mr. cob Posted November 19, 2017 Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 Howdy All, When I find my next truck I want to carry my Smart Car behind the sleeper. However I do not want an elaborate bed, I want something as simple as it can be and yet get the job done. I am thinking about something as simple as a couple of pieces of channel iron bolted to the truck frame, the channel iron would provide enough support to guide and hold the Smart Car while in transport mode. In-between the channel iron would be used for ramp storage. I don't have the skills or the computer programs to do any cad work so that's out, if someone has the ability and desire to submit simple sketch's of their ideas to give me something to flesh out my needs it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Dave 2001 Peterbilt, 379, Known As "Semi-Sane II", towing a 2014 Voltage 3818, 45 foot long toy hauler crammed full of motorcycles of all types. Visit my photo web site where you will find thousands of photos of my motorcycle wanderings and other aspects of my life, click this link. http://mr-cob.smugmug.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted November 19, 2017 Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 angle iron bolted to chassis with channel crossways. 3/16" decking. This way my entire deck is. Just make length you need. 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Av8r3400 Posted November 19, 2017 Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 What about a simple wood deck? Av8r34002012 Volvo VNL 730 D13 iShift & 2021 Grand Design Momentum 397TH I'd rather die trying to live - Than live trying not to die. -Leonard Perry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr. cob Posted November 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 4 minutes ago, GlennWest said: angle iron bolted to chassis with channel crossways. 3/16" decking. This way my entire deck is. Just make length you need. Howdy Glenn, Something along those lines is what I have in mind, just looking for validation on something so simple. Dave 2001 Peterbilt, 379, Known As "Semi-Sane II", towing a 2014 Voltage 3818, 45 foot long toy hauler crammed full of motorcycles of all types. Visit my photo web site where you will find thousands of photos of my motorcycle wanderings and other aspects of my life, click this link. http://mr-cob.smugmug.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr. cob Posted November 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 5 minutes ago, Av8r3400 said: What about a simple wood deck? Howdy Av8r, I don't do wood, can't pound a nail, I can cut a board twice and its still to short, but I can weld and drill holes. Dave 2001 Peterbilt, 379, Known As "Semi-Sane II", towing a 2014 Voltage 3818, 45 foot long toy hauler crammed full of motorcycles of all types. Visit my photo web site where you will find thousands of photos of my motorcycle wanderings and other aspects of my life, click this link. http://mr-cob.smugmug.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted November 19, 2017 Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 The angle iron is like 8" or so. Needs to be large enough to bolt to chassis. It is 1/2" thick. My channel iron is 6". It has tube steel around the sides but that not necessary .Also I could do steel easier than wood. 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr. cob Posted November 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 6 minutes ago, GlennWest said: The angle iron is like 8" or so. Needs to be large enough to bolt to chassis. It is 1/2" thick. My channel iron is 6". It has tube steel around the sides but that not necessary .Also I could do steel easier than wood. Howdy Glenn, Do you have any photos you can post? Thanks. Dave 2001 Peterbilt, 379, Known As "Semi-Sane II", towing a 2014 Voltage 3818, 45 foot long toy hauler crammed full of motorcycles of all types. Visit my photo web site where you will find thousands of photos of my motorcycle wanderings and other aspects of my life, click this link. http://mr-cob.smugmug.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted November 19, 2017 Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 I will go tomorrow and take some. Just don't know how to post them on here. The angle iron simply sits/lays on chassis. Use existing holes to bolt on with. The angle iron just needs to be the size needed to reach chassis holes. Lay the channel cross ways and weld to angle iron. you could use 8" or larger and put ramps under deck. Weld decking on. 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr. cob Posted November 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 3 minutes ago, GlennWest said: I will go tomorrow and take some. Just don't know how to post them on here. Howdy Glenn, if you can't figure out how to post photos here, send them to me by email. dlhooker1@comcast.net Dave 2001 Peterbilt, 379, Known As "Semi-Sane II", towing a 2014 Voltage 3818, 45 foot long toy hauler crammed full of motorcycles of all types. Visit my photo web site where you will find thousands of photos of my motorcycle wanderings and other aspects of my life, click this link. http://mr-cob.smugmug.