Transform Your Ride: The Ultimate Guide to How to Make a Flatbed Truck (DIY Conversion)
Transform Your Ride: The Ultimate Guide to How to Make a Flatbed Truck (DIY Conversion) Typestruck.Guidemechanic.com
Have you ever looked at your pickup truck and wished it offered more versatility for hauling unconventional loads? Perhaps you need a custom solution for work, or simply desire the rugged utility a flatbed provides. Converting a standard pickup into a flatbed truck is a rewarding project that can dramatically expand your vehicle’s capabilities. It’s a journey that combines mechanical know-how, fabrication skills, and a vision for ultimate utility.
Based on my extensive experience in vehicle modification and custom fabrication, making a flatbed truck is more than just removing the old bed and bolting on a new platform. It’s about understanding structural integrity, legal requirements, and crafting a design that perfectly suits your needs. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every critical step, from initial planning to the final coat of paint, ensuring your DIY flatbed conversion is safe, functional, and road-legal. Get ready to unlock your truck’s true potential and create a workhorse that stands out.
Transform Your Ride: The Ultimate Guide to How to Make a Flatbed Truck (DIY Conversion)
Why Consider a Flatbed Truck Conversion? Unlocking Unmatched Utility
The appeal of a flatbed truck goes far beyond aesthetics; it’s about maximizing functionality. Unlike traditional beds with enclosed sides, a flatbed offers an open, unhindered platform, making it incredibly versatile for a multitude of tasks. This freedom of space is often the primary driver for those undertaking such a significant modification.
One of the biggest advantages is the ease of loading and unloading. With no side walls to contend with, you can use forklifts to place pallets from any angle, or slide long, awkward items onto the deck without obstruction. This makes handling materials like lumber, pipes, machinery, or even ATVs significantly simpler and more efficient. For many professionals, this increased accessibility translates directly into saved time and effort on the job site.
Furthermore, a well-designed flatbed can often increase your usable cargo space, especially for oversized items that wouldn’t fit in a conventional bed. You gain the ability to strap down cargo that extends beyond the traditional bed’s footprint, all while maintaining a secure load. The customization potential is also enormous; you can integrate custom toolboxes, stake pockets for removable sides, or even specialized racks tailored precisely to your equipment.
Finally, for many, the decision to make a flatbed truck is a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a dedicated flatbed vehicle. By converting an existing truck, you leverage the investment you’ve already made, breathing new life and utility into an older, reliable chassis. This DIY approach not only saves money but also provides immense satisfaction from building something truly custom.
Is a Flatbed Conversion Right for You? Assessing Your Needs and Skills
Before you pick up a single tool, it’s crucial to honestly evaluate if a flatbed conversion aligns with your capabilities and specific requirements. This isn’t a project to be taken lightly; it demands a significant investment of time, resources, and a certain level of mechanical aptitude. A thorough self-assessment at this stage can save you from costly mistakes and frustration down the line.
Firstly, consider your vehicle’s suitability. Not every truck chassis is an ideal candidate for a flatbed conversion. You need a robust, full-frame truck, typically a 3/4-ton or 1-ton model, designed to handle heavy loads. The frame’s integrity is paramount; any significant rust, bends, or damage will need professional repair before proceeding. A healthy chassis is the backbone of a safe and durable flatbed.
Secondly, assess your own skills. This project involves a range of disciplines including cutting, welding, measuring, basic electrical work, and mechanical assembly. While some aspects can be learned, a foundational understanding of these skills, particularly welding, is highly beneficial. If you’re not confident in your welding ability, for instance, consider hiring a certified welder for critical structural joints. Pro tips from us: Never compromise on the quality of your welds; they are the literal backbone of your new flatbed.
Finally, think about the tools and equipment you have access to. You’ll need more than just a basic toolbox. Essential items include a reliable welder, an angle grinder with various discs, measuring tools, safety gear, and potentially a plasma cutter or metal saw. The time commitment is also substantial; this isn’t a weekend job. Depending on your skill level and available time, it could take several weeks or even months to complete properly.
