Flatbed bed rails and tailgate.

[cramezl]

I'm going to make some be rails for my flatbed out of wood. Probably a 2x6 on each side with 2x4 supports. I want to make a drop in 2x6 tailgate that can either go at the end of the bed or 18in behind the cab for a catch-all spot. I'm looking for ideas on how to secure the tailgate, but keep it removable. So far all I've got is to make slots to drop it in using two 2x2 strips screwed to the inside of the rail.

Also, what kind of wood can i use that won't warp or rot? I've heard marine lumber is good..

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[Stroked]

I would use your idea or maybe fasten a piece of channel iron to the inside of the rail. That's how I did the tailgate board on my trailer.

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[bucket]

I would use your idea or maybe fasten a piece of channel iron to the inside of the rail. That's how I did the tailgate board on my trailer.

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Using steel is a good idea. My trailer has wood slots for the tailgate, it swells up in wet weather and the tailgate can be a hassle.

 

[cramezl]

Of course! A couple short pieces of channel should work nicely. My brother suggested (try to follow me here) one of the metal junctions one might use when framing a building. The kind you nail to one board, then it has a cradle for another board coming off at a 90. But i think those are way too thin. I'd crush it with a four wheeler tire or something

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