Using Tacoma to pick up construction materials

I have a 5ft bed and need to pick up drywall sheets (12 ft) 12 to 16 ft studs, crown molding, trim etc. What do you guys use to make it easier? I don't have a utility trailer but could have access to one of needed but thinking about getting one of those Darby hitch bed extenders... Thoughts??

 

12 ft drywall? Rent a trailer unless this is a common thing for you. Or have it delivered. When I have unusual things like that I usually just rent a trailer. Picked up two couches in NC a few weeks ago. Rented a trailer for $30 and towed it down and back in the pouring rain. Couches were dry lol.

 

Why not just get a utility roof rack? Why get complicated?

 

No it'll be a one day job picking up a bunch of supplies. Will likely get a trailer for it all.

 

Local from Lowes or HD? Rent their store flatbed truck, they are just $20 per hour for local deliveries or something low like that, plus the store loads them for you on their clock for free. Or get a local UHaul truck for about the same daily cost.

 

I always weigh the economics. How often will I haul stuff like this? Buy a method to haul ( rack, trailer, etc) or rent a trailer. I can rent a trailer at least 50 times before I would come out ahead on buying one. Plus I dont have to store it and big plus I can rent big or little or open or closed trailer. Rent a trailer for the win.

 

Depending on the weight of materials you’re transporting this is a good thing to have for light load /long material hauling:

Darby Industries 944 Extend-A-Truck

https://www.amazon.com/Darby-944-In...nd+a+truck&dpPl=1&dpID=41BJAX0Y26L&ref=plSrch

 

That's exactly what I was looking at.

 

Well, Ya bought a mule and Ya want to go fast...?

 

Not quite. I bought a mule and want to use it as a mule. I think that's the better analogy

 

Yep Ya bought a mule for sure! But trying to haul 12 footers in a 5 footer was all I was saying... "I got a great point guard so lets match him up against a power center?"

 

So your suggestion is go buy a 8 ft bed for my project? I think that's the impression I'm getting

 

I think renting the required truck or having it delivered would be your best option. Ya could "getter done" but if Ya got to ask....maybe not.

 

Rent a real flatbed truck, the shortbed is terrible for hauling 12’ long drywall and other heavy items that are more than twice the length of the open bed, if legal at all- at least here in Cali. We can only stick out 3-feet past the tailgate without flagging, and no more than 2/3 the wheelbase (7-feet) for a DCSB in total overhang.

 

That is what I really should of said and I apologize for my beer drinking statement made above.

 

Its fine! Unless those were Coors’ or Mickeys Big Mouth words! Rougue River Porter over here, what are you pouring?

I do like the local rental fee at Home Depot, they load it for free and you get to drop it off at home for just $20. I took home a bunch of gravel, rebar and tar-soaked railroad ties and didnt get any of that crap or any scratches in my own truck for it.

 

Have you tried lifting drywall over your head?

I'm with the rent a trailer crowd. It's $20. Loading is easier than even the flat bed.

 

My vote is to have it delivered. Especially if they bring it directly into your worksite.

 

I'm a contractor and I carry loads of materials all the time on my tacoma. I custom made a rack for the bed that sits level with the optional cab rack, that way I can carry long material and clear the shark fin. Most I've had on top is maybe 450#s? It works great for beams, nominal lumber and long trim, siding etc. Although if I need more than 4-5 sheets of plywood or drywall I'll just use my trailer, or get it delivered.

 

I always try to have one friend that has one.