Bed widening to fit 4x8 sheets

The math seems wrong. 2 2x4s does not equal 1 2x6, or am I missing something.
Thank you.

 

U-Haul trailer is like 20 bucks for a day.

 

You bought a mid/mini truck. What the hell did you expect. Some people ‍♂️

 

I have a board cut for the groove in the wheel well. I put it in the groove closest to the cab, keep the tail gate up, and load the sheets at an angle. I can do about 10 this way. Any more, and I use a trailer. Plywood is easy. Drywall is hard without cracking it.

 

Nice. Yet there were no plans provided.

 

fancy version of this idea with maybe some added benefit for those curious! I don’t have this product but looks kinda neat.. pricey though. (Not a knock on the chains but I assume this can just stay all the time)

https://thegateking.com/products/gateking?variant=42879765643448

 

Since you quoted me, I will give my own opinion. I know that mod exists and do not personally like it as I do not trust that the ratcheting hinge will take significant loads over time.

The chains are straight and connect to the parts of the TG that are intended to take loads similar to a bed full of dirt or stuff in the bed shifting into the TG. Door / TG latches, seat belts, and brakes are some of the best designed parts on vehicles. The surrounding structure is less so.


Yeah. The chains live in my stowage box and do take a bit of time to install.

 

For plywood or drywall you have to use the boards across the bed and get a harbor freight bed extender. Then screw 2x4's to the top of the "T" on the bed extender. The purpose of that is to raise the sheets above the tie down loops on the "T". I do it all the time.

For drywall, run a couple 8 ft 2x4's long ways on top of the bed boards and the "T" in the bed extender.

If the bed extender sticks out too far, you can push it further into the draw tie to shorten it

For long lumber, if you have an OEM roof rack, flip the bed extender around to make it stick up instead of out and you can haul 24' boards easy

 

I believe that two 2x4s fit in the slots better than a single 2x6? I has been ages since I made mine, which are notched 2x8s, I think. Haha!

 

Scrap 6" wide oak 4/4 rough lumber (1") and I made a stand for the tailgate from the same oak. Hauled 6 sheets of drywall, couple sheets of plywood and a dozen 2x4 just the other day. Hauling stuff is one of the reasons I bought the long bed.

 

You stack the boards on top of the tailgate? No dents?

 

thank you! I don’t have a tailgate, nor was I trying to step on your toes. I tend to agree with your point about the weight, I also would be curious to see how their design held up. Wasn’t intended to be an endorsement..

Also not my intention if it seemed like I was trying to hate on the chains, I’m a very practical person myself and believer in getting things done..

after this I’m done, How long are the OE straps?? Alternative idea..

 

It's all good. I get where you are coming from and is why I framed it as my opinion. I just have strong feelings about that kit, even if it was priced better. Haha!


Those cables look like a better option, if they are up to the task. I believe that GM had a recall on their factory TG cables in the past.

 

website seems like the reviews are paid for too, like I said I’m not a buyer.. I do believe there is a handful of people that wouldn’t dare use a chain near there taco though too, so someone might like it! probably not the people hauling lumber though I suppose..

limited research shows tailgate strap recall on like 99-00 sierra/silverado pickups but there could be more..

 

I have given up even just giving out star ratings because I think they all get scrubbed to some extent. There are likely happy folks. I know some have posted about it here. I'm just skeptical as I have messed around with broken ratcheting tools before.


That sounds about right on the recall. It was some time ago and well after production ended.

 

+1 on your points there^


Back to DIY and cheap!! This would negate the chains and angled tailgate.. Gen 2 but this is kinda slick how he made the tailgate piece for extra support and it kinda locks in the grooves.. this guy around here??





https://youtu.be/tl07wYSlfow?si=SJ8g_5t1HjFxPAr8

 

I like it. Bed mods are fun. I've added stiffeners and D rings as well as an additional loop for my fridge and storage cae. It all has come in handy.

 

Yep, the groove is wider than 6", so 2 2"x4"s fits more snug, but a 2"x6" will work, it just moves a little. A single 2"x4" moves too much and falls out.

 

Incidentally, the ford Maverick is setup for tailgate propping from the factory:
https://www.ford.com/support/vehicl...s/6320713171112?name=multi-position-tailgate/