dodge 4500 truck bed/ box question

[tackle_man]

we are looking at getting a 2015 dodge 4500 but have been told we can only order it as a cab and chassis . When I am not using the truck to tow the camper i use it as a regular truck, so my question is where can i look to get a regular looking truck bed/box for that truck. (it is 60" from cab to center axle) stretch bed, 9' bed, etc.
any info would be great.
thank you in advance

[Happy Vibe]

Something like this?
Warner Announces New Pickup Conversion - Top News - Vehicle Research - Top News - Work Truck

[tackle_man]

went to the website and did not see what I was looking for. They offer some good stuff, but not along the lines of what I have in mind. basically when i am not towing the camper I want it to look just like a regular truck, not a flat bed or a work truck but a regular looking pick up box.
thank you for the link, if i am unable to get what I have in mind may just go with that.

[Happy Vibe]

Sorry did not look at the date on the news article (2008) looks like they don't make the pickup body anymore.

[ependydad]

Not sure where you can find it, but in Florida - I see a truck that has a customized bed because the bedrails are about 2/3 of the height of normal bed rails. It gives you plenty of clearance, but still a truck bed. Might be worth considering.

But, alas- this doesn't help your original question because I have no idea where to get this done.

[MKClark]

Having just retired from selling truck equipment, Cadet Truck Bodies make a very nice looking bed called the Aztec. Has tool boxes on top and on sides. I have sold several and all my customers were very pleased. Ck them out. Hope this helps you.

[tackle_man]

thank you Happy Vibe, but that is just my luck lol

[tackle_man]

thank you MKCLARK , i will save that info that is the best looking one i have seen so far

[donanddona]

Tackle man, better to look at the F-450 for a truck box.

[tackle_man]

Donanddona are you talking about the ford?

[donanddona]

Sure, I've seen them in Wal-Mart parking lot. Never saw a Dodge 4500. Maybe I need the eye exam, but I'm just saying....

[Happy Vibe]

2015 Ram Chassis Cab 4500 ST Work Truck Specs Review | Ram Canada

[rattleNsmoke]

That's a problem with the 'Over 350\3500 crowd'. Those extra HD trucks are chassis-cab so folks can have a dump or rack body installed. The cab-to-center axle can be as much as 3" different(longer) for chassis-cabs. I guess the manufacturers sell en-mass to contractors not to Harry home owners when it comes to big azzed pick-up chassis.

[dblr]

There is a company called Fontain( I think) that makes a low profile pick up bed style, not sure if you can buy just it or have to get it as a package already on a truck, good luck on yo0ur search. I know a lot of guys have custom beds made for their HDT's but they are not cheap.

[MKClark]

Yes most of the bigger cab-chassis have longer ca 60" and can go up even longer. 60" will get 9'bodies 84" will get 11'.


_____________________
MK Clark
2014 Silverado
2015 2819VS Windjammer.

[donanddona]

I understand your pain. I too think the inline dodge is a better product. I too need the convenience of the Truck-Box feature when not towing. I guess everyone has their favorites. Your link will only work for Canadian bases. Sorry. I will list the US norms from the Big three I am considering. Please keep in mind I did try to keep accessories between like units.

Dodge (Laramie w/8' box) 3500 DWR 4X4 6.7/4:10 auto @ $64K (tow Pkg.)
Dodge (Laramie W/O BOX)4500 DWR 4X4 6.7/4:10 auto @ 62K (tow pkg.)
Ford (Lariat w/8' box) F-350 DRW 4X4 6.7/4:30 Auto @ $63k (tow pkg.)
Chevy (LTZ-Silverado w/8' box) 3500 DRW 4X4 6.6/3:73 Allison Auto @ $65k (tow pkg)
Ford (Lariat) F-450 DRW 4X4 6.7/4:30 Auto @ $63k 26k 5th wheel hitch

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by dblr

There is a company called Fontain( I think) that makes a low profile pick up bed style, not sure if you can buy just it or have to get it as a package already on a truck, good luck on yo0ur search. I know a lot of guys have custom beds made for their HDT's but they are not cheap.

Seems like they *made* them based on this post that I just found on another forum (no affiliation- just googled it):

A Fontaine conversion is asothers have stated. Fontaine (think semi-truck)is a type of outfitter that from I think 1998 to 2007 made a pickup type bed for F450-550's which, until2008, only came with straight frame rails behind the cab, unlike most pick-up's which have contoured ones. A standard bed will not fit unless it is highly modified. These beds are a composite of a steel box with one piece fiberglass fenders. The box is only like 17" deep and it is some what longer than 8' to accomodate the 200" wheelbase. Most of these trucks also either had Link air suspension (like mine) or Greyco (which had some recall issues...cracked track bar mounts I think). It is actually a nice setup but is no longer in production and no fiberglass fenders are available. Thankfully I had no fiberglass damage other than a few big chips in the edged inside the wheel wells.

To all those with Fontaine conversions. - Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum

[Happy Vibe]

Don I was just pointing out that they make a RAM 4500 (not dodge they have not been dodge for years).
I'm not sure what your answer has to do with what the OP is asking?

[BooBoo23]

Fontaine is no longer, it was bought out and is now called Palfleet Equipment with 10 locations. I used to work for them, they are mostly a commercial truck equipment outfitter. When I worked there we were not able to put a body on a Dodge (Ram) because of a weak frame. I'm sure that has changed since it has been over 6 years since I retired and Dodge (Ram) has made a lot of changes and now offer a cab/chassis. Most of the trucks, maybe 80% were Ford and the rest Chev/GMC. The nearest PalFfeet dealer to you is either Birmingham or Atlanta. There are many specialized body manufacturers that may satisfy your need. Some specially made for towing a 5r. Check with a truck equipment dealer near you to see if they can offer something that fits your needs. Don't bother asking the truck dealer, they could care less what you want or get as long as they can sell the truck and will take you down a garden path.

[MKClark]

When Dodge first came out with the 3500, you couldn't remove the pick up bed and install platform body. They changed their design when the brought out the 4500 and 5500 units. B00Boo you are right about the retail guys at the dealerships. You have to find the fleet/commercial sales people. Some dealerships don't have people that sell fleet/commercial. Most GM and Ford dealers do. Dodge/Ram don't, you
have to ask.