Understanding the Foundation: Your Truck’s Chassis
The chassis of your truck is the bedrock upon which your new flatbed will rest. A comprehensive understanding and meticulous inspection of this foundation are non-negotiable for a safe and successful conversion. Any oversight here could lead to structural failures, compromised safety, or legal issues down the road.
Begin with a thorough frame inspection. Look for any signs of rust, especially in critical areas like crossmembers, spring hangers, and frame rails. Surface rust can often be cleaned and treated, but deep, penetrating rust that compromises the metal’s thickness is a serious red flag. Similarly, check for any bends, cracks, or previous repair work that might indicate a weakened frame. A twisted or compromised frame will never provide a stable base for a new flatbed, regardless of how well it’s constructed.
Weight distribution is another critical factor. Your new flatbed, along with its typical cargo, must distribute weight evenly across the truck’s axles. Overloading one axle or placing too much weight too far behind the rear axle can severely impact handling, braking, and tire wear. You need to know your truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWRs) to ensure your completed flatbed and its load remain within these limits. Ignoring these ratings is a common mistake that can lead to dangerous driving conditions.
Finally, consider your suspension system. While not always necessary, a flatbed conversion, especially if you plan to carry heavier loads, might necessitate suspension upgrades. Stiffer leaf springs, air helper springs, or even a full suspension overhaul could be beneficial to maintain proper ride height, stability, and handling characteristics under load. This foresight ensures your truck can comfortably and safely perform its new duties.
Design Principles for a Robust Flatbed: Planning is Paramount
The success of your flatbed conversion hinges heavily on meticulous planning and a well-thought-out design. Rushing into fabrication without a clear blueprint is a recipe for errors, wasted materials, and a suboptimal final product. This stage is where you translate your needs into a tangible, structural plan.
1. Planning and Blueprinting: This is the most crucial first step. Grab a notebook, a tape measure, and some graph paper, or use CAD software if you’re proficient. Measure your truck’s frame precisely, noting the width, length, and placement of critical components like fuel tanks, exhaust systems, and wiring harnesses. Sketch out multiple designs, considering the desired length, width, and any specific features you want to integrate. Don’t forget to account for wheel well clearance and ensure the flatbed won’t interfere with the cab.
2. Material Selection: The choice of material for your flatbed’s subframe and deck is vital for durability and weight. Steel, typically rectangular tubing or C-channel, is the most common and robust choice for the subframe due to its strength and weldability. Aluminum can be used for weight savings but requires specialized welding techniques and is generally more expensive. For the decking, options range from treated lumber (strong, relatively inexpensive, but requires maintenance), steel diamond plate (very durable, non-slip, but heavy), to composite materials (lighter, low maintenance, but more costly). Your material choice should balance strength, weight, cost, and longevity.
3. Frame Design: The subframe, which attaches directly to your truck’s chassis, must be engineered for strength and load distribution. It typically consists of two main longitudinal rails that run the length of the flatbed, connected by numerous crossmembers. The spacing and gauge of these crossmembers are critical. They need to be robust enough to support the decking and any anticipated loads without sagging or flexing. Common mistakes to avoid are using too few crossmembers or material that is too thin, which can lead to structural failure under stress.
4. Headache Rack Design: More than just an aesthetic feature, a headache rack is a vital safety component. It protects the truck’s cab and occupants from shifting cargo that might slide forward during sudden stops. Design it to be strong, securely mounted, and tall enough to shield the entire rear window. Consider integrating grab handles, work lights, or even a mounting point for a spare tire into its design.
5. Storage Solutions and Tie-Down Points: A flatbed’s utility is greatly enhanced by smart storage. Underbody toolboxes or integrated storage compartments within the flatbed’s frame provide secure places for tools and equipment. Equally important are robust tie-down points. These can be D-rings, stake pockets for removable side rails, or integrated cleats. Ensure they are strategically placed and securely welded or bolted to the main frame for maximum load security.
6. Lighting and Electrical Integration: Modern trucks rely heavily on integrated electrical systems. Your flatbed will need to incorporate tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, and often marker lights, especially if it’s wider than the original bed. Plan for secure wiring runs, waterproof connections, and proper grounding. For more details on essential wiring techniques, check out our guide on .
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Your Flatbed Truck
This is where the rubber meets the road – the practical execution of your design. Each phase requires precision, patience, and strict adherence to safety protocols.
