Top Pickup Flatbeds on the Market
At Country Blacksmith Trailers, we know what our customers need when it comes to aftermarket pickup flatbeds. We know they need something heavy-duty and reliable at an affordable price. We also know that you want a bed that looks good after years of use.
Right now, we have over 100 pickup flatbeds for trucks for sale and in stock at our Mount Vernon trailer dealership. We sell and install pickup flatbeds, pickup dump bodies, dump beds, dump flatbeds, and service bodies. We’re a full-service dealership, so we can be a one-stop-shop for your trailer and service body needs. Stop by to browse through our flatbeds and service bodies from favorite brands like Bradford Built, CM, Cadet, Aluma and Zimmerman.
We have many years of experience specifying and installing aftermarket bodies on pickup trucks and will put that experience to work for you! Our team will make sure you get the right flatbed for your truck. We have experienced, professional installers who will take good care of your truck and make sure the bed is installed correctly.
Essential Considerations Before Buying a Pickup Flatbed
Aluminum vs. Steel
One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when choosing a flatbed is the material. Both aluminum and steel offer unique advantages, and the right choice depends on how you use your truck, what you haul, and the conditions you work in. Here’s a closer look at how the two compare.
Aluminum Flatbeds
Aluminum flatbeds have grown in popularity thanks to their clean look, long-term durability, and resistance to corrosion. They’re especially appealing for trucks that spend a lot of time in wet, snowy, or salty environments. These conditions can quickly take a toll on steel.
Benefits of Aluminum Flatbeds:
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Rust-resistant: Aluminum doesn’t corrode like steel, making it ideal for year-round use in the Midwest.
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Lightweight: An aluminum flatbed can weigh several hundred pounds less than its steel counterpart, giving your truck more usable payload capacity.
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Fuel efficiency: Less weight means the truck doesn’t work as hard, which can improve fuel economy.
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Low maintenance: No need to constantly sand, prime, or repaint the deck to fight rust.
Drawbacks of Aluminum:
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Higher upfront cost: Aluminum generally comes with a higher sticker price.
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Not as strong as steel: While modern aluminum beds are durable, steel still leads in sheer strength for extreme use or daily heavy-equipment hauling.
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Repair difficulty: Aluminum can be harder to weld or repair if heavily damaged.
Best For: Landscapers, farmers hauling moderate loads, general-purpose use, salt-exposed environments, and anyone who wants long-lasting looks and low maintenance.
Steel Flatbeds
Steel flatbeds are the classic choice for tough, heavy-duty work. If strength is your top priority, steel is hard to beat. These beds are designed for rigorous use, making them the go-to for contractors, construction crews, and anyone routinely hauling machinery or irregular, high-impact loads.
Benefits of Steel Flatbeds:
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Maximum strength: Steel offers superior rigidity and impact resistance, a major advantage for heavy-duty work applications.
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Lower initial cost: Steel beds are typically more affordable upfront than aluminum.
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Easier repairs: Steel can be welded or patched more easily than aluminum if damaged.
Drawbacks of Steel:
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Rust: Without proper upkeep, steel can rust, especially in winter conditions or around high-moisture materials.
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Heavier weight: The extra weight reduces a truck’s total payload capacity and may impact fuel efficiency.
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More maintenance: Steel requires regular painting and care to stay protected and looking good.
Best For: Heavy construction work, machinery transport, farm equipment hauling, and anyone who prioritizes strength over weight savings.
Which Material Should You Choose?
Both materials have clear advantages, but your job determines the best fit:
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Choose aluminum if you want long-term durability, protection against rust, a higher payload, and the clean, polished look many truck owners prefer.
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Choose steel if your truck sees daily heavy lifting, jobsite abuse, or needs maximum toughness at a lower price point.
Country Blacksmith Trailer Sales carries both aluminum and steel options from top flatbed manufacturers. If you’re not sure which style or brand is right for your truck, our team can walk you through the pros and cons based on what you haul and how you use your pickup.
Extra Lights
This might not be something you consider until you’re in a situation in which you need extra lighting. You may wish to add a few extra lights to make your job safer and easier. We have experience adding work lights, clearance lights, and strobe lights. Ask us for a quote.
One of the best things about choosing Country Blacksmith Trailers? We will install the pickup bed while you wait at the store! We’re here to give you the best customer service around, and we feel this is a unique feature of ours that you don’t see anywhere else.
Tapered vs. Straight-Back Corners
Most flatbeds give you a choice between tapered and straight back corners. Tapered corners are the way to go if you’re driving through mountains, hills, and turns and need a better turn radius. This will also help if you’re driving on narrow roads or pulling a trailer. For some, though, straight-back corners work best if you need as much room as possible. The straight-back corners are often a custom order as we don’t stock many.
Why Do I Need a Flatbed?
You might be wondering if you even need a pickup flatbed. The extra space you get with having one is reason enough for us, but think about the time, space, and even money you’ll save in the long run. If your original factory bed is damaged, generally replacing it with a flatbed is a very similar cost to replacing it with another factory bed.
Hopefully, this has helped steer you in the right direction to find an aftermarket pickup flatbed that’s best for you and your needs. Know that you can trust us at Country Blacksmith Trailers for the highest degree of customer service and attention to detail. We know what it takes to find the best pickup, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Let’s Find Your Perfect Truck Bed
No matter what you’re moving or where you’re headed, Country Blacksmith Trailers has the perfect truck bed to get the job done. We proudly carry a huge selection of high-quality models from trusted manufacturers, all backed by expert service and support you can count on. Whether you need a trailer or truck service body, you’ll find durable, dependable options at competitive prices right here in Illinois.
