8/2/2015
New Smart Load |
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| On The Road 06 January 2011 08:49 PM |
Have not posted in a while. Still working on the Volvo. I loaded the Smart the first time today. Drove it on and backed it off about 4 times. Did not have any problem. I marked where each tie down must be put and the way I will install the removable wheel stops. Plan to be able to drive on and drive off but today, because had not drilled the ramps so they could be more stable when moved to the other side I just backed off. I put a caulk line across the bed to watch while driving on, it helps . Plan to make this line permanent. Was able to put it in the same place each time. I have 54 inches between the center of fifth wheel hitch and the car. I think that is enough. I can move the Smart closer to the cab but where it is I have room to reach between car and cab. All new here just working out the kinks, my be a better way but this is the present. Plan to have a winch back up but for now this is it. Jim    |
| Billr 06 January 2011 09:06 PM |
Great looking setup! Nice job! Enjoy. Bill |
| Dennis M 06 January 2011 10:20 PM |
Looks great! Nice job and I really like the lower level of the deck (compared to mine). Where do you store the ramps? |
| On The Road 07 January 2011 05:56 AM |
I think for now they will lay flat on top of the deck on each side of the fifth wheel. I can secure them with a lock of some kind and to the rail on each side. The other choices are under the car and I have room between the car and cab but would be difficult to get in and out. The ramps do not slide very easy on the Line-X surface so sliding them under the car might be difficult. Jim |
| ghillie 07 January 2011 11:39 AM |
That's awesome, and the angle on the ramps is nice and gentle. Are the ramps 10' or 12'? With that slight angle there is no reason to winch it up, driving up would be fine. That's the way we will do it! Good Job!!! |
| On The Road 07 January 2011 11:57 AM |
The ramps are 12 foot. The bed was 42 inches from the ground. The truck bed is at a slight angle but from the edge of the truck to the end of the ramps it is pretty flat. I had about 3/4 inch clearance on the bottom of the Smart but that would most likely be gone if truck was level. Jim |
| FD5 Posted 28 February 2011 05:54 PM |
Set up looks great! Where did you get the ramps and what are they rated for? I am looking at the same thing for our truck (43" bed height) but I have to get the hitch moved to the back first then get the Smart. |
| earnnetwealth 28 February 2011 06:08 PM |
Very Cool! We are counting down the time. It is so in reach now! It's going to be nice to have the home paid for and then be able to come and go whenever we want. Maybe some day in the near future will get to go to the HDT Rally with our rig, but priorities are first. Thanks for sharing your set up. |
| Gargoyle 28 February 2011 06:43 PM |
I think those are the Big Boy II ramps from Discount Ramps. If I am right he is using the same ones I am. They are 12 feet long and rated for 2000lbs total/1000lbs per ramp. |
| On The Road 28 February 2011 07:13 PM |
Got the ramps from Discount Ramps. Correct they are BIG BOY II. I think there is a link in the Resource Guide. They are rated for 2000 lbs. and are 12 feet long. Weight is 56 lbs. each and they are 5 1/2 inches thick when folded. They will fit under the Smart but I am concerned about the bottom of the motor and tranny hitting them when a dip is hit with truck. Jim |
| Darryl&Rita 28 February 2011 10:05 PM |
Very nice. If you don't mind, I'm going to steal a copy of the 3/4 rear pic, for when I get talking to bed builders. |
| On The Road 28 February 2011 11:25 PM |
Help your self, will be glad to answer any questions. That was my first bed build, learned a lot. Some things I would change, but on a whole I am satisfied with it. I liked the blocked rear and was easier to build. Made for more usable space on top. Kind of a design as I went. Thanks, always makes a person feel good when someone else enjoys their creation. Jim |
| J.W. Morgan 01 March 2011 12:24 PM |
Hey nice work, my heart goes out to anyone sadistic enough to want to build their own bed! Looks good |
| On The Road 01 March 2011 01:05 PM |
Thanks JW, I appreciate that especially from a fabricator. I made my bed 98 inches, on the next one(Ha Ha) I think I would make it a bit wider. Have more room out from tires. I used 3/16 on the entire bed except where the fifth wheel hitch is, that is 1/2 inch. I chose to use a non air bag hitch because my fifth wheel has Trail Air. Might not be as good but seems to work ok. Did not think I had the ability to do the fender flares, sure like the looks of those. Jim |
| waylandlong 01 March 2011 02:58 PM |
SADISTIC is an excellent choice of words JW. I have been talking to myself for 20 years. Bed looks good. Are you in Texas? Noticed the plates. |
| On The Road 01 March 2011 03:05 PM |
Correct Wayland, in North East Texas about 20 miles south of Paris Texas. Thanks for the nice words, would like to get by your place and admire your work and maybe learn something. Do watcher have to pay? Jim |
| Jack Mayer 01 March 2011 08:42 PM |
You're joking.....right?
EVERYONE pays at Wetland's |
| J.W. Morgan 01 March 2011 09:35 PM |
Jack, Last time I was there, I got some free hats and a free ride to DFW.... |