Need Opinions on Bed Ideas Before Sale

[Blue_Aura]

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

TREX synthetic decking bed. I run a modified set of bed supports (kinda made into a subframe), which keeps the trex at the correct height (its thicker than the o.e. boards). Its self supporting, weighs about the same (stronger and more flexible). It does change the number of boards used, but allows me to run an underbed access for the fuel cell and the new battery compartment.

I'll be getting it bedlined this spring, (debating a color match lining)

I've looked into using TREX before, but didn't use it because its expansion/contraction is a lot more than wood. I think the expansion is more linear than it expanding in width. How has yours held up? Any signs of movement or buckling when butted up against the bed?

Looks nice though. Thanks.
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[LowGT]

If it were my truck, I think the best option would be to leave the frame alone, spray the bed sides satin black, and put the siding like luvbowties mentioned. I think it looks better than plywood and doesn't cost much more. You should definitely be able to pull that off for less than $100 and a Saturday.

The truck is definitely too nice to sell as-is. Someone will use the missing bed as a big bargaining chip. $100 is a good investment even if they plan on ripping it out later. At least they can't say, "I'm going to have to put a bed in it and that will cost blah blah much."

[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by Blue_Aura

I've looked into using TREX before, but didn't use it because its expansion/contraction is a lot more than wood. I think the expansion is more linear than it expanding in width. How has yours held up? Any signs of movement or buckling when butted up against the bed?

Looks nice though. Thanks.
Posted via Mobile Device

In that pic, you can see the ends are just kind of cut and left unfinished, and the expansion is kind of why, I tried to put some logic behind it. The whole thing is getting bedlined, and you can kinda see the 1/8 or so gap between the long boards up top, and the short boards in the rear (trap door for the fuel cell). So far the gaps have been enough to allow the bed to do its thing without pushing on the panels or moving around. I honestly haven't seen ANY movement in the stuff...its actually not TREX brand, but similar...maybe the bad expansion only happens with certain types? (I had heard the same before I did the install)

[RANDY COX]

Originally Posted by luvbowties

This wide bed took 2 pieces of siding from Lowe's--approx. $50. Step beds may do w/one sheet. Coat with kerosene/diesel oil (with a bit of black crankcase oil for darker color if desired), spray or roll on, bolt with carriage bolts in orig. holes. This siding makes one heckuva trailer bed and much more durable than one would think just looking. Lady friend built a garage w/it , did NOT paint, and 9 years later looked as good as when 1st built. It's about like tongue-and-grooved--the pic of the red truck is joined, unseen, in center of bed!.....then rhino the sides.....or rhino sides AND siding w/out the oil finish!
HTH,
sam

That looks purdy dang good,Looks like it belong's in there and prolly stronger as it's all made together,Looks to be less than a headache with original but maybe not.I want a funtional bed not for show just something that looks nice stil going to be USED as needed...thanks for sharing pics...