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted November 19, 2017 Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 Will do. 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr. cob Posted November 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 22 minutes ago, GlennWest said: Will do. Thank You. 2001 Peterbilt, 379, Known As "Semi-Sane II", towing a 2014 Voltage 3818, 45 foot long toy hauler crammed full of motorcycles of all types. Visit my photo web site where you will find thousands of photos of my motorcycle wanderings and other aspects of my life, click this link. http://mr-cob.smugmug.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyCooter Posted November 19, 2017 Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 1 hour ago, mr. cob said: Howdy Av8r, I don't do wood, can't pound a nail, I can cut a board twice and its still to short, but I can weld and drill holes. Dave I saw wood deck and thought that would go right along with your new truck classic rugged theme! You are in good company around here I bet cause I don't do wood either....... 1999 Peterbilt 385 C12 430/1650 13spd 2006 Dodge 3500 DRW 4x4 2010 Hitchhiker Champagne 36 LKRSB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Posted November 19, 2017 Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 Hi Mr. Cob, I was looking at a used steel bed and took this photo. It might give you some idea how the whole thing is laid out. http:// The channel continues straight back for the 13 foot length. Channel is exactly the width of the truck frame it came off from. So the connection between bed and truck frame is a long plate or series of smaller plates (or angles?) with holes drilled for bolts. Maybe 4 bolts per top/bottom 8 bolts per 12-inch plate? I'm guessing at the number. Just a thought, but a used steel flatbed would be a simple solution. This one happened to have been used for transporting granite slabs. The seller wants almost as much as a new one for this rusty used one or I would have bought it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuiteSuccess Posted November 19, 2017 Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 Dave, Not an engineer, but if you have two pieces of channel to use as wheel tracks remember the front wheels of the smart are closer together than the back so take that into consideration. 2006 Volvo 780 "Hoss" Volvo D12, 465hp, 1650 ft/lbs tq., ultrashift Bed Build by "JW Morgan's Custom Welding" 2017 DRV 39DBRS3 2013 Smart Passion Coupe "Itty Bitty" "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Mayer Posted November 19, 2017 Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 The reason I prefer not to use channel for the smart wheels to ride on is that the smart - when winched up - rarely comes up "straight". It is often at an angle relative to the frame. If you do use channel, make sure that you leave enough extra space not only for the offset in the wheels, but also for angled loading. Because there is one thing for sure you do not want to do - and that is have the side walls of the channel "push" the smart wheels in any fashion while you are winching. Jack & Danielle Mayer #60376 Lifetime Member Living on the road since 2000PLEASE no PM's. Email me. jackdanmayer AT gmail 2016 DRV Houston 44' 5er (we still have it) 2022 New Horizons 43' 5er 2016 Itasca 27N 28' motorhome 2019 Volvo 860, D13 455/1850, 236" wb, I-Shift, battery-based APU No truck at the moment - we use one of our demo units 2016 smart Passion, piggyback on the truck -------------------------------------------------------------------------See our website for info on New Horizons 5th wheels, HDTs as tow vehicles, communications on the road, and use of solar powerwww.jackdanmayer.com Principal in RVH Lifestyles. RVH-Lifestyles.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted November 19, 2017 Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 Yes, I would have decking on it. Anyone that has driven a Smart up on a truck knows how blind you are to that landing spot. 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leavingsoon Posted November 19, 2017 Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 13 hours ago, mr. cob said: Howdy Av8r, I don't do wood, can't pound a nail, I can cut a board twice and its still to short, but I can weld and drill holes. Dave Dave that's just too funny ..... after 40 years of cabinetmaking and cutting things too short I decided to purchase a wood stretcher for those mistakes. We are going to be moving to the Seattle area next month, maybe I can come see you sometime. I purchased a small welder last year because I wanted to start learning how to weld....but I can't figure out how to turn it on. You teach me to weld and I will cut your boards for the deck. Phil 2000 American Coach Heritage 45' motorhome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoDirectionHome Posted November 19, 2017 Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 Here's what I'd use: 10" x 2.66" AS https://www.metalsdepot.com/aluminum-products/aluminum-channel-6061 BTW, you need to use something compliant between