Phase 1: Preparation and Removal
- Safety First: Before touching anything, prioritize safety. Park your truck on a level, solid surface. Engage the parking brake, block the wheels, and disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent accidental electrical shorts. Use sturdy jack stands if you need to lift the truck at any point.
- Removing the Old Truck Bed: This typically involves disconnecting the tail light wiring harness, fuel filler neck, and any other electrical or mechanical connections. Next, locate and unbolt the bed from the frame (usually 6-8 large bolts). With help, carefully lift and remove the old bed. This can be heavy, so plan for assistance or mechanical lifting equipment.
- Cleaning and Inspecting the Frame: Once the bed is off, thoroughly clean the exposed frame. Remove any accumulated dirt, rust, or debris. This is your last chance to inspect the frame for any hidden damage or weaknesses before the new flatbed goes on. Address any rust spots with a wire brush and rust converter/primer.
- Measuring and Marking: Double-check all your frame measurements. Mark the locations for your main flatbed mounting points and ensure they align with your design. Precision here is critical for a square and level flatbed.
Phase 2: Frame Construction
- Cutting and Fabricating Main Frame Rails: Based on your blueprints, cut your chosen steel tubing or C-channel for the main longitudinal rails of the flatbed subframe. These will run parallel to your truck’s frame rails.
- Welding Crossmembers: Position and weld the crossmembers between your main rails. Ensure they are perfectly square and level before welding. Based on my experience, proper fit-up and strong, consistent welds are paramount here. Use tack welds first, then measure again to confirm squareness before laying down full beads. Distribute the crossmembers evenly to provide maximum support for the decking.
- Attaching the Frame to the Chassis: There are two primary methods: bolting or welding. Bolting is generally preferred as it allows for easier removal and reduces stress on the truck’s frame, which is often designed to flex. Use heavy-duty, grade 8 bolts, lock washers, and self-locking nuts. Drill through the flatbed subframe and the truck’s frame rails, ensuring precise alignment. If welding, only do so if you are an experienced, certified welder, as improper welding can weaken the factory frame. Pro tips from us: Always use mounting plates or gussets where the flatbed frame meets the chassis to distribute stress over a larger area, regardless of whether you bolt or weld.
- Ensuring Squareness and Levelness: Throughout the frame construction process, constantly check for squareness and levelness. Use a large carpenter’s square, a tape measure for diagonal checks, and a level. A twisted or uneven frame will cause endless problems later.
Phase 3: Decking Installation
- Preparing the Decking Material: If using wood, cut the planks to length and treat them with a durable weather sealant or paint. If using metal, cut the sheets to size and prepare them for mounting.
- Securing the Deck: Depending on your material, you’ll either bolt or weld the decking to the flatbed’s subframe. For wood, use carriage bolts or specialized deck screws that won’t pull through. For metal, weld it securely along the edges and at strategic points over the crossmembers. Ensure fasteners are flush or countersunk to avoid snags.
- Finishing the Edges: Install rub rails or edge trim around the perimeter of the flatbed. This not only gives a finished look but also protects the edges of your decking and provides additional tie-down points.
Phase 4: Adding Essential Features
- Headache Rack Fabrication and Installation: Fabricate your headache rack according to your design, ensuring it’s robust and properly gusseted for strength. Weld or bolt it securely to the front of your flatbed subframe. Remember, its primary function is safety.
- Side Rails and Stake Pockets (Optional): If you plan to add removable side rails, weld stake pockets at regular intervals along the flatbed’s perimeter. Ensure they are strong enough to withstand the forces of cargo pressing against them.
- Toolboxes and Storage: Mount any underbody toolboxes or custom storage compartments. Ensure they are securely bolted and don’t interfere with exhaust, driveshafts, or suspension components.
- Fenders: Crucial for legal compliance and preventing road debris from being flung up. Fabricate or purchase flatbed fenders that cover your tires adequately. Mount them securely to the flatbed subframe, ensuring proper clearance for suspension travel.
