Hauling Long Lumber

I need to haul a few(4) 16' deck boards this weekend. I am only going about 5 miles. Can this be done with a DC short bed or do I need to make different arrangements?

I really would like to avoid the $50 delivery fee for such a small project. If I use a trailer, what size trailer do I need to get?

I will also be picking up some 6' & 8 ' boards. I ahve thought about running the long boards through the back window, but that seems a bit dangerous. Not sure where to 'stop' them in the cab.

Thanks.

 

i hauled 2- 14 foot 2x14" laminated beams with my DC SB, i put them through the window, drove about 3 miles, it wasnt fun but i did it

 

You could always do the old , over the roof and on the tailgate trick .

Use a heavy towel or blanket against the roof and lash the boards down at the front of the bed and at the tailgate .

It's not ideal , but will work for the short haul you are talking about .

PS , headache rack FTW

 

Like how I have the ladders here. Just tie it down really good, I use ratchet straps from each side and I use a thick moving blanket folded on the roof. I have carried ladders and lumber like this lots of times usually for 60 miles each way to Calgary and back doing 70mph.

 

+1
You're not putting a ton of weight on the roof and if you use enough padding you'll be okay. I want to build some racks that sit on the bed side and attach in the rail system for hauling long boards or ladders.

 

Quick build a 1 time use headache rack out of scrap lumber.

 

... Basically tying down a sawhorse in the front of the bed, is probably a better way of saying what I meant there...

 

Just put them through the back window.

Do you mean 5/4 Deck boards or 2x10's?

 

If you do this ^^^ be easy on the brakes

 

One of these works well

 

Yes, don't put them through the front window.

 

5/4 deck boards (X3), 2x8 (X1). I think I will put them through the back window and use ratchet straps at 3 points (D-rings and bed rail system). I mocked it up with a scrap 5/4 deck board that is about 13' long.

To everyone else, I sincerely appreciate the ideas you gave. I think I will eventually invest in a reciever mounted bed extender like one of these: http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&ke...=aps&hvadid=3931908831&ref=pd_sl_97e9w9ra1n_b

I'm up against a deadline to get a step built off my deck and don't have time to wait for this thing to be delivered. Tried calling several auto parts stores around town, but no one carries anything like it. Making something myself is also out, as it would take me a week to plan it and 3 days to build.

It's times like these that I wish I weren't so damn analytical. I just need to get to Lowes buy the stuff and do it.

And yes, I plan to be easy on the brakes. I tend to drive with a light foot anyways.

 

Watch your tail swing. Luckily your not going far. 16' through the back window is still pretty long out the back that is why it is suggested to go over the top.

 

Harbor Freight sells cheap bed extenders...they used to be only about $40 but recently they've gone up to around $70. Anyways, I use one to help haul my 13 ft kayak. Hope this helps

 

Over the roof allows you to haul even longer material , safer .

 

I haven't done it, but I've known people who have hung long materials like piping under the truck. Rest it on the skid plates and ratchet it up tight in three or four places. One guy said he pulled up next to a cop at a stop light and he looked down and didn't do anything doesn't mean it's legal. Just a thought.

 

Well , that's not entirely true . A headache rack is best , but they are only there to prevent damage to the roof , securing the load is the same .

I can haul 20' material on my headache rack and tailgate , loading the material level is not necessary .

This is the rack on my truck , front only .

 

If you can tie things down properly going over the roof is not an issue. I've done this A LOT of times and never had anything shift once or had any issues on the highway and I have had more material and weight than the OP intends on carrying.

I agree with OZ a headache rack is a good answer for a permanent solution or even racks but sounds like OP only does this occasionally so would be overkill.

 

Agreed , I was just reinforcing my point .

For the one trip the OP is talking about , either way will work .

 

Well the approximate weight of those boards is 240#. If you go through the window keep the boards at least a foot away from the windshield just for safety (it only takes a little tap and it's spidered). If you go on top of the cab use a heavy blanket and when you strap it down make sure you wrap the straps around the boards once-no more than that. Like someone said above keep an eye on your tail swing-don't extend farther than 4' from the rear and you'll be fine.