Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/150744
do they require removal of the bed. Another advantage of the insert bed is the fuel fill cap and filler hose remain in the stock location. The downside of inserts is they add weight, using up some of the pickup's valuable payload capacity. DUMP BEDS SNEAKY STEALTH BEDS If you don't want your pickup to look like it's a dump truck, the stealth-style hoist conversion keeps your pickup looking stock but allows you to do some real work. Some of these kits are virtually undetectable until you actually raise the bed, which can be a lot of fun in addition to maintaining the look of the original design. On the down side, installation can be more involved, requiring some welding and modifications to the fuel fill location, bumper and hitch components. (If the latter, make sure you know how towing capacities will change, as this can be a big determining factor on which setup you use.) Stealth units often require relocation to the spare tire well area, too. PICKUP DUMP BED PRODUCT SHOWCASE EZ-Dumper The EZ-Dumper Dump Insert is the perfect solution for landscapers, general contractors and handy homeowners. It bolts directly to most full-size pickup trucks in about two hours with few or no alterations. The EZ-Dumper comes standard in 8-foot and 6-foot lengths. Available in Powder Coated Steel, Aluminum and Stainless Steel, it has a 6,000-pound lifting capacity. ez-dumper.com; (866) 967-03867 Venco/Venturo Manufacturing The VP/VC 6600 Pickup Hoist for 2011/2012 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup mode is part of Venco's VP6 Series and uses a scissor hoist to turn an 8-foot pickup box into a 6,000-pound-capacity dump truck. An integrated lifting nest, hinge assembly and body stiffener forms a rugged body understructure to rigidly support the pickup floor. The Venco/Venturo bumper relocation kit maintains the original look of the vehicle and a Class II Hitch rating, and allows for a 45-degree dump angle. Combination electric/hydraulic pumps are available in single-acting (gravity down) and doubleacting (power down) versions. Safety prop and handheld pendant control comes standard. venturo.com; 800-226-2238 FULL CONVERSION A full conversion means removing the stock bed and replacing it with an aftermarket dump bed similar to what you'd do if starting with a chassis cab. The advantages with this direction include the ability to repurpose an existing pickup, maximizing payload capacity by saving weight, gaining a high degree of functionality and having a pickup for a dedicated use. On the downside, it changes the look of the pickup and the conversion isn't easily reversed because changes to the fuel fill and other items are required. OPTIONS AND UPGRADES Options and upgrades should be considered in your dump bed choice. For instance, a manual safety bar to hold the bed in the "up" position for maintenance is very handy. Another option to consider is a double-pivoting tail gate, which allows you to limit what you dump and makes it possible to spread the load instead of dumping it in one big pile. Look for controls with long cords or wireless connections for convenience of operation and mobility for the operator. Other options include tarp kits, wall extensions and steel window protectors (like a built in headache rack). These come in handy to Pierce Arrow Inc. The Pierce Two-Ton Dump Kit is designed specifically for converting a pickup bed into a dump bed. Making use of the existing bed, it adds a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic cylinder to lift the load and allow the contents to dump. Kits are available for most makes and models, with some requiring welding and reinforcement of the bed. piercearrow.us; 800-658-6301 TruckCraft The TC-121 ULTRA from TruckCraft is an all-aluminum dump insert that weighs just 420 pounds. The ULTRA offers low weight and high strength with a payload capacity to safely dump 7,000 pounds. With a capacity of 2.5 cubic yards, a dump angle of 47 degrees can be achieved in 15 seconds. The dump insert features a double-acting tailgate that can also release from the bottom to spread materials. The ULTRA's 48 1/8- by 98-inch floor size can hold a full sheet of plywood flat on the floor with the tailgate closed. Comes with a 3-year warranty and installs in your truck in less than two hours with no welding. truckcraft.com; 800-755-3867 keep mulch and debris from flying out of the bed, which is a sure way to get ticketed – or at the least raise the ire or motorists following behind. So if you want to give your pickup(s) greater utility value and functionality, use the information above to help guide you to the right dump bed solution for your company needs. As you can see in the product showcase, there's no shortage of choices. 38 PROPICKUP Big Book 2013 ProPickup_2013BB_Dump Beds.indd 38 8/6/13 10:01 AM