Questions about Cutting Apart My Flatbed and Strength

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I am new to the forum and this is my first post. I'm sorry if it's not in the correct section, I looked around and this seemed to be the best fit. I currently have a Bradford Built flatbed on my 2007 Dodge Ram 3500. I don't know all the terms for the correct description of the metal under the bed but I will do my best. If you need further clarification please let me know.The flatbed has a 2 pieces of c-channel that run lengthwise from front to back and it's 4'' wide. My flatbed sits higher than I would like it too so my goal is to lower the bed closer to the frame of the pickup. I think the only way I can do this is if I cut this piece of c-channel off and weld on a piece that is maybe 2'' or 1 1/2''. Here is a pic of the c-channel.I have a couple concerns. I'm wondering if I go to a smaller piece of c-channel is the integrity of the bed going to be compromised? I also have four pieces of c-channel that run across the frame from the passenger side to the drivers side. The flatbed rests on these pieces of c-channel. There are shock mounts that protrude up and above the frame of the pickup and I need these pieces of c-channel that run across the frame of the pickup so the flatbed sits about the shock mounts. I also have a B&W turnover hitch installed in the flatbed. I don't know what the channel is called that they used to mount the B&W to but it runs from one piece of the 4'' c-channel to the other side and is welded to the opposite 4'' c-channel so it spans across the bed. Here is a picture of it.So this is where my questions start. You can see where that B&W steel is welding to the 4'' c-channel. If I was using 2'' c-channel it will not extend down far enough for the B&W steel to weld directly to it like the 4''. I'm not exactly sure how I will fix that problem but maybe someone here has some ideas. My 2 questions:1. If I replace that 4'' c-channel with a 2'' piece will the strength of the bed be compromised?2. Any ideas how I can weld the B&W channel and attach it to a piece of 2'' instead of 4''?I'm sorry if this is a confusing post. I hope to get some good advice and anything helps.
Reply:Reducing the size of the structure will CERTAINLY weaken it!The only way to lower your bed height would be to cut the bed structure so that it fits perfectly to the frame and stich-weld the bed to the frame over the entire length.Be wary of The Numbers: Figures don't lie,. but liars can figure.Welders:2008 Lincoln 140 GMAW&FCAW2012 HF 165 'toy' GTAW&SMAW1970's Cobbled together O/A
Reply:2 inches to a woman means alot, but all the work of trying to re engineer a flatbed is not a good idea, the smaller c channel will probably flex and cause issues....why dont you contact bradford and ask if its possible, they built it and designed it....why do you need it to be lower?Of all the things I lost I miss my mind the most...I know just enough about everything to be dangerous......You cant cure stupid..only kill it...
Reply:I never thought about calling them.... I'll do that. I want it lower because I have a truck bed camper I am putting on it and it sits really high in the air with the camper on it.
Reply:4" C Channel is the main structural element of the bed. Shortening will reduce the bed strength significantly. About the only solution would be to cut off the entire bed top from the main channels nad notch the 4" channel so the top pieces go thru rather than on top of the channel. This allows you to maintain full 4" channel height, full cross channel pieces for stiffness, and lower the bed. When notched the cuts for the cross members can not intrude into the flange top or bottom of the 4" C channel or it will weaken the members. if the holes are only in the web, then the strength reduction is minimal at best. This is how any number of heavy deck over wheels trailers are built for heavy equipment allowing them to use heavy steel, yet keeping deck heights down.To me this is a ton of work just to gain 2" in height. Unless you are already over max height for public roads, I doubt you'll really notice a 2" drop in height..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:It would be easier to take a saw and cut 4 or 6 inches off of the bottom of the camper ,you might not be able to stand up .
Reply:I did the math on mounting a camper on my flatbed truck a few years ago.I bought a small travel trailer.Save yourself a HUGE amount of aggravation and sell the camper body. Buy a used 15'-18' travel trailer, hybrid or toy hauler. More room and MUCH easier to separate when you get to where you want to camp.Be wary of The Numbers: Figures don't lie,. but liars can figure.Welders:2008 Lincoln 140 GMAW&FCAW2012 HF 165 'toy' GTAW&SMAW1970's Cobbled together O/A