Any idea where I can find a kit to convert my stock pickup bed into one that will tilt/dump? I've seen one that uses air, but don't want that. I'd be patching the bellows all the time! Thanks for any help!
That kit looks almost identical to the uni hoist kit I installed on our F250. Couple things to note, the 2 ton capacity is pretty optimistic. Ours won't dump over 1 ton reliably, cylinder is too small though it is listed as a 2 ton dump. Also, 45 degrees isn't much of an angle and chances are whatever you are dumping will stick in the bed (topdirt, mulch, quarry dust or gravel). Most real dumptrucks beds go to 70 degrees or so. Just giving you a bit of warning so you know what to expect.
Thanks! I wondered about that when I read 45 degrees. I'm hauling topsoil and mulch. I have to shovel it out now and don't want to have to shovel it out after spenting a grand and the hours of labor installing a dump! I have no idea how much the dirt weighs. It takes my 2500 down to the bump stops when fully loaded. That's got to be at least a half ton, right? It's a short bed, so maybe the 2-ton unit will work since there isn't so much leverage against it. I guess a mod is out of the question? I suppose the limiting factor is the length of the ram. Thanks fo the info!!
2500 is a 3/4 ton right? I've had 2 ton on a F250. It didn't make it down to the bumpstops. You might get higher than 45 degree lift out of a shortbed if the lift assembly is closer to the hinges. But the closer to the hinges the cylinder is the less it can lift. Now my point of view is from a gravedigger where I use my dump truck a couple times a week. If you are only dumping a few times a year 45 degrees will be a major help. Just wanted to point out these things.
Thanks for the tips! I was thinking that the 3/4 ton had a load capacity of 750 lbs. Don't know where I got that. I just hauled 1000lbs of stone plus 30 cement blocks and three 80lb bags of mortar - it didn't even sag. So, I'd say that the wet dirt I was hauling was pretty heavy. It was packed into the bed and mounded as high as it could be. The duramax never complained, but the e-rated tires did bulge some even at 60 PSI. Since I only haul/dump with it about 4 times a month in the summer, a 45-degree kit may work out. I never thought about possible consequences of being overloaded. Certainly something to consider. I think I'll haul smaller loads! Thanks again!
hauling too much You guys reminded me of something I'd not thought of in years. One time I needed to get some gravel to fill in holes in my driveway. Took my 69 Chevy 1/2 to to the quarry (about 10 miles away), picked out the size crushed gravel I wanted, drove to the pile and indicated to the loader operator I wanted 1 bucket full. (I'd worked landscaping in the past and had hauled gravel from their in the company dumptruck). 1 bucket (about 3 yards if I remember right, long time ago) filled the 8' bed pretty well. When I went to pay, she weighed out at 5 tons. Truck squatted down all the way to the bumpstops. The 327 I'd built and the 3 speed manual seemed to handle it fine. Truck rolled like a tuna boat. She stopped, but I'm glad I didn't have to do any panic stopping. And unloading it with a shovel was sure fun. Wished I'd asked the boss to borrow the company truck. -Dave
