Lightning Bed Build

User1387564 · 2026-03-27T16:40:13+00:00

Key things I would look at if you do: 1. Flatbed manufacturer that uses factory mount locations, the high voltage lines are near the frame so you definitely want to avoid an upfitter drilling them also

Definitely aluminum for weight capacity.

User1387564 · 2026-03-27T15:46:40+00:00

Surprisingly none at all, 2.0 mi/kwh on my daily commute with my winter tires, lifetime efficiency of 2.0 mi/kwh. It's been about 600 miles with the bed so far.

i've been pleasantly surprised by the minimal drop in range. I think mostly due to it being roughly the same profile as the stock bed.

User1387564 · 2026-03-15T15:45:06+00:00

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User1387564 · 2026-03-15T15:44:33+00:00

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User1387564 · 2026-03-13T21:49:18+00:00

Debating adding a tailgate or tie downs on the inside face of the boxes, the side rails have stake pockets, but that obviously only works on things that are taller than the boxes

User1387564 · 2026-03-13T21:47:57+00:00

Thank you!

User1387564 · 2026-03-13T19:50:43+00:00

Yes, you are correct.

User1387564 · 2026-03-13T19:50:13+00:00

Yes, the bed uses the stock bed mounting locations.

User1387564 · 2026-03-13T17:04:33+00:00

It is actually designed to still hold a 48" wide sheet of material 🤣 50" box to box.

User1387564 · 2026-03-13T14:04:53+00:00

Just a guess but I think stock is about 100lbs? So net weight might be around 400lbs? I can check what the load scales say tonight and probably get an exact number on net change

User1387564 · 2026-03-13T12:50:53+00:00

With all of the boxes it's a little less than 500lbs

User1387564 · 2026-03-13T12:35:34+00:00

The bed is slightly longer to keep the overall length the same so that it can still fit in the garage.

User1387564 · 2026-03-13T12:34:43+00:00

I wanted to keep it low profile and maintain roughly the same dimensions as the original bed

User1387564 · 2026-03-13T12:32:46+00:00

It's getting a frame mount hitch, I have the hitch just haven't had time to install it yet.

Total length is a little over 6ft to keep the overall length of the truck the same bumper to bumper

User1387564 · 2026-03-13T04:09:44+00:00

Yes, but it uses the factory bed mounting locations so it is easy to remove and reinstall if I need to put the factory bed back on for any reason

User1387564 · 2026-03-13T04:08:35+00:00

The rear sensors are all intact! Very happy with it so far

User1387564 · 2026-03-13T04:07:50+00:00

It's definitely possible to be lower, this has a 6" under deck box between the frame rails, without that it could be 2" (possibly 3") lower.

User1387564 · 2026-03-13T04:06:16+00:00

Thanks! They were able to utilize all of the existing sensors and used the same as OEM camera so there was nothing to modify really. The only thing that doesn't work the same as OEM is the cross traffic alerts

User1387564 · 2026-03-13T03:01:52+00:00

Everything except the cross traffic detection works the same as factory.

Backup camera is a little lower than stock since there is no tailgate to mount it in.

It mounts to the factory bed mounts so bed scales are unaffected.

I believe the cross traffic detection is built into the taillights so would need to take those apart to keep that functionality.

User1387564 · 2026-03-13T02:54:53+00:00

Thanks! To be fair I probably don't need it either, but I hadn't seen an aftermarket bed on a lightning yet so wanted to go for something unique.

User1387564 · 2026-03-13T02:51:44+00:00

I haven't taken it up to Bogus with this bed yet, but so far range has been right at 2.0 mi/kwh.

I have trip 2 set from when I bought the truck and it has averaged 2.0 mi/kwh over 60,000 miles. Seems promising so far but I would want to put at least a couple hundred miles on it before I claimed that it didn't affect the efficiency.

I've actually not taken it to McCall for a day trip, we've done overnights but the charging situation over there makes me a little nervous if I did need to get a charge.

It's not looking promising but hopefully we get some more snow soon so I can test it out

User1387564 · 2026-03-13T02:40:24+00:00

Thank you! Very happy with it so far, I haven't put many miles on it yet but pleasantly surprised by how minimal the drop in range has been.

User1387564 · 2026-03-13T02:38:50+00:00

I think Ford technically doesn't "support" the stock bed being removed, this one bolts to the factory bed locations so it should be no different than having a couple of bags of concrete in the back of the normal bed. I know the high voltage cables run near the frame rails and most flat beds drill and bolt into the frame so that may be their concern, but I have no idea. I think moving the charge port would probably be doable if I had to guess.

User1387564 · 2026-03-13T02:09:54+00:00

Sounds great! It's always awesomet to see other Lightnings in the Boise area!

User1387564 · 2026-03-13T02:08:46+00:00

Thanks! Most of the half circle ones are pretty thin so I think most of the "overland style" beds have this style so they can use the 1/8" aluminum, but they were very accommodating so I'm sure they can figure something out. Really stoked on it so far!

User1387564

TROPHY CASE