I need more room in the bed of my truck?

Question

Pickup truck ply wood side walls How-to build?

Hi ! I have a 2002 dodge ramlong box pickup truck which I would like to use for a junk truck , I would like to learn how to build some sides for it out of wood or metal to allow me to put more stuff inside it (stack and make the walls higher) . Preferable 4 ft on top of the existing bed rail . First of all what are those "sides" called? You often see them on landscaping trucks. Anyone know a good "DIY" (do-it-yourself) plans for such a build? Thanks !

il have every thing pre cut at the lumber store because im really bad with a saw but im preatty decent at putting stuff toghter and fowolling directions

Answer 1

I don't know where you might find any plans, but all you need to do is measure your stake pockets in the top of the bed rails to see how big a board will fit in there (A 2x2, maybe?)

Measure how deep the pocket is, determine how tall you want the sides to be, and that's your answer for how long your stakes need to be.  (For example, if the stake pocket is six inches deep and you want four-foot-tall sides on it, then your stakes need to be 4-foot, six inches tall)

Attach the stake boards to the plywood sides by drilling holes and using short carriage bolts, washers, lock washers, and nuts, etc. You can add more 2x's at the top edge of the plywood to add strength.  

You could also add more-traditional stake sides using 2x's to the stakes, especially if you aren't using it to haul a big load of mulch or wood chips.

Answer 2

Those sides are called sideboards... Most of the older pickups had the square holes that ran on top the the bed rail and  you could just put your post in those holes and build off of them...i don't know of your truck has those or not.... Herer is a picture of what i am talking about... http://www.truckspecialties.com/images/w...