

Anyway, feel free to comment or throw out ideas.

[spookum]

Research buffalo truck

[Czechsix]

Research buffalo truck

Yep, I've seen some pics of those. Similar to what I'm thinking of. Probably close to the same basic look, just smaller scale. The other thing I've got to look at is lessening the bearing loading for the axle shafts. I think I've seen some mention here of bearing extensions, I'll have to look into that also.

[spookum]

For that machine the frame is kind of Puney isn't it? There is a way to get frame externsioms AND reinforce the frame.



But you do have to run axle extensions

And yes, you go from 2 bearings per axle to three..... If you have a drill press grinder and welder your good to go.... A beastly drill insteads of a drill press would be ok

[Czechsix]

Yep, not what I would consider to be heavy duty. But it'll carry a few hundred pounds on the rear. Frame is going to come out in any event, need to do the usual...all the bearings, etc. Might as well do extensions and reinforce things while I'm at it. Where did you get those bearing housings?