In that case I like to use 1" round or square aluminum tubing. 0.125" wall. Create a simple four legged "table" to hang the sides and front on. I tack the sides and front to keep some rigidity. If you use a tailgate tack that too. If not leave it open or use a sheet of aluminum for the back.
On the sides I run an extra brace or two per side from the bed side down to the frame just to keep the sides from flopping from side to side.
Attach the bed to the aluminum frame with bolts or pins for removal if you ever want to pull the bed off without removing the frame. You can cut out a lot of weight out of the bed sides and with the aluminum frame you can save a few hundred pounds pretty easy.
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