Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/150744
DUMP BEDS DUMP MASTERS Dump bed kits convert a normal pickup into a real jobsite workhorse By Tim Walton Photo by Larry Walton I magine a wheelbarrow that you can't dump so everything has to be unloaded by hand. Sounds silly, but that's basically how it is with most pickups used to haul materials; they have beds but aren't really being used to their full potential. Now imagine a pickup with a dump bed with the ability not only to haul materials and but to dump as well. Whether your business is growing or you're just starting out, it's not hard to imagine times when a pickup equipped with dump bed could be a great addition to business opera- tions. Contractors and municipalities could really benefit from the material unloading or spreading capability of a pickup because it cuts the cost of tying up a Class 5 dump and a certified driver for smaller tasks. Fortunately, there are numerous options to convert pickups into light-duty dump trucks – and they take three basic approaches: Replace the bed with a dumping bed. Convert the existing pickup bed to a dump. Install a dumping bed inside the pickup bed. Manufacturers of these three dump types will tell you why their approach is the best. In actuality, there are pros and cons for each type of dump bed conversion. The task at hand is to find the best fit for your company, your pickup and your budget. PAY ATTENTION TO PAYLOAD LIMITS Like towing capacities, every pickup has payload limits set by the vehicle's manufacturer. Payload capacities vary by vehicle make, model and drivetrain, and they are in place for both driver safety and vehicle durability. Pay 36 PROPICKUP Big Book 2013 ProPickup_2013BB_Dump Beds.indd 36 8/6/13 10:00 AM