Phase 5: Electrical and Lighting
- Wiring Tail Lights, Brake Lights, Turn Signals, and Marker Lights: This is a critical safety and legal step. Run new wiring from the truck’s existing harness to your new lights. Use weatherproof connectors and loom to protect the wires. Ensure all connections are secure and properly insulated.
- Connecting to Existing Harness: Identify the correct wires in your truck’s original tail light harness for brake, turn, tail, and ground. Use proper crimp connectors or solder joints for reliable connections. Common mistakes to avoid are poor grounding, which leads to intermittent light function, and using inadequate wire gauges.
- Testing All Electrical Components: Before driving, thoroughly test all lights. Have someone operate the brakes, turn signals, and headlights while you verify everything is working correctly. Check for proper brightness and ensure no lights are dim or flickering.
Phase 6: Finishing Touches and Protection
- Grinding Welds Smooth: Grind down any rough welds for a cleaner appearance and to remove sharp edges. This also prepares the surface for painting.
- Painting or Coating for Rust Prevention: Apply a high-quality primer and several coats of automotive-grade paint or a durable bed liner coating to all exposed steel surfaces. This is essential for preventing rust and extending the life of your flatbed.
- Applying Non-Slip Coatings to the Deck: For safety, especially if using a metal deck, consider applying a non-slip coating or adding grip tape to the walking surfaces.
- Final Inspection: Perform a comprehensive final inspection. Check all bolts for tightness, re-verify all electrical connections, and ensure there are no loose components. Pay close attention to tire clearance and any potential rubbing points.
Safety and Legal Considerations for Your Custom Flatbed
Building a custom flatbed is a significant undertaking, and it comes with serious responsibilities regarding safety and legal compliance. Ignoring these aspects can lead to fines, accidents, or even liability in case of an incident. It’s imperative that your new flatbed meets all relevant regulations.
Firstly, familiarize yourself with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. These often dictate requirements for vehicle lighting (tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, and marker lights for wider vehicles), overall width and height restrictions, and proper tie-down methods for cargo. Your flatbed must have visible and functioning lighting that meets federal standards. The width of your flatbed also needs to be considered; exceeding certain widths may require specific permits or additional lighting.
Secondly, every state has specific laws regarding vehicle modifications and registration. Always consult your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent authority. Some states require an inspection after major modifications to ensure structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. You might need to re-register your vehicle with its new configuration. Pro tips from us: Keep detailed records of your build, including receipts for materials and photos of the construction process, as these can be helpful during inspections.
Weight limits and load distribution are paramount. Your truck’s original GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and GAWRs (Gross Axle Weight Ratings) still apply. Your flatbed, plus any cargo, must not exceed these limits. Improper load distribution can severely compromise handling, braking effectiveness, and tire longevity. Always secure your loads properly using robust tie-downs appropriate for the weight and type of cargo. For general safety guidelines, you can often find useful information on government transportation sites. Always consult your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for specific vehicle modification regulations in your area. You can find general safety guidelines on the NHTSA website here: .
Finally, do a thorough brake system check. Adding weight to your vehicle, especially if it’s significant, can impact braking performance. Ensure your brakes are in excellent condition and can handle the increased load safely. If you’ve modified the suspension, re-check alignment to prevent premature tire wear and ensure stable handling. These steps are not just about avoiding legal trouble; they are about ensuring your safety and the safety of others on the road.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Embarking on a flatbed conversion requires a specific set of tools and a careful selection of materials. Having the right equipment makes the job safer, more efficient, and ensures a higher quality finish. Don’t skimp on essentials; investing in good tools is investing in the success of your project.
Essential Tools:
- Welder: A MIG welder is ideal for this type of fabrication due to its versatility and ease of use on various steel thicknesses. Ensure it has enough power for the gauge of steel you’ll be using.
- Angle Grinder: Indispensable for cutting, grinding welds smooth, and cleaning metal. Have a variety of discs: cut-off wheels, grinding wheels, and flap discs.
- Metal Cutting Tools: Beyond the grinder, a reciprocating saw with metal blades, a band saw, or even a plasma cutter (for faster, cleaner cuts) will be invaluable.
- Measuring Tools: A good quality tape measure (at least 25 feet), a large carpenter’s square, a combination square, and a level (a long builder’s level is great for checking the flatbed’s deck). Accuracy is key!
