Bed widening to fit 4x8 sheets

You can with many many sheets fine in a 6’ bed with the tailgate up… not sure how the 5’ers do it.

 

If you have tail gate reinforcement you can open it and strap the gate up level with the wells and add another 8” or so. I did this but instead was using it to get more rigid insulation sheets under the point where the cap opening shrinks to 4’.

 

FYI for anyone looking to cut 2x6 lumber to fit in the slots going across the bed...look for 5/4 lumber instead of 2" as it will fit more flush in the slots height-wise.

 

5/4 is a specification found in woodshops and more professional lumber yards, rather than Lowes/HomeDepot. Just added that for those who have never heard of it.

 

I got my 5/4" treated lumber from Menards for like $10 and that was even during the pandemic. It's not super uncommon any more at the local box store. My local Lowes and HomeDepot both have them in stock today too.

 

I concede to your knowledge. I usually only look for standard 2x4 or 2x10 at Lowes. Much of my latest wood is of a specific hardwood type needing a woodworking-supply store (I recovered a $5 good-sized block of zebra-wood from their "scrap/leftovers, $5/lb" bin).

 

Deck boards are 5/4" (finished at 1"). I assumed they would be too flexible for this, but I haven't tried them.

 

Most man made stuff is but IPE is plenty rigid enough and rot resistant to boot.

 

Build a platform above the wheel wells or buy a full size truck.

 

Two 2x4's fit in that slot better than a 2x6 width wise.

 

But both will be above the wells rather than flush. If you can’t get 5/4 stock then you can glue 1/4” shims under the ends.

 

If you load the plywood standing vertically, it will fit between the wheel wells
Thank me later

 

Here you go. 2X4s will probably come in handy at some point.

 

Speculating here, but it seems to me in this era of plastic beds, laying down a sheet of plywood on the bed is a good idea.
This would distribute the weight far better than a 2x4 frame resting directly on the bed or a rubber bed mat.

 

more money than brains

 

These things are cheep to rent.

 

He should have MIG-welded cables to the body of the vehicle to hold the 1000+ lbs of metal inside the bed.

He REALLY does look completely stumped why it failed.

 

I don't think so Tim. Composite beds are tough, strong, durable and rust resistant. Fact not a guess.

 

on the plus side, it looks like the tailgate still stayed flat...

it also appears he never strapped them to the truck, just strapped the bundle.

also, that trex board is slick as snot, especially if water got between the boards...

 

At first it looked like the "rocket booster" option to save the battery life ...