First Time Sled Deck-> What to look for?

[JustChilling19]

Hey Everyone,

Looking to try out a deck for the first time this year. Was hoping some guys here would be willing to share their experience on what features and items to look for. Ideally would be looking for something used around $2500 (willing to spend more if necessary).

The deck will be going on a 2013 Ram 3500 srw diesel with the standard box. I know the height and clearance/mounting can be a issue so looking for feedback with this configuration as I’ve never mounted or installed one before. Sleds going on the deck will be 174/175’ tracks so I’m pretty sure I’ll need some form of extension? Not sure what kind of ramp to look at either, the longer track sleds don’t lift the front end like the shorter sleds which I’m not sure is a concern for loading or not?

Any advice for a total deck rookie is appreciated!

Cheers,
Tyler

 

[bsoluk]

You will definitely want a deck with a extension or 8ft deck with the longer sled tracks. Also a telescopic ramp is more handy for one person then a two piece ramp. Not sure of all the brands that carry extensions. X deck offers an extension and a trifold ramp. Crosstrax offers extension but comes with a two piece ramp. Marlon offers extensions with a telescopic ramp.

 

[Caper11]

First Time Sled Deck-> What to look for?

The two piece ramp of the crosstrax is not a big deal, Super easy to put in and out by yourself.
Crosstrax has the best extension in the industry imo. Ive had my deck for over ten years and have had not one issue with it. I replaced the plywood decking two years ago which was a very easy task.

 

[catinthehat]

Re: First Time Sled Deck-> What to look for?

Depending where you are using it with those track lengths you might want to check into regulations pertaining to over length loads. In BC any load over 1.3 meters (I think that's the right length), from the tail lights, requires a warning light. While this reg. may not be enforced often it would suck to have a sledding trip ruined because of it.

 

[1200]

Re: First Time Sled Deck-> What to look for?

8 foot deck is fine no need for extension. U will want longest ramp u can find. Mine 12 feet so nice . Watch for cheap thin Chinese junk. Look around they are not all made the same.

 

[Lunch_Box]

Re: First Time Sled Deck-> What to look for?

I have the similar truck (2012 3500 mega cab) and went with the Marlon Pro and deck extension. No reason really other than I found a great deal on Kijiji for a year old deck. I prefer the shorter deck and extension over an 8' deck for the primary reason when you are driving around without the sleds you dont have 1.5' hanging off the back of the truck. Telescopic ramp is nice and the longer the ramp the easier to load, but if you are sitting at stock height you will be fine with any length really.

 

[AreWeThereYet]

Re: First Time Sled Deck-> What to look for?

Get an 8ft deck with movable legs for short or long box. Will give you the resale value and you won't have to buy an extension for the longer sleds.

 

[takethebounce]

Re: First Time Sled Deck-> What to look for?

The two piece ramp of the crosstrax is not a big deal, Super easy to put in and out by yourself.
Crosstrax has the best extension in the industry imo. Ive had my deck for over ten years and have had not one issue with it. I replaced the plywood decking two years ago which was a very easy task.

I love Crosstrax decks, I hate their extensions.

An older Marathon with flip extension, Marlon made one based off that design as well, is and has been my favorite for several years. If you can find one I would have a look.

If you are not lifted the standard extension or two piece ramps are fine, if lifted you may want something longer. Stay away from anything older and with a beavertail drop, whack your head on that and you will want to get rid of it. Check the welds for cracks, the lights should all work, the decking should be in good shape. Look for decks with superglides already on them, maybe even someone including super clamps as thats something else to buy.

The legs should have a decent footprint. Marathon used Z channel for their legs and the bottom pad isn't overly large so something to displace the weight like a piece of plywood is nice, I also put a 3/4" rubber pad under mine to help adsorb the shock. Consider putting bolts through the deck and box with plates on the under side. Turnbuckles can and will stretch with camper tie downs alone.

Wire up a plug to your 5th wheel box plug if you have that for ease of getting power to the lights, otherwise some people run it down to the bumper.

Number one rule with decks, train your wife to keep her head up when walking around your truck lol

 

[TDR]

Marathon on Facebook - Alberta Sledderz

 

[busted2x]

Re: First Time Sled Deck-> What to look for?

I love Crosstrax decks, I hate their extensions.

An older Marathon with flip extension, Marlon made one based off that design as well, is and has been my favorite for several years. If you can find one I would have a look.

If you are not lifted the standard extension or two piece ramps are fine, if lifted you may want something longer. Stay away from anything older and with a beavertail drop, whack your head on that and you will want to get rid of it. Check the welds for cracks, the lights should all work, the decking should be in good shape. Look for decks with superglides already on them, maybe even someone including super clamps as thats something else to buy.

The legs should have a decent footprint. Marathon used Z channel for their legs and the bottom pad isn't overly large so something to displace the weight like a piece of plywood is nice, I also put a 3/4" rubber pad under mine to help adsorb the shock. Consider putting bolts through the deck and box with plates on the under side. Turnbuckles can and will stretch with camper tie downs alone.

Wire up a plug to your 5th wheel box plug if you have that for ease of getting power to the lights, otherwise some people run it down to the bumper.

Number one rule with decks, train your wife to keep her head up when walking around your truck lol

Hahaha, my wife busted her eye brow open last year.

