If you run a Ford F-350 and want the lightest, most rust-resistant flatbed on the market, Aluma aluminum flatbeds are hard to beat. At Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX, we install Aluma flatbed truck beds on F-350 SRW and DRW configurations — and the weight savings alone can transform how much payload you legally carry every trip.
Why Aluma on a Ford F-350?
The F-350 Super Duty is one of the most popular work truck platforms in Texas — used by ranchers, farmers, contractors, and oilfield hands from Wharton to Corpus Christi. But a heavy steel flatbed can eat 800–1,000 lbs of your payload before you load a single bale of hay or piece of equipment. Aluma’s all-aluminum construction cuts that weight roughly in half.
- Weight: Aluma aluminum flatbeds typically weigh 400–550 lbs — versus 800–1,100 lbs for equivalent steel flatbeds
- Payload bonus: That 400+ lb savings goes directly to your legal payload capacity
- No rust, ever: Marine-grade aluminum doesn’t rust — no annual repainting, no floor rot, no undercoat issues
- Appearance: Aluma’s bright aluminum finish stays clean without the maintenance of powder-coated steel
Aluma Flatbed Models for F-350
Aluma builds flatbed truck beds in a range of widths and lengths to suit different F-350 cab and cab-to-axle configurations. Here are the most popular setups for F-350 owners:
F-350 SRW (Single Rear Wheel)
F-350 SRW trucks typically have a shorter CA (cab-to-axle) measurement, so they take a narrower flatbed — usually 84″ to 88″ wide and 8′ to 9′ long. Aluma’s aluminum flatbeds fit this platform well, keeping the overall truck width in check for tighter job sites or ranch roads. Common configurations include:
- 84″ wide body — Fits within SRW track width, clean look
- 8′ x 84″ or 8.5′ x 84″ — Most common SRW flatbed size
- Stake pockets, tie-down D-rings, and toolbox openings all available
F-350 DRW (Dually)
The F-350 DRW (dually) is the workhorse for heavy hauling. With a wider rear track, it takes a wider flatbed — typically 90″ to 96″ wide. Aluma’s DRW-compatible flatbeds sit flush over the dual rear wheels and give you the full working width contractors and ranchers need.
- 90″–96″ wide body — Spans the dual rear wheels cleanly
- 8′ to 9′ lengths most common; custom lengths available
- Gooseneck hitch-compatible decks available — critical for Texas cattle and equipment hauling
- Full-width LED taillights included on most Aluma models
Aluma vs Steel Flatbeds on F-350: The Trade-offs
Aluma isn’t the right choice for every F-350 owner — here’s an honest comparison:
| Factor | Aluma Aluminum | Steel Flatbed (CM, Bedrock, Norstar) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 400–550 lbs | 800–1,100 lbs |
| Rust resistance | Excellent — zero rust | Good with powder coat; can rust if chipped |
| Upfront cost | Higher ($4,500–$7,500 installed) | Lower ($3,000–$5,500 installed) |
| Dent resistance | Lower — aluminum dents more easily | Higher — steel resists dents from heavy impacts |
| Best for | Ranching, farming, light hauling, coastal TX | Construction, oilfield, heavy equipment work |
| Resale | Holds value well, especially coastal areas | Good value but can show wear faster |
If you’re a South Texas rancher hauling hay, cattle, or equipment on coastal roads where salt air is a factor, Aluma is often the smarter long-term investment. If you’re dropping heavy steel pipe or equipment in the oilfield, a steel flatbed like a CM or Bedrock may handle abuse better.
Installation and Fitment at Star Truck Equipment
We install Aluma flatbeds on Ford F-350 SRW and DRW trucks at our shop in Wharton, TX. The process typically takes one business day — you drop off in the morning, we pull the factory bed, mount and wire the Aluma flatbed, and you drive out the same afternoon. We serve customers from Wharton, El Campo, Bay City, Victoria, and across the Greater Houston area.
- Factory bed removal and disposal
- Proper mounting to frame rails with isolation pads
- LED light wiring (running, brake, turn, reverse)
- Stake pockets installed and ready
- Post-install inspection
Ready to Spec Your Aluma Flatbed for Your F-350?
Call us at (979) 532-1486 or stop by our shop at 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX 77488. We’ll measure your F-350’s CA, confirm your weight targets, and get you into the right Aluma flatbed. Browse our full Aluma truck beds page or visit our flatbed truck bodies category for all available flatbed options.