GMC loyalist

[MpR]

As a lifelong GMC owner, I just made what might be my final purchase today of a GMC Sierra 3500 HD AT-4 long bed gasser scheduled to be delivered early next year.
For what it's worth my last two vehicles were GMC Suburban / Yukon XLs that I drove for 18-20 years and 200k miles each.
I still have my 2008 Yukon XL that has run flawlessly since I got it. However, as with many vehicles here in New England, I've had the frame welded twice and am told not to expect much more out of it.

As for the new 3500, I hope to continue to harvest hardwood logs for my woodworking shop. Now I can consider trailering those 36"+ maple and other hardwood logs and if Ican figure out how to get them in the long bed, I can avoid the trailer altogether.

 

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[Yeldawb]

Hi MpR,
Congrats on placing the order, now the hard part.... the waiting! Shoot us pics when you take delivery, the 3500 should be a beast!

 

[MpR]

Will do Yeldawb. Now that it's on order, I have to decide how to fit it out. Definitely need to add steps but unsure about high-clearance vs something easier for the grandchildren to use. Also considering a tonneau cover.

Perhaps the most challenging add will be a winch and / or lift to get 8' logs in the bed but that's why I joined this site. Looking forward to input of others

 

[Johnv76]

Welcome and congratulations

 

[pinebaron]

Welcome

 

[gemarsh]

Will do Yeldawb. Now that it's on order, I have to decide how to fit it out. Definitely need to add steps but unsure about high-clearance vs something easier for the grandchildren to use. Also considering a tonneau cover.

Perhaps the most challenging add will be a winch and / or lift to get 8' logs in the bed but that's why I joined this site. Looking forward to input of others

What does a 36"x8' maple log weigh? 1000#?

Abomb on utube is a machinist. He made a receiver hitch lift that offset to the side, allowing to lift and turn, a load of heavy items into the bed.

 

[gemarsh]

There are a shit-ton of designs on utube.

Kinda like this...

 

[Yeldawb]

Hey Gemarsh- That's pretty cool!

 

[xOperator]

Welcome

 

[ivey_usmc]

Welcome sir

 

[MpR]

What does a 36"x8' maple log weigh? 1000#?

Abomb on utube is a machinist. He made a receiver hitch lift that offset to the side, allowing to lift and turn, a load of heavy items into the bed.

Gemarsh,

Regarding your question of a 36” maple log, it depends on how wet it is. I have a local trail club that cuts up a lot of downed hardwood trees, some green and some were standing deadwood.
So, regarding your question of weight it could be 500lbs spalted and dry or 4,000 lbs green w/ 40+% moisture.

The crane lift could easily move the former but for the latter I’d rather skid it up on the bed. However, I would be interested in the best places on the bed to anchor a crane?

 

[gemarsh]

Gemarsh,

Regarding your question of a 36” maple log, it depends on how wet it is. I have a local trail club that cuts up a lot of downed hardwood trees, some green and some were standing deadwood.
So, regarding your question of weight it could be 500lbs spalted and dry or 4,000 lbs green w/ 40+% moisture.

The crane lift could easily move the former but for the latter I’d rather skid it up on the bed. However, I would be interested in the best places on the bed to anchor a crane?

Uhh, I don't think you want to mount it to the bed.

Maybe someway to the gooseneck hitch or drill holes thru the bed and mount to the frame and use spacers between bed and frame.

 

[Koolbreezeya]

Welcome

 

[MpR]

Uhh, I don't think you want to mount it to the bed.

Maybe someway to the gooseneck hitch or drill holes thru the bed and mount to the frame and use spacers between bed and frame.

Gemarsh,

Agree, the sheet metal of the bed couldn’t take the shear of the cantilevered hoist. I am not getting the gooseneck prep but would be interested where and how to anchor to the frame through the bed. I am considering a winch at the back of the bed but need to learn more about anchor points and how to brace to the frame?

 

[MpR]

Well, it's been over 4 months since I posted my intent to add a winch to my truck and a lot has happened including cancelling my order at the end of February and buying my exact match 1,900 miles from me.
Anyways, the winch is installed as well as a roller and ramp support for the Multipro tailgate. See images below.