I am building a 6x6 loaded to the top with gear. I have a tarp over the the first three bows of the bed exposing the cargo under the last 2 bows. I want to know if the bows are stong enough for someone to put a few boards across the tops and sit people up there.

I want to depict the huge loads of supplies available to the US troops that there is no room for people except at the top of the piles.

Well, I'm no expert, but probably not. Even if they were metal, they might bow a little. Of course, I'm no expert! Well, now that I think about it, I suppose they could do it, but not for long! (By the way, awesome dio idea!) Thanks for your time.

Putting troops on top of the bows would not happen on current trucks. I'm 6'2" and weigh 215 pounds before I put on my Load Bearing Equipment (LBE), Interceptor Body Armor (IBA) and my rifle with combat load of ammo. I would be pushing 300lbs. + by the time I am fully outfitted. A bow would not support me for very long.

I have an M35A3 2-1/2 ton truck in my supply section and as the SSG, I would never allow a soldier to ride on the bows for safety reasons regardless of the tactical situation. He could however find him a comfortable spot amongst the cargo if necessary.

Thanks gents. I think I have a solution. I just put some small wood blocks in the bed that rise up just slightly higher than the bows. The troops will be sitting on on the cargo underneath the tarp stacked higher than the top of the bow.

Alan, those bows are made of 1 x 2s that are connected at the corners by stamped sheet steel formed to hold them and simply nailed together. With the tarp tied tightly, you can bend them in just by pulling yourself up off the troop seats... Your solution sounds better!
Mike

Here is a pic of my solution

I would be more inclined to leave the bows off and just cover the load with a tarp and have the guys sitting on top of that. Cargo would not really fill out the space under the bows neatly.

Cheers
Cliff