- Clamps: C-clamps, welding clamps, and even pipe clamps will be essential for holding pieces in place while you measure, fit, and weld.
- Drill and Bits: A heavy-duty drill and a set of quality metal drill bits are needed for mounting the flatbed, toolboxes, and other accessories.
- Safety Gear: Absolutely non-negotiable! Welding helmet, welding gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed boots, and appropriate work clothing (long sleeves, no synthetics).
- Basic Hand Tools: Wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, pliers, hammer, etc.
- Jack and Jack Stands: For safely lifting and supporting the truck.
Key Materials:
- Steel Tubing/Channel: For the flatbed’s subframe (main rails and crossmembers). Common choices include rectangular tubing (e.g., 2×4 inch, 2×3 inch) or C-channel, typically 1/8 to 3/16 inch wall thickness, depending on the truck size and intended load.
- Plate Steel: For mounting brackets, gussets, and potentially the headache rack.
- Decking Material:
- Treated Lumber: (e.g., 2×6 or 2×8 planks)
- Steel Diamond Plate: (e.g., 1/8 to 3/16 inch thick)
- Composite Decking: (specialized for heavy-duty applications)
- Fasteners: High-grade bolts (Grade 8 recommended), nuts, lock washers for mounting the flatbed to the chassis, and for securing the decking.
- Electrical Wire and Connectors: Automotive-grade wire, heat-shrink tubing, weatherproof connectors, and wire loom for lights.
- Lights: LED tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, and marker lights (if needed).
- Fenders: Pre-fabricated or material to make your own.
- Paint/Primer/Rust Inhibitor: For surface protection.
- Welding Consumables: Welding wire, shielding gas (if MIG welding).
Remember, the quality of your materials directly impacts the strength and longevity of your flatbed. Don’t cut corners on structural components.
Cost Breakdown: What to Expect When Making a Flatbed Truck
Understanding the potential costs involved in a flatbed conversion is crucial for budgeting and preventing financial surprises. While a DIY project can be more cost-effective than buying a new factory flatbed truck, it still represents a significant investment in materials, tools, and potentially professional services.
The largest portion of your budget will typically go towards materials. Steel tubing, channel, and plate for the subframe, headache rack, and mounting brackets can range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on the size of your flatbed and current steel prices. Decking material also varies significantly: treated lumber is generally the most economical, while steel diamond plate or specialized composite materials will be considerably more expensive. Don’t forget the cost of fasteners, welding consumables, paint, and electrical components, which can add another few hundred dollars.
Tools represent another significant expenditure, especially if you’re starting from scratch. A good quality welder can cost anywhere from $500 to $2000+. Angle grinders, drills, safety gear, and specialized metal cutting tools will further add to this. If you already own most of these, your tool cost will be minimal, but if not, factor in several hundred to over a thousand dollars for a basic setup. Remember, these are investments that can be used for future projects.
Professional help is an optional but often recommended cost. If you’re not confident in your welding skills, hiring a certified welder for critical structural welds can ensure safety and compliance. This could be a few hundred dollars for specific tasks. Similarly, if your frame requires significant rust repair or straightening, a professional shop might be necessary, adding to the overall expense. Some states also require a vehicle inspection after major modifications, which may incur a small fee.
Finally, consider miscellaneous costs. This includes things like fuel for trips to the metal supply store, grinding discs, sandpaper, cleaning supplies, and any unforeseen issues that might arise. It’s always a good practice to budget an extra 10-15% for contingencies. While the exact figures will vary widely based on your truck, location, and material choices, expect the total project cost to comfortably range from $1,500 to $5,000+ for a robust, well-built DIY flatbed, not including the truck itself or major tool purchases.
Maintenance Tips for Your New Flatbed
Building your own flatbed is just the first step; proper maintenance is essential to ensure its longevity, safety, and continued functionality. A well-maintained flatbed will serve you reliably for years, protecting your investment and preventing costly repairs down the line.
Regular inspections are paramount. Make it a habit to visually inspect your flatbed before and after each use, especially when hauling heavy loads. Look for any signs of loose bolts, cracked welds, or bending in the frame or crossmembers. Pay close attention to the areas where the flatbed attaches to the truck’s chassis, as these are high-stress points. Catching small issues early can prevent them from escalating into major problems.
