Abstract: The side rails of the chassis of a fixed bed truck are cut at the front end of the rear springs and pivotally interconnected using hinges incorporating hinge pins which are positioned below those side rails. A deck is secured to the rear section of the chassis for movement between a rearwardly inclined position and a lowered position in which it extends over the front section of the chassis. An apron is pivotally mounted on the rear end of the deck for movement between an extended ramp position and a retracted position in which it depends downwardly from the deck. Hydraulic apparatus are provided for tilting the deck, extending the apron and latching the deck in its lowered position. The hinges and the latching systems are constructed so that the truck can still be driven safely even after structural failure of both hinge pins.