Australian Style Flatbed and Canopy Build

[Colo_Ranger]

LRA is but they are having some redesigns on the tank and it is taking some time to do it.

I've seen their tank in person, on the people's truck who is making the adaptations and sending them to LRA. It hangs way too low. The owner of the truck told me that he's gotten hung up on it several times and its now about 2 gallons less than it was originally. I really dislike how low it hangs.

This build is awesome. I'd love a tray, but can't justify the cost in any way, shape, or form. Also, I don't have skills, so I can't build my own. Can't wait to see how this turns out.

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[TopoRanger]

Got it! I was imagining the reverse.

Ignore my crude design but I was picturing the fender height would be set so the plate of the deck could be on the frame. Then the drawer system could go on the deck. Fender boxes between the cab and the fenders.

Oh yeah I gotcha!

 

[TopoRanger]

I've seen their tank in person, on the people's truck who is making the adaptations and sending them to LRA. It hangs way too low. The owner of the truck told me that he's gotten hung up on it several times and its now about 2 gallons less than it was originally. I really dislike how low it hangs.

This build is awesome. I'd love a tray, but can't justify the cost in any way, shape, or form. Also, I don't have skills, so I can't build my own. Can't wait to see how this turns out.

when I mocked up the tank that I had it was going to be about 1” below the frame. I’m curious to see the final resting spot of it though.

 

[TopoRanger]

Got it! I was imagining the reverse.

Ignore my crude design but I was picturing the fender height would be set so the plate of the deck could be on the frame. Then the drawer system could go on the deck. Fender boxes between the cab and the fenders.

this is the last updated drawing I did for the project. While I’m waiting on the new tray mounts and fenders I’ll get another updated drawing in the works to show it better.

 

[fortywater12]

This is awesome, I am happy to see more people venturing out and getting into DIY stuff like this! Sub'd for sure - eventually I wanna go flatbed on my ranger! Settling for DIY wedge camper for now.

Looking good so far, keep up the great work.

 

[TopoRanger]

This is awesome, I am happy to see more people venturing out and getting into DIY stuff like this! Sub'd for sure - eventually I wanna go flatbed on my ranger! Settling for DIY wedge camper for now.

Looking good so far, keep up the great work.

I was going to do a wedge camper build but I just couldn’t make the truck, like my Jeep, solely for camping. I use it a good bit doing truck stuff so the flatbed will be a great option. I am still trying to figure out how to keep the BLIS system though. Not sure I’ll have it right away but I might have a solution in mind.

 

[navyguy7224]

If this hasn't been mentioned, put a sturdy rubber between the canopy and the bed or you could have oxidation and corrosion between your bed and your canopy. We saw this on HMMWV's in the military and its a nightmare.

 

[navyguy7224]

Also I am interested in this concept if you are ever in the market to fab and sell one of these.

 

[TopoRanger]

Also I am interested in this concept if you are ever in the market to fab and sell one of these.

hell yeah man! I will probably have two versions. This one here mimics the wide body kits from ADV to keep that “Baja” feel to it. Since the truck will be wider I went ahead and planned for the rear to be wider.
I would probably make the standard size 72” wide vs 78”.

 

[TopoRanger]

If this hasn't been mentioned, put a sturdy rubber between the canopy and the bed or you could have oxidation and corrosion between your bed and your canopy. We saw this on HMMWV's in the military and its a nightmare.

Yes I’ve been thinking of a good sturdy rubber to put between the two

 

[D Fresh]

Lookin real good.

I feel like you and @OFC Ranger need to get together.

Making some fast progress here.

I think this is a brilliant business idea to add a possible future product.

 

[UnregistredHypercam2]

depending on progress of the project, I will be down your way around early January. Would happy to lend a hand for an afternoon if needed.

 

[TopoRanger]

depending on progress of the project, I will be down your way around early January. Would happy to lend a hand for an afternoon if needed.

I’m hoping to be done with the tray by Veterans Day weekend because I’m wheeling that weekend in it. Haha!

 

[TopoRanger]

Lookin real good.

I feel like you and @OFC Ranger need to get together.

Making some fast progress here.

I think this is a brilliant business idea to add a possible future product.

Yeah I like the idea of fabricating these. I just need to get this design fine tuned and I’m down!

 

[OFC Ranger]

Lookin real good.

I feel like you and @OFC Ranger need to get together.

Making some fast progress here.

I think this is a brilliant business idea to add a possible future product.

I've been monitoring this thread. Lot of admiration. Often considered a similar project, but that would be one hell of a doozy and metal materials are priced absurdly right now.

I use SketchUp for all of my designs as well. lol

Never translates 100%, but great FREE tool to get you close to the mark.

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