bed metal thickness question

[jojo]

I'm looking to put down a big metal plate for the bed on my stepper.

Do you guys think I'll need anything thicker than a 11 or 12 gauge plate?

[treveiger]

i was thinking about doing that to my truck. When your done post some pics please.

[jojo]

Originally Posted by treveiger

i was thinking about doing that to my truck. When your done post some pics please.

Will do.

I like this idea better than wood, since I believe it will be more durable and the material is not that expensive. (about $150.00 for the size I need).

After some research, I've found that 11 Gauge is a little thinner than 1/8 of an inch. That sounds thick enough.

[cdowns]

will depend on how much weight is put on it . it will still b very prone to getting sags in it due to no support// in the past i took 1/8" aluminum on top of a 1/2marine plywood that was sealed with undercoating and had no deformation issues with hauling bigblock motors in that bed and all sorts of heavy stuff// got rid of that truck after 25years and the bed floor was still solid and straight just needed a good polishing
one other problem is the width factor// take a ruler to it and then c if you can get a wide enough sheet

[jojo]

Originally Posted by cdowns

will depend on how much weight is put on it . it will still b very prone to getting sags in it due to no support// in the past i took 1/8" aluminum on top of a 1/2marine plywood that was sealed with undercoating and had no deformation issues with hauling bigblock motors in that bed and all sorts of heavy stuff// got rid of that truck after 25years and the bed floor was still solid and straight just needed a good polishing
one other problem is the width factor// take a ruler to it and then c if you can get a wide enough sheet

I never thought about using wood under it.. I was trying to avoid the wood altogether to avoid rotting. but maybe I'll have to reconsider. Or maybe I'll make a new frame (out of tubing or something) to go under the bed material.

I also considered welding in my own "ribs" to add strength..

I can definatly get a wide enough piece. The local steel place has 5' X 10' plates and they cut to size

[cdowns]

thats unusual i could never get more than 48"wide stuuf// you're lucky that makes it alot easier

[raycow]

Mine has 1/8" diamond plate welded in, courtesy of the PO. I have hauled engines in it with no apparent damage.

Ray