The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts regular flat bed to dump bed conversion

Hello,
My flat bed needs to be rebuilt. While I'm at it, should I make it a dump bed? Is there any reason that I shouldn't? Has anyone out there done it? and how?
Thanks,
Chris
home.comcast.net/~chriseye/gmc.html

Can be done, will take some work.
Need to find and install the PTO, pump, and hoist.
Biggest thing to consider is if you use the original non dumping flat bed and hinge it at the rear, is it strong enough to hold the load all on its own when only supported by the hoist and hinge?
Many times an ordinary flat bed does not have a strong enough frame to be turned into a dump bed. They rely on being clamped solidly to the truck frame.

Grigg

They do sell kits/parts that you can get comeplete with a separate elec./hyd pump if you are not concerned with authenticity. I installed one in my 87 chevy pickup. It worked very well and was a blessing on many a landfill trips. It did require some fabrication/welding to install. Grigg is right about the strength of your bed. Make sure it can handle it, even if you don't intend to dump heavy weight.
Bill

Chris, I just finished what you are considering. Check out February's additions in the gallery. (Scott Powell's 4400) It has a before and an after picture. It was not difficult. It did require some welding, a bit of cutting, but overall, few modifications. If I can be of any help, feel free to contact me, Scott

Trucker..if you will tell me what model your truck is, bed length and construction type I can give you all the info you need. This is my business and has been for over 40 years, and no..I'm not trying to sell anything. I've literally installed hundreds of these.