the channels and the truck frame for flex and corrosion reasons. "There are No Experts, Do the Math!" 2014 Freightliner Cascadia DD16 600hp 1850ft-lb 18spd 3.31 260"wb SpaceCraft S-470 SKP #131740 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted November 19, 2017 Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 Dave, With your fabrication and welding skills, why not make your own C-channel? Roughly 12" wide at the bottom w/ 2" sides set at a 45 degree angle rather than straight up at 90? That way, if you get a tire up on it, it'll be self centering. KW T-680, POPEMOBILE Newmar X-Aire, VATICAN Lots of old motorcycles, Moto Guzzi Griso and Spyder F3 currently in the front row Young enough to play in the dirt as a retired farmer. contact me at rickeieio1@comcast.net Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkreuzen Posted November 19, 2017 Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 Check out this place for the ramps... http://www.discountramps.com/smart-hauler-ramps/p/02-12-144/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted November 19, 2017 Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 16 hours ago, mr. cob said: Howdy Glenn, if you can't figure out how to post photos here, send them to me by email. dlhooker1@comcast.net Dave Let me know if you got pics. Sent them 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noteven Posted November 19, 2017 Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 3 hours ago, GlennWest said: Yes, I would have decking on it. Anyone that has driven a Smart up on a truck knows how blind you are to that landing spot. Me would vote for this too - makes the bikes and side hacks haulable on the truck etc. Keeps driveline grease off the cargo / front of the trailer Can't fall through it in the dark of a NorWet evening Keeps the beer cooler off the ground during after-ride bike gazing / story telling... etc. "Are we there yet?" asked no motorcycle rider, ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr. cob Posted November 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 Howdy All, Thank you all so much for your suggestions and for voicing concerns about using channel iron. I don't have access to a crane or any type of structure I could hang a chain host from so building a deck like what most folks have is something I am not capable of I simply couldn't raise or move that much weight. Having a flat deck does have many advantages, maybe I can come up with a bolt on main frame then use bolt on plate sections to make the deck covering manageable. I wish now I had paid more attention to how some of you folks had your decks built and how they were mounted, its just something I didn't think I would ever be interested in, then again I NEVER considered owning a Smart Car, you folks are way to good at spending my money. Dave 2001 Peterbilt, 379, Known As "Semi-Sane II", towing a 2014 Voltage 3818, 45 foot long toy hauler crammed full of motorcycles of all types. Visit my photo web site where you will find thousands of photos of my motorcycle wanderings and other aspects of my life, click this link. http://mr-cob.smugmug.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr. cob Posted November 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 3 hours ago, leavingsoon said: Dave that's just too funny ..... after 40 years of cabinetmaking and cutting things too short I decided to purchase a wood stretcher for those mistakes. We are going to be moving to the Seattle area next month, maybe I can come see you sometime. I purchased a small welder last year because I wanted to start learning how to weld....but I can't figure out how to turn it on. You teach me to weld and I will cut your boards for the deck. Phil Howdy Phil, It would be a pleasure to meet another fellow Nor-Wetter, do make contact when you arrive in Gloom City. My Dad was a cabinet maker, my younger Brother took over the shop when Dad passed away, I was always a gear head and metal mangler, different strokes for different folks I guess. Dave 2001 Peterbilt, 379, Known As "Semi-Sane II", towing a 2014 Voltage 3818, 45 foot long toy hauler crammed full of motorcycles of all types. Visit my photo web site where you will find thousands of photos of my motorcycle wanderings and other aspects of my life, click this link. http://mr-cob.smugmug.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr. cob Posted November 19, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 1 hour ago, dkreuzen said: Check out this place for the ramps... http://www.discountramps.com/smart-hauler-ramps/p/02-12-144/ Howdy dkreuzen, I already have ramps, use them now to load motorcycles on my current truck. Thanks for thinking of my possible needs and welcome to the HDT forum. Dave 2001 Peterbilt, 379, Known As "Semi-Sane II", towing a 2014 Voltage 3818, 45 foot long toy hauler crammed full of motorcycles of all types. Visit my photo web site where you will find thousands of photos of my motorcycle wanderings and other aspects of my life, click this link. http://mr-cob.smugmug.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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