 

[Frankenytro]

Sent you a PM

Hey Everyone,

Looking to try out a deck for the first time this year. Was hoping some guys here would be willing to share their experience on what features and items to look for. Ideally would be looking for something used around $2500 (willing to spend more if necessary).

The deck will be going on a 2013 Ram 3500 srw diesel with the standard box. I know the height and clearance/mounting can be a issue so looking for feedback with this configuration as I’ve never mounted or installed one before. Sleds going on the deck will be 174/175’ tracks so I’m pretty sure I’ll need some form of extension? Not sure what kind of ramp to look at either, the longer track sleds don’t lift the front end like the shorter sleds which I’m not sure is a concern for loading or not?

Any advice for a total deck rookie is appreciated!

Cheers,
Tyler

 

[acesup800]

Re: First Time Sled Deck-> What to look for?

8 foot deck is fine no need for extension. U will want longest ramp u can find. Mine 12 feet so nice . Watch for cheap thin Chinese junk. Look around they are not all made the same.

If the price is right, some Chinese decks are just fine. Same quality, no but not 3x the quality.

 

[Caper11]

First Time Sled Deck-> What to look for?

I love Crosstrax decks, I hate their extensions.

I really do not like the look of any flip extension. I personally prefer to remove it from the deck, cleaner look when there is no sled on there.
Plus the crosstraxx extension has lights in it to get around the flag and the light law in BC. The law states a certain length past the load deck, nothing about taillights. The bulldog deck had the best looking extension IMO, but they are not around anymore.

 

[takethebounce]

Re: First Time Sled Deck-> What to look for?

I really do not like the look of any flip extension. I personally prefer to remove it from the deck, cleaner look when there is no sled on there.
Plus the crosstraxx extension has lights in it to get around the flag and the light law in BC. The law states a certain length past the load deck, nothing about taillights. The bulldog deck had the best looking extension IMO, but they are not around anymore.

Can’t say I really notice it when flipped but each to their own.

And you are not getting around anything with regards to the lights on the deck extension. Having marker lights in the extension doesn't qualify it as a load deck any more than not having them. The protrusion is what needs to be lit.


Lamps or flags on front and rear projections
4.20 (1) A vehicle on a highway must not carry a load or have an integral part of the vehicle which projects more than 1 m beyond the front wheels or the front bumper of the vehicle unless,
(a) during the time specified in section 4.01, the extreme tip of the projection is illuminatedwith a lamp that is capable of displaying only white light visible from the front and sides of the vehicle, and
(b) at any time other than that specified in section 4.01, a red flag or cloth that complies with section 8.05 (c) of the Commercial Transport Regulations and which is visible from the front and sides of the vehicle is attached to the extreme tip of the projection.
(
2) A vehicle on a highway must not carry a load or have an integral part of the vehicle which projects more than 1.2 m to the rear of the load-deck or body of the vehicle unless,
(a) during the time specified in section 4.01, the extreme tip of the projection is lighted with a lamp that is capable of displaying only red light visible from a distance of 150 m to the rear of the vehicle, and
(b) at any time other than that specified in section 4.01, a red flag or cloth that complies with section 8.05
(c) of the Commercial Transport Regulations and which is visible to the driver of a vehicle to the rear is attached to the extreme tip of the projection.

 

[acesup800]

Re: First Time Sled Deck-> What to look for?

Buy a $5 bicycle red lamp at Canadian tire and strap it to the back of the rear sled. All good.

 

[Caper11]

Yep thats what it says. Any load that projects 1.2 meters past the load deck requires a red light at night and a flag during the day. My load deck is 8ft and with my 174 on the back I’m under the 1.2 meter overhang. Since my load deck has lights mounted on the back, I’m covered even further.
Now if I had no extension and let my sled hang off the back like I see some out there, than the rules posted apply.

 

[Anvil1010]

Re: First Time Sled Deck-> What to look for?

I really do not like the look of any flip extension. I personally prefer to remove it from the deck, cleaner look when there is no sled on there.
Plus the crosstraxx extension has lights in it to get around the flag and the light law in BC. The law states a certain length past the load deck, nothing about taillights. The bulldog deck had the best looking extension IMO, but they are not around anymore.

Just get a Cross Trax and don't look back. Best deck on the market. If I was to get a deck again, 100% it would be a Cross Trax.

 

[takethebounce]

Yep thats what it says. Any load that projects 1.2 meters past the load deck requires a red light at night and a flag during the day. My load deck is 8ft and with my 174 on the back I’m under the 1.2 meter overhang. Since my load deck has lights mounted on the back, I’m covered even further.
Now if I had no extension and let my sled hang off the back like I see some out there, than the rules posted apply.

But your argument was that the lights on the extension is what allows you to not have a light/flagging for your overhang, which the lights on the extension mean nothing in regards to that.

Plus the crosstraxx extension has lights in it to get around the flag and the light law in BC. .

You just like the pretty lights lol

 

[TDR]

I thought the 1.2m was from the bumper in this case?

 

[Caper11]

First Time Sled Deck-> What to look for?

You just like the pretty lights lol

I do. Lol


But your correct I didn’t quite word that correctly. Id rather have the 3 lights at the back of my extension than have none at all.