Understanding the different bed types of a Kei truck prior to purchasing your vehicle is important. And though the construction of the Kei truck bed may all be the same, as most are sheet steel, they are completely different in functionality. The four types are the flatbed, the scissor lift, the dump bed, and the camper/hardtop.
The flatbed on Kei Trucks
Most Kei trucks on the market are flatbed trucks. Their intent for use is to carry light loads. Much like a full-sized pickup truck, the micro truck’s bed is intended for transportation and storage of light to medium weighted goods. Some models can fold down the side panels of the bed in order to gain quick access to the flatbed.
Buyers of this bed type of Kei truck should note that they design these trucks with a unibody construction, meaning that the chassis is one unit from the cabin to the bed. Because rarely will you find a Kei truck without a unibody. Because of this, pay close attention to your weight loads. Poorly managed weight can cause the truck to rock, as well as increase the risk of damage to the bed.
Flatbeds have several uses, such as:
- Agricultural (toting of hay, milk, feed, or tools)
- Shipping (crates and pallets can be loaded easily)
- Recreational
- Electrical (wire spools can be transported easily)
- Plumbing (toting of larger pipes, water heaters, and well parts)
- Versatile for any use, the flatbed Kei truck is the most popular bed selection.
There are several different styles of flatbeds. Keep in mind that the construction of the vehicle may differ as well. Some beds are unibody, meaning that the cabin and the bed are all on the same chassis. However, there are some Kei vehicles that have separate beds and chassis. When you have this type of vehicle it is critical that you load and distribute weight evenly to avoid tipping or driving hindrances.
Scissor Lifts minimizes work strain
This is the ideal bed type for Kei trucks on construction sites. As the Kei is a small vehicle, access to small areas, strenuous inclines, and worksites is obtainable. Using the scissor lift as a material transportation truck is only part of the benefit. The scissor lift bed allows the user to raise up the bed of the truck. This gives you the potential to avoid risky toting of heavy materials up ladders and scaffolding. Workers can pull materials directly from the truck onto a secure workspace. For example, shingles can be pulled from the truck directly to the roof instead of using a ladder.
Again, weight distribution is critical when using the scissor lift. As they will hoist cargo into the air, it is ill advised to have the materials. Centrally located is the best. Besides this, check the lift load capabilities for the scissor jack on the Kei truck like prior to purchase. As the name suggests, the lift has a scissor-like design. When operating the lift keep others clear and avoid any interaction with the lift components. If the bed starts to sway or show any strain, lower the lift immediately and reduce the load.
Dump beds for construction work
As with the scissor lift, the Kei dump truck bed is ideal for construction jobs, small residential jobs, or for neighborhood clean up projects. The bed is not intended to be used for heavy debris, but as a small to medium-sized dumpster, depending on the model Kei you choose. While some of the bed types of a Kei truck, you have the lever on the exterior of the vehicle, there are a few models which allow you to control the dump bed from within the cabin. These vehicles make inclement weather irrelevant, as the controls are within the warmth and safety of the interior.
Dump bed Kei trucks are electrical hydraulic.
Before operating your Kei truck as a dump truck, check the local regulations for dump trucks. You may be required to purchase additional registrations and tags for your Kei to lawfully operate the vehicle. Additionally, certain states have restrictions pertaining to on-road use. Ensure that you know these rules and regulations if you plan to go on-road. Off-road, but on-site use can be accomplished by simply carrying the small vehicle to the job site.
Campers and hardtops and customizations
Kei trucks, which are used primarily for recreation, may have the option of a camper or a hardtop enclosure. Both options turn the truck into something like a van. With the bed types of a Kei truck, there are two basic options. The first is the camper which is included as part of the design by the manufacturer. In these instances, the customer can have a variety of choices and colors. They include manufactured campers and hardtops with the warranty of the vehicle in most cases.
The second type of camper and hardtop is one which is added postproduction. In these instances, it is crucial that you check the way the unit was mounted to the chassis or bed of the vehicle. Campers should not be weight mounted, especially if you intend to use your vehicle on rugged terrain.
Hardtops accompany camper designs and can adjust upward to give a little more headroom. Kei trucks which use the hardtop have rear access to the bed. Campers use side sliding doors and rear door access. You may also find tow behinds. However, with the tow behind, you will need to equip your truck bed with the towing hardware.
Bed types of a Kei truck considerations
Ensure that the bed of your truck is not rusted. As they make most of the beds from anti-rust sheet steel, this should not be a problem. However, with older and classic Kei, you may find it. This is to be expected, especially when you consider some vehicles are over 60 years old.
While these are the different bed types of a Kei truck, there are others available. And there are other materials that may be used in the bed. Bed lining, latching, and other package options may be available on your Kei, especially if you are purchasing a new vehicle.