Bed widening to fit 4x8 sheets

Yeah, very true. smog emissions choked out all the mid - late 70s and early 80s V8s. aka the "Malaise era"

 

It's like $20ish somethingish to rent a lightweight enclosed 4x8 UHaul trailer. Open trailers are also $20ish somethingish. And...we don't bash up our lifestyle vehicle we use to overland to the mall.

 

A truly ugly period in automotive design. K-cars, Pintos, Pacers, Mustang II’s, I still shudder.

 

Is that bolt hole already there? What size washers did you use? I'm working to get ready for hauling some MDF for making Epoxy counter tops and later dry wall and plywood for other projects. I was at Lowe's today and got me a 2x6x10 on the trip. To make it home with it I just took my cordless saw and a tape measure and cut it to fit in the car park.

 

What supports the back 1/2 of the 8’ sheets? With a 5’ bed I think the best option is a T-bar that fits in the receiver hitch, extends beyond the lowered tailgate, then 90’s up level with the 2’s in the bed slots. One example
https://www.etrailer.com/Truck-Bed-...7653&msclkid=2f11b9f8b80d17398afcdf1efb9c23d5

 

Yep it’s the top tailgate latch bolt hole. Just drop tailgate, unbolt latches. Hold tailgate with gut or leg and move the steel cable to the bolt hole. Idk what size washers. Probably m6 or m8 if I had to guess. Just unbolt one of your cables and see if you have something laying around that fits. I added them just to keep the cable/end piece free to spin like normal.

 

My brother always says the 70’s were the most embarrassing decade in US history.

 

Same could be said of, Cab space/leg, Hp/torque, towing capacity....

 

No lie. I chose a 4-banger for the mileage knowing the rest is a package deal. I work in construction so no way was I getting a short bed even if one was offered with an AC and certainly don’t want a regular cab or need a DCLB. Some ways to extend bed length are safer than others and I’ve seen plenty of bent tailgates over the years so choose wisely.

 

I made the platform with the 2x8s covered in indoor outdoor carpet and two panels of plywood to make the deck. Added a Ranch topper all this week. Can't believe how much it squats with just a mere 275lbs. Sumo springs will be here in a couple days.

 

Mine was the same. Seems like it’s made to ride with nothing in a very light bed. I guess that sells from a test drive but they definitely need help when actually using the bed for truck stuff.