Rust prevention is another critical aspect, especially if your flatbed is made of steel and exposed to the elements. Even with a good paint job, chips and scratches can expose bare metal. Touch up any paint damage promptly with rust-inhibiting primer and paint. If you have a wooden deck, reapply weather sealants annually or as needed to prevent rot and splintering. For more advice on protecting your vehicle, our article on offers valuable insights.
Periodically tighten all fasteners. Vibrations from driving, especially on rough roads or with heavy loads, can cause bolts to loosen over time. Use a torque wrench to ensure all mounting bolts, especially those connecting the flatbed to the chassis, are tightened to the manufacturer’s or your specified torque settings. Don’t forget to check bolts on the headache rack, fenders, and any toolboxes.
Finally, keep an eye on your electrical components. Check your lights regularly to ensure all tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, and marker lights are functioning correctly. Inspect wiring for any fraying, exposed sections, or loose connections. Water and corrosion are the enemies of electrical systems, so ensure all connections remain sealed and protected. By dedicating a little time to routine maintenance, you’ll keep your custom flatbed in top working condition, ready for any task.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Flatbed Truck
Undertaking a DIY flatbed conversion is a rewarding project, but it’s also ripe with opportunities for mistakes that can compromise safety, functionality, and even legality. Learning from common pitfalls can save you time, money, and frustration.
One of the most frequent errors is poor structural design. This often manifests as using undersized steel for the frame and crossmembers, or insufficient bracing. A flatbed that flexes, sags, or cracks under load is not only useless but extremely dangerous. Always over-engineer rather than under-engineer your frame, especially when it comes to supporting anticipated heavy loads.
Inadequate welding is another critical mistake. Weak, porous, or inconsistent welds are a major safety hazard. If you are not an experienced welder, invest in professional help for critical structural joints. Never assume a "good enough" weld will hold; every weld on your flatbed’s frame is a point of potential failure.
Ignoring legal requirements can lead to significant headaches. Failing to comply with DOT regulations for lighting, vehicle width, or state-specific modification laws can result in fines, failed inspections, or even having your vehicle deemed unsafe for the road. Always do your homework on local and federal regulations before you begin.
Overloading the chassis is a common misconception. Just because you have a strong flatbed doesn’t mean your truck can carry unlimited weight. Exceeding your truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWRs) will severely strain the suspension, brakes, tires, and frame, leading to premature wear and dangerous driving conditions. Always know and respect your truck’s limits.
Finally, skipping safety checks during and after the build is a recipe for disaster. This includes neglecting to properly secure the vehicle before working, not wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, or failing to thoroughly test all components (especially lights and brakes) before driving. Underestimating the time and cost involved is also a prevalent mistake; this is not a weekend project, and unforeseen expenses often arise. Plan meticulously, execute carefully, and prioritize safety above all else.
Conclusion: Empowering Your Truck for Any Task
Making a flatbed truck is an ambitious yet incredibly rewarding endeavor that transforms a standard pickup into a versatile workhorse capable of handling virtually any load. From the initial spark of an idea to the final coat of paint, this journey is about meticulous planning, skilled execution, and an unwavering commitment to safety and quality. By understanding your truck’s foundation, designing a robust structure, and carefully following each step, you can create a custom flatbed that perfectly suits your needs and exceeds your expectations.
We’ve delved into the myriad benefits of a flatbed, the critical self-assessment required, the intricacies of frame inspection, and the essential design principles for a durable and safe build. We’ve also walked through the detailed steps of construction, from removing the old bed to installing the electrical system and applying finishing touches. Remember, adhering to safety and legal considerations, investing in the right tools, and committing to ongoing maintenance are just as vital as the fabrication itself.
This project is more than just a modification; it’s an empowerment of your vehicle, unlocking new levels of utility and efficiency. By avoiding common mistakes and embracing a thorough approach, you’ll not only save money but also gain immense satisfaction from building something truly unique and functional. So, take the plunge, follow these guidelines, and get ready to experience the unmatched versatility of your very own custom flatbed truck. Share your build experiences with us – we’d love to see what you create!