Going on break this morning I walked through a Dodge car lot. There in the used car section was the ultimate ATV hauler.

1998 Dodge 4x4 with a drop bed. There was no rear axle (each rear wheel was on a swingarm mounted to a beefed up chassis), the rear drive shaft was removed and the transfer case was capped off.

The "skin" of the original box was there, but with a vertical sliding metal "box liner". The box drops, via cables operated from the cab, and lays flat on the ground.

The tailgate has been removed and substituted for a swinging gate mounted to the "skin".

If I only had the $.

 

Be still, my heart!

Loyal! You describe the "last word" in ATV haulers, indeed!

I've considered hydraulic and electric lift gates, mentally designing "forks" accommodating quads for lifting to bed height, but really! You've discovered the ultimate hauler, without a doubt.

The mountain comes to Mohammed, with the rig you describe. Just think! One could lower the bed, drive aboard, and then be lifted to transport height--wow!

Also, when hauling furniture for the bride, street level loading, street level unloading. Hmmmmmmmm.

How much, $ Canadian, were they asking for this marvelous machine? Hey, we can ferry it from Halifax to Maine, right? The seafood dinner in Halifax before we sail is on me!

Tree Farmer

 

I've also seen this pickup. It's a factory conversion. Very nice job done on it. If I'm not mistaken, they are asking $20,000 Canadian for it. When the bed is lowered it looks really strange and gets a lot of second looks!

 

Sounds pretty sweet! If I only had a spare $20K to spend................

 

Actually the prive has dropped to $18,500 . . . and that is Canadian . . . with the conversion you are looking at $13,500 US.

I'll see if I can borrow a digital camera from work and take a couple of pictures.

 

Just checked with the guys in Systems . . . they are hoping to have a digital camera in on Monday. I will taks a couple of snaps and post 'em fro all to view.

 

Loyal
If someone from the forum buy`s it I think you should get a finders fee.

 

is this thing front wheel drive? does it have IRS? how do they work around the frame rails??


later
jon

 

It is front wheel drive.

There are no crossmembers and the frame has been beefed up OR cut off behind the cab and a "new" one added.

Hopefully on Monday I will have some pictures.

 

You actually have to see this setup to appreciate it. The rear leaf springs are actually inverted and support the bed frame from above the tire. What looks to me like swing arms that connect each rear wheels, almost look like a chain drive cover. Pretty wild setup!!