Reading Redi-Dek vs. Truckcraft TC-500 flatbeds

[vegistroker73L]

I think I've narrowed my search down to these two companies based on where the distributors are located, etc...now I have to decide. I'll start with the Truckcraft bed. The TC-500 is shown here:

TruckCraft Corporation ::: Truck Bodies and Equipment

It's an aluminum bed, I like the look, and the weight is slightly less (about 350 lbs) than the stock bed. The back rack and tailboard must be purchased separately but the tailboard includes lights that are already pre-wired. I managed to get a factory rep on the phone who ballparked the price around $3000 for the bed (81" x 100"), tailboard, and back rack. The only real negative is that it doesn't come with any kind of stake pocket-you have to order the "racksides" option. Not sure how much that costs.

Next is the Redi-Dek, shown here:

Redi-Dek Features

This is a steel bed, I like the look just as much as the Truckcraft, but of course it's a lot heavier at 755 lbs for an 81" x 98" bed. That's a little bit of a concern for me since I have a single rear wheel F-350 and I carry a 60 gallon toolbox tank combo that weighs about 400 lbs full. However, it does come with stake pockets and it's a one piece design. It does NOT come with lights, but there is a wiring harness. Although it's going to add to what I have to buy at least I can customize it. I couldn't get ahold of anyone at Reading though, so I have no idea on price.

So, if it was you, what would you do? Anyone here have either of these?

[SmokeyWren]

That's a little bit of a concern for me since I have a single rear wheel F-350 ...

In the language of the politically correct, your F-350 SRW is weight capacity challenged. Reading has a well-earned reputation for quality and durable truck bodies, so if you were upfitting an F-450 I'd say go with the Redi-Dek. But with the SRW, I'd go with the lighter-weight aliminum jobbie. But definitely get all the options of headache rack, tailboard and stake pockets.

Maybe get the optional 12" racksides so you'll have the stake pockets and at least some short sideboards to prevent cargo from rolling off the bed. Then if you need taller sideboards, make your own out of 2x4 stakes plus cover the stakes with your choice of light lumber, exterior plywood, or even sheet metal. And if you're not trying to impress anyone, then primed and painted particle board comes in various thicknesses and will last a long time as the covers for your sideboards. (I have one utility trailer with 4' high sideboards made out of unpainted particle board, and they'll three or four yers old now. But this is the desert with only around 10" of rainfall per year.)

[cbittner]

I went through the same questions on bed selection some time ago, although it is on 550 so no weight issue. One thing you should check (if you tow a goose neck), is the corner clearance when turning. Some can interfere depending upon trailer design. I ended up buying Hillsboro with chamfered corners so I would have the clearance. Another one to look at is EBY. Hillsboro had the chamfer as standard option so the cost was less than others, where some customization was necessary.