When upgrading your work truck with a flatbed, the first step is figuring out what type of truck you own. At ALE Truck Beds in Dalton, Ohio, we help customers choose the right fit every day — whether they need cab and chassis flatbeds or are doing a pickup flatbed conversion.
What Are Cab and Chassis Flatbeds?
A cab & chassis truck is built by the manufacturer specifically for work use. Instead of coming with a standard pickup box, these trucks are designed to accept aftermarket beds like haulers, service bodies, or cab and chassis flatbeds.
Key traits of a cab & chassis:
- Straight, narrow rear frame rails (no taper)
- Longer wheelbase options for added stability
- Higher payload ratings
- Commonly used in commercial, farm, and towing applications
👉 Example searches: Ford cab and chassis flatbeds, Chevy 3500HD cab and chassis flatbeds.
Pickup Flatbed Conversion: What Is a Box Delete?
A pickup delete (also called a box delete) starts as a standard pickup truck. The factory bed is either removed or ordered “bed delete” from the manufacturer.
Key traits of a pickup box delete:
- Frame rails are wider at the rear, then taper inward toward the cab
- Slightly less payload compared to cab & chassis models
- Requires special mounting brackets or custom fitment for flatbeds
- Great for farmers, ranchers, or contractors looking for a pickup flatbed conversion
👉 Example searches: Dodge Ram pickup flatbed conversion, Chevy Silverado box delete flatbeds.
👉 Learn more from Chevrolet’s official Silverado box delete option.
Cab-to-Axle Measurement for Flatbeds
The cab-to-axle (CA) measurement determines what length bed your truck needs. This is the distance from the back of the cab to the center of the rear axle.
- 60″ CA → Usually an 8’–9’ bed
- 84″ CA → 11’ bed
- 108″ CA → 12’–13’ bed
Pro Tip: Always measure your CA instead of guessing—truck manufacturers vary slightly between models and years. For a manufacturer reference, see Ram’s guide to cab-to-axle measurement.
Choosing the Right Features for Your Flatbed Truck Bed
Once you know your frame type and measurements, think about how you’ll use your truck:
- Hauling hay or livestock feed? Get a steel or aluminum flatbed with stake pockets.
- Heavy towing? Choose a bed with an integrated gooseneck ball and receiver hitch.
- General contracting or farm work? Add toolboxes, rub rails, and a headache rack.
At ALE Truck Beds, we specialize in aluminum flatbeds in Ohio that are lightweight, durable, and rust-free — perfect for farm use, contractors, and daily work trucks. Check out Farm Progress for more insights on why flatbeds are a smart choice for agriculture.
Comparison: Cab and Chassis Flatbeds vs Pickup Flatbed Conversion
| Feature | Cab & Chassis | Pickup Delete (Box Delete) |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Frame | Straight, narrow | Wide with taper |
| Payload | Higher | Slightly lower |
| Fitment | Standard cab and chassis flatbeds | Needs brackets/adjustments |
| Common Use | Heavy-duty hauling & towing | Pickup flatbed conversion |
ALE Truck Beds: Experts in Box Delete and Cab and Chassis Flatbeds
At the end of the day, the best way to make sure you’re buying the right bed is to work with experts who fit these trucks every day. At ALE Truck Beds, we stock and install cab and chassis flatbeds, box delete flatbeds, and pickup flatbed conversions for all major brands — Ford, Chevy, GMC, and Dodge Ram.
📞 Call us today at 330.933.7526 or stop by our shop at 14742 Lincoln Way E, Dalton, OH.
We’ll measure your truck, explain your options, and install a bed built to last.
