Questions about this steel flatbed

[imiceman44]

So I picked up this 1998 crew cab with a 12' steel flatbed.
I am trying to understand what these pockets on the sides, right on top of the side boxes, are for.
The steel square tube goes all the way across the bed, but the ends are capped a couple of inches in, creating a cave of sorts, like pocket for something, no idea what for though.
I could think of a use for them but I like to know what they are made for.
Any tow trucks here please chime in, I will tag the ones I think might know.
@sweetk30 , @ChrisPerry , @70jimmy ,
@6872xtc

 

[sweetk30]

no idea . . . only time i have seen stuff like it is on the rear for a portable offroad fork truck to hook/lift/stow and go .

 

[imiceman44]

no idea . . . only time i have seen stuff like it is on the rear for a portable offroad fork truck to hook/lift/stow and go .

The holes are no more than 2" deep.
So a clamp style lift is what I imagined.
I am sure I can find a use for them

 

[bradshawtech]

I’m guessing that whatever it used to haul around was skid mounted and those were lock holes for a clamping system.

 

[imiceman44]

I’m guessing that whatever it used to haul around was skid mounted and those were lock holes for a clamping system.

It was made for a steel company.

 

[70jimmy]

I was thinking the same thing as bradshawtech, like side boards but made of steel then they could be removed so the load could be taken off with a forklift? What does it look like from the under side? Definitely would add strength to the bed also.

 

[ryoken]

my guess would be a ratchet strap mount hole... it probably had rect tube blocks that slid in there with a tab on the outer edge... strap steel down, the inward force would never let the blocks out... be easy to make em...

 

[rksjd8420]

Steel places move their plate steel around with a chain hoist with a special hook that goes under the plate. I bet it was to put the bed on and off really easily. Probably could also tie down cargo with those hooks and a chain and binder or ratchet straps.

 

[imiceman44]

my guess would be a ratchet strap mount hole... it probably had rect tube blocks that slid in there with a tab on the outer edge... strap steel down, the inward force would never let the blocks out... be easy to make em...

I know I can make something work for it.
Just was trying to see if it is a common thing or a trade specific.

Anyway today I put a battery in it and a few gallons of fuel and tried to start it.
The fuel pump cycled so I gave it a try, it cracked pretty smooth and fast but no fire.
The security is flashing so I need to reprogram it.
I will check the fuel pressure then see if it starts.
Still looking for an NV4500.
The one I have a line on the guy won't respond.
So I am still looking.
I have a 4wd set but I am not ready to use it and convert to 4wd yet.
It's not the best candidate for a SAS conversion.