kfrimr Posted December 15, 2014 Report Share Posted December 15, 2014 I'm in Phoenix AZ and wondering if any one knows a bed builder here. I want to put a smart on the HDT and need someone to do a little welding. Thanks Kent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skp51443 Posted December 16, 2014 Report Share Posted December 16, 2014 I don't know about building beds but Cliff's Welding did a lot for us when we needed things tweaked, even did a couple things for the house. If they can't help you they may have a suggestion or two. http://www.cliffswelding.com/index.html Good German food nearby so it won't be a wasted trip: http://zurkate.com/?page_id=5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Cochran Posted December 16, 2014 Report Share Posted December 16, 2014 I don't know about building beds but Cliff's Welding did a lot for us when we needed things tweaked, even did a couple things for the house. If they can't help you they may have a suggestion or two. http://www.cliffswelding.com/index.html Good German food nearby so it won't be a wasted trip: http://zurkate.com/?page_id=5 I agree with Cliffs Welding as I have had them put in hitches and male custom fuel tanks for my pickups. I don't think I have ever heard of them building or modifying HDT beds for Smart's however. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrknrvr Posted December 16, 2014 Report Share Posted December 16, 2014 I sent you PM on this subject as for someone to help with your project. Safe Travel's, Vern Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix2013 Posted December 16, 2014 Report Share Posted December 16, 2014 Smart is a unique automobile. The track width (front axle width vs. rear axle width) is different. The tire diameters (front vs. rear) are different. The axle center and therefore the tire patches locations are different vis a vis front bumper and rear bumper. This is important to tie it down properly and position it properly within legal limit of 102 width (legal limit. it's over that anyway). Then there is an issue with break over angle, winch location, cable location and height, etc., etc. So, beyond just being able to weld and build a bed or a deck there is substantial additional knowledge which requires "study" or experience of having it done previously. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Mayer Posted December 16, 2014 Report Share Posted December 16, 2014 There is nothing like experience for a smart build. Be very particular about who you choose to build the bed, or you will end up spending hours and dollars on modifying it. It is difficult to get a refined bed from a novice smart-bed builder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HERO Maker Posted December 17, 2014 Report Share Posted December 17, 2014 I agree totally with Jack, and by the looks of your picture, you're going to need to extend the frame on that truck and mover your hitch back a lot in order to fit the smart up there and have plenty of 90* turn clearance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HTB Posted December 18, 2014 Report Share Posted December 18, 2014 Agree with Hero and Jack. Many people can weld a bed together but the smart brings much more design and consideration to the table. I have relentlely studied specs, forumns, and put in hours of Inventor drawlings refining design. All before I even began to build our smart bed that is still in design mode! It is also critiical, in my opinion, to have a shop that understands hd trucks, not just welding. Experience with HD's in this situation should not be overlooked. I design, fabricate, and engineer our beds. However, hundreds of years of combined HD truck experience in the shop is my number one resource with these beds because lets face it, these guys have seen it all and know what will hold up and last the test of the road. We know that can be a chore at times. One thing is for sure, if you turn your builder to this website and he is willing to put the time in, I am possitive a hd truck/ fabrication shop can figure it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kfrimr Posted December 18, 2014 Author Report Share Posted December 18, 2014 So is there a formula as to how far behind the axle the 5th wheel can go? I need first of all to decide if I need to move the axle back. Looking through the bed pictures there are at least three that I find that have singled in the short position and have the car straddled the tire and moved the 5th wheel further back. How is that for stability? Thanks for your helpfulness Kent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skp51443 Posted December 18, 2014 Report Share Posted December 18, 2014 Putting the hitch back will remove some weight from the front axle and transfer it to the rear axle, as long as you plan for that in your design it is a non-issue. I'd put the hitch back myself, it makes backing much easier as the trailer will react to steering movements faster allowing you to get into tight spots you couldn't or would have problems with if the hitch was forward. A second benefit is that when driving the fiver will track closer to the truck, with the hitch over the axle the fiver tends to track inside the turn, not good when you are trying to fit through a narrow turn with an obstacle on the inside. I went two feet back on my MDT, would have gone further if I'd had more bed to work with. Folks with HDTs have mentioned four feet or more here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigtrailer Posted June 4, 2015 Report Share Posted June 4, 2015 I just put on a Smart car bed, and found a fella in Buckeye, AZ that did it for me. His number is......Paul Cornelius 602-568-8424. Feel free to call me on ideas. Bill 602-881-4550 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Few Posted June 5, 2015 Report Share Posted June 5, 2015 I'm in Phoenix AZ and wondering if any one knows a bed builder here. I want to put a smart on the HDT and need someone to do a little welding. Thanks Kent http://mountainmaster.net/smartcarloaders.html Mountain Master Truck Equipment: 9609 D N 21 drive Phoenix, Arizona. 85021 Phone: 888-686-6278 Local: 623-451-7121, 602-678-5050 Fax : 602-216-6406 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Broncohauler Posted June 5, 2015 Report Share Posted June 5, 2015 I like the moutain master very cool. The 2nd one that idea has been used for years with The military giving the option of having different beds whether it be a flatbed or a dump bed or trash recycling been able to all fit on one truck. Curious what the price is? Sure would be nice to buy something that's almost bolt on it might fit on my truck bed without having to rebuild an entire new one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Few Posted June 5, 2015 Report Share Posted June 5, 2015 I like the moutain master very cool. The 2nd one that idea has been used for years with The military giving the option of having different beds whether it be a flatbed or a dump bed or trash recycling been able to all fit on one truck. Curious what the price is? Sure would be nice to buy something that's almost bolt on it might fit on my truck bed without having to rebuild an entire new one. They specialize in custom build products, so I am more than certain they would build something to your specifications and needs!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigtrailer Posted June 6, 2015 Report Share Posted June 6, 2015 I put my bed on for the Smart car for less than $4000. No need to spend a lot for a manufacturer. We bought a bed off a Home Depot truck. If I can figure out how to post a picture, I will show it. Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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