Weight of bed

I'm starting on replacing parking brake cable and finding recent leaks in fuel line(s) between cab and tank on my 2005 SR5 access cab Tundra. I have seen some blogs suggesting removing the (6.5 ft) bed for much easier access considering that I will be working only with jackstands and no lift. Sounds reasonable as I could start with removing about 50 lbs of tailgate, disconnect rear lights, remove spare tire, and then the 6 attaching bolts of the bed. I work by myself generally but can get one or two helping hands if necessary. My question is, with the tailgate removed, how heavy is the bed? Alternatively, does it even make sense to remove the bed?

 

I removed my bed to facilitate a number of repairs, including a boatload of rust repair and other things. I used 4 ratchet straps and suspended the bed from the rafters of my garage. Other than taking a while to go around and slowly lift the bed, it wasn't too horrible to remove.
I have a bunch of pics in my rebuild thread (below my signature) which show the removal technique.

And welcome to the club!

 

my 8ft bed was pretty easy to get off. but your going to want 4 people. and ideally a 5th just to watch the filler neck. bed is under 500lbs im guessing.


an engine hoist can do it too

 

I did mine twice, just me and the neighbor and ive got a jacked left shoulder. Its really not that bad without tailgate. I bet my belt sander weighs as much or more.

 

if you have an engine hoist you can it and some 2x4s to lift it off by your self.

 

I just joined this forum less than an hour ago and am really impressed with the quick replies. N84434 was first, and your rebuild thread is really helpful. Thank you for all the photos. Unfortunately, my garage is filled with machinery and many board-feet of mahogany (open to buyers maybe) and I'll be working on a sloping driveway (hence rafters or joyces not available.) empty_lord thanks for the estimated weight, maybe the shorter bed could subtract another 50 or so but will still need a couple more hands. You and wiggilez are confirming that a trip to Harbor Freight is in the offing for an engine hoist or similar item. Been meaning to do that for years. And Siebler, thanks for the encouragement and photo. Hoping I can convince my neighbor that he's all I need. You must have one heavy duty belt sander.

 

Also the spare tire is attached to the frame not the bed.

 

Yeah, I know, but thanks. I'm also trying to consider ways of tilting the bed back from the cab without having to completely detaching it from the frame.

 

Just easier to completely remove it. Trust me you’ll thank yourself later. Take the time with it all off to clean scale off and paint everything on the frame