Flatbed for my 2010

[RiverRatMatt]

Alright, so I've decided to make a flatbed of my own. I have a couple questions though for anybody that has done something similar.

Here is a link to my current CAD in OnShape, the measurements are not exact yet, I'll have to remove the bed to get the spacing perfect, but this is pretty close.
Onshape

For those without OnShape, here's a couple pictures:

The square tubing is 2x2x.25'', the side and rear rails are 4x5.4 channel.

The plan is to have the main bed be 2x6 planks, with holes drilled and tapped into the 2x2x.25 steel square tubes below.

Some questions:
Currently, eleven 2x6s will fit exactly inside the bed. Should I add some extra width for fitting? How much? 1/4 inch?

How should I attach the bed to the frame? I'm thinking of maybe welding in some steel at the bottom of the supports with a hole in the center for the bolt, then cutting out the side of the support to allow access for the bolt and wrench, like this:

Thoughts?

 

[Mudder]

I built a flatbed for my 84. And used 2x2 .25 thick and I wouldn't recommend it. It made the bed so heavy I had to go with an OME HD lift to support it. As for mounting what I did was made the frame then measured the length between and welded two pieces of 1/4" flat stock together and drilled the hole. I can post pictures if you need.

 

[ken_79-fj40]

Are you building this for any particular reason? Here in the northeast I've seen a lot of older flatbed toyotas but usually it was just out of necessity. Most I knew wished they hadn't done it. By the time you make it strong and useful (so stuff doesn't just slide off) it's heavier than the original. Personally I find the Tacoma beds very useful with the tracks and storage pockets.

 

[RiverRatMatt]

There are a number of reasons, I've never actually liked the stock bed at all. It is too fat and bulky, the sides are too tall so everything I'd want to strap in to the rails (coolers, dryboxes, etc) are too short to reach. In fact, the whole bed is devoid of tie downs except at the tailgate.

Years ago I was backing out of a parking space and an f150 hit my bumper/corner of my bed at about 25mph, so the bumper is bent upward and the tail light had to be replaced but that panel is damaged. Replacing that panel would cost $650 + paint.

The truck has an abysmal departure angle as well.

I love the look and functionality of a flat bed, it will give me the clearance and versatility (the outside will be lined with D-rings) that I want.

I could drop down to 3/16th" 2x2, that would drop the weight per foot to 4.3lbs from 5.4lbs/ft

 

[cruiserfj45]

Looks like your bed may end up heaver than the whole truck. You will be surprised with the strength of lighter material.

 

[RiverRatMatt]

As it stands with. 25" tubes the frame weighs about 277lbs

 

[cruiserfj45]

I'm guessing that is more than twice the weight of the factory bed.

 

[RiverRatMatt]

I'd imagine bed+siding+bumper is at least 250lbs, I'm okay with adding up to another 100lbs or so.