Truck Bed Guides & Know-How
Decades of building, hauling, fixing, and figuring it out — written down.
Straight answers about aluminum flatbeds, stake beds, gates, liftgates and tool boxes — from the shop that has been building them in Orange, California since 1978.
Buyer's GuideWhat Size Flatbed Fits My Truck? Aluminum Flatbed Sizes by Make & Model
What size flatbed fits your truck? Real aluminum flatbed sizes by make and model, from 6' × 6'6" on a Tacoma to 8' × 14' on an F-550, and what to measure.
Read article
Truck BedsStake Bed vs. Flatbed: Which Truck Bed Do You Need?
Stake bed vs. flatbed: a stake bed is a flatbed with stake pockets and lift out sides. Compare pros and cons, see which trades pick which, and how to mix gates.
Read article
Buyer's GuideHow Much Does an Aluminum Truck Bed Cost? 9 Things That Set the Price
What does an aluminum truck bed cost? It depends on bed size, gates, bumper, tool boxes, liftgate and more. Here are the 9 things that set the price.
Read article
Buyer's GuideAluminum vs. Steel Truck Beds: Weight, Strength, Cost & Rust Compared
Aluminum vs. steel truck beds compared on weight, strength, stiffness, rust, cost and malleability, plus when a steel bed still makes sense for your truck.
Read article
Truck BedsService Body vs. Flatbed with Tool Boxes: How the Right Bed Makes the Job Easier
Service body vs. flatbed: what a utility body is, how an aluminum flatbed or stake bed with tool boxes, racks and a liftgate compares, and which fits your work.
Read article
Lift GatesHow to Choose the Right Truck Liftgate: Tommy Gate G2 vs. Maxon 66-16
How to choose a truck liftgate: size it to your heaviest load and footprint, check the truck's ratings, pick a stow style, and compare Tommy Gate G2 vs. Maxon.
Read article
MaterialsWhat Are Truck Beds Made Of? Aluminum Alloys, 6061-T6 and Tempers Explained
What are truck beds made of? Factory steel, aluminum and composite beds, plus how aluminum alloys like 6061-T6 differ and what that means for a truck bed.
Read article
Industry BuildsPool Service Truck Setup: How to Set Up a Pool Truck Bed for the Route
Pool service truck setup, step by step: 9" vs. 12" fold-down sides, common pool truck bed sizes, midsize vs. half-ton trucks, and securing tanks and gear.
Read article
Tool BoxesTruck Tool Box Configurations by Trade: Topside vs. Underbody
Truck tool box configuration by trade: topside vs. underbody tool boxes on a flatbed, real box sizes, and starting layouts for plumbers, electricians and more.
Read article
Buyer's GuideThe True Cost of a Truck Bed: What to Weigh Beyond the Price Tag
The true cost of a truck bed goes beyond the price: payload, fuel and tires, rust, hardware, downtime and warranty. A checklist with questions to ask.
Read article
MaterialsDiamond Plate Aluminum on a Truck Bed: Where It Helps and Where to Skip It
Diamond plate aluminum adds grip and hides scuffs, but it's heavier than smooth sheet and holds dirt. Here's where tread plate helps on a truck bed.
Read article
Tool BoxesCustom Tool Boxes vs. Off-the-Shelf: What Fits a Flatbed Best
Custom vs. off-the-shelf flatbed tool boxes: how to size boxes to the deck and frame, topside vs. underbody, clearance, and when a standard box is fine.
Read article
MaintenanceHow to Care for an Aluminum Truck Bed (Year-Round and Winter)
Aluminum truck bed maintenance made simple: how to clean an aluminum flatbed, check hinges and latches, rinse off road salt and care for the bed in winter.
Read article
Buyer's GuideQuestions to Ask Before You Buy a New Truck Bed (Checklist)
A checklist of questions to ask before buying a truck bed: materials, load rating vs. GVWR, gates, bumper, lighting, tool boxes, lead time and warranty.
Read articleReady to spec your own build?
Talk to the team behind every word on this blog. We'll quote you straight, no upsell games.
Get a Quote