Dump bed vs. Flat Bed Japanese Mini Trucks

Japanese Mini Trucks come with two basic bed options. These two are the flat bed and the dump bed. While you can have the scissor bed, it is less common. You can have the bed covered. Yet, at that point, you have a van and not a truck. So, which bed is the best option? Should you purchase a flat bed Japanese Mini Trucks or Dump beds? This article explores the pros and cons of ownership of both. Read on to find out more.

Japanese Mini Trucks are available in flatbed as well as dump bed.

The construction truck

Dump bed Japanese Mini Trucks are primarily for construction. The bed is smaller than that of the full-size dump truck. This means that you should purchase the truck for small to mid-size jobs. You could also use the dump bed truck on a major construction job, but only as a companion to other full-size members of the fleet.

One of the positives of having dumb ped Japanese Mini Trucks is that they can navigate hard to access construction site points. Because of their narrower frame, as well as their ability to drive at angles of 30ᵒ, they are the best solution over full-sized vehicles.

The versatile truck

Unlike the dump truck Japanese Mini Trucks, Flat Beds offer versatility. The trucks, such as the Suzuki Carry Mini or the Subaru Sambar, can be used in the same fashion as a larger truck. The number of uses is limited only to the truck’s load capacity and the driver’s imagination. Like the dump truck, the flatbed truck can navigate to the most strenuous of inclines or the narrowest of alleyways.

The Flat bed Japanese Mini truck is better for importation as the truck can be classified as agricultural use. Agriculturally classified Japanese Mini Trucks may have permissions to use on the road. Dump beds would be harder to have classified, making their use primarily for off-road use.

Weight load management on Japanese Mini Trucks

When considering which truck bed is appropriate for your needs, you must consider the weight loads and how the loads are managed. Both options have the same limit to weight. Depending upon the type of Japanese Mini Trucks that are used, the limit is around 1500 lbs. (a ton and a half). Where the fundamental difference comes in is in the weight management. Dump bed mini Kei trucks manage the weight better. You also have the functionality of the dump bed which allows for quick unloading. Flat beds must be loaded with the weight distributed evenly to minimize the risk of tipping and other related weight issues.

Consider the primary use of your truck bed before purchasing. If you need containment of your material, then a dump bed would be the best option. However, if you want the ease of loading and unloading, use the flat bed. Most flat bed Japanese Mini Trucks have fold down sides which allow for quicker access to cargo.

Driving Considerations

Many Japanese Dump beds are converted flat beds. There are a few which were manufactured as part of that model’s generation. Know the difference. Should you find the dump bed is an addition to an existing model rather than the factory model, you must consider the driving capabilities.

Japanese Mini Trucks can be 2WD or 4WD. When using a dump bed, you do not want to have a 2WD front wheel drive option. This would mean that you are pulling the weight. While the truck may handle the load, the strain on the engine could limit the overall lifespan of the vehicle. For a dump bed, you really want to have a 4WD Kei Truck. Flat beds do not have to take this into consideration as the model is specifically designed to handle the weight on the bed, regardless of whether it is front or rear wheel drive.

Flat bed truck with the sides down

Part availability

Dump beds are great to have as a construction site companion. You should note that parts for the dump bed may be scarce, depending upon the model that you choose. If you wish to have one of the dump bed Japanese Mini Trucks, it is strongly suggested that you choose a model from the current generation. Current generation models ensure that should you need work on the hydraulic lift, or replacement parts, that they are available. While older generation Kei trucks may have stronger aesthetics and a lower price point, if you cannot find the parts for the vehicle, is it really worth it?

Flat bed Japanese truck parts are common. As each generation produces an enormous selection of the model, such as with the Mazda Scrum Truck, finding parts is easy. Where you will more than likely find issues with the flat bed truck is in the fold down joints. These are easily repaired or replaced. Besides the part availability, is the construction of the flatbed. Most flatbeds are unibody, meaning that the bed and the cabin are on the same chassis. This also reduces the risk of having issues with the construction.

Are Dump bed or Flat Bed Japanese Mini Trucks better?

Both the dump bed and the flat bed offer advantages and disadvantages. Dump bed Japanese Mini Trucks are ideal for those who have small to medium construction jobs and do not want the expense of renting or purchasing a full-sized dump truck for the task. They are also great for managing the weight load if that load does not have to be secured.

Flat bed trucks offer versatility and ease of use. With their fold down sides, loading and unloading of cargo is easy. As the truck can be used for agricultural uses, it gains preference over the dump bed, which can only be used off-road.

No matter which option you choose, you will get great usage from your Japanese Mini Truck. Before purchasing any of the Japanese Mini Trucks on the market, it is important to check with all importation authorities as to the stipulations regarding import. Most Kei trucks over 25 years are easily imported.