Hey guys, hope I'm asking this on the right place. Lately I've been shopping around for materials for welding projects. A lot of items come in longer lengths like 8'-12' sections. My truck currently has no headache rack and I don't have a flatbed trailer (or somewhere to park it). Are there acceptable ways to carry such items? How would you strap this stuff in? I'm aware that states have requirements/limits as to how far stuff can stick out from the body of the vehicle (and requires a red flag). I'm definitely not interested in needing to pull over and pick up my stuff from the side of the road (uhh, been there done that ). I know I don't even have to mention the safety of other drivers on the road around me.

Are my options a trailer or delivery only? I appreciate the feedback.

 

I have them cut the stuff in half (10') lengths when I buy angle iron and flat stock. If I truly needed it in 20' length I would use the car hauler. I have slung stuff under the truck a few times on short trips, but you have to be real careful and know what you are doing.

 

Bundle the materials together, use ratchet straps on the front and rear bed-hooks.. Padding is a must to protect the paint, anything 4' beyond the tail light requires flagging by day / lighting at night (in CO). If your going to do this frequently the first order should be metal for a head ache rack and tail gate protector.

Here is what mine looks like:



Note:
The middle bar (eye) bolts into the last (small) hole to protect the tail gate. The larger holes are for ratchet strap hooks.



There was another thread started on headaches that would give you even more ideas, do a search for it.

 

CRR, love the rack and rails. Very clean job. I'm eager to get some stuff for the truck built but right now I've got some firewood down on the ground that I desperately need to get racked, plus a makeshift rack that's holding all my cooking firewood that I'm afraid is going to tumble through the fence if a fat squirrel jumps on it again.

I do have diamond plate bedrails and a tailgate cap. I don't know how many times those have saved the edges from getting banged up. So best thing to do is bundle the materials and strap it in? Should the tailgate stay down for support or be closed?

I've helped dad build the stuff for our trucks before so I figure using the same overall designs. The other truck (not pictured) had the same rack, rails and tool box that, if weren't there, I'd have been crushed in a vehicle rollover @ 70mph on the highway. Talk about a real world test!

 

A Texas DPS officer told me anything that sticks out more than 4 ' needs a red flag.

 

They make a support rack that mounts in trailer hitch to carry long items in bed. Don't remember where I saw it. Do a search.

 

This is what I mean. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...3940_200413940

 

And when you "bundle" the load, be sure to wrap your strap all the way around it. That will "choke" it so no individual piece slides out.

 

That would work just right.

 

Dig this. i gotem. Awesome and affordable

http://www.harborfreight.com/250-lb-...ack-66187.html

 

You know I considered a ladder rack. I see them for sale all over craigslist. I think for me though it'd be easier to load and unload the bed instead of lifting stuff higher.

 

So is the paint drying yet on you newly built extend-a-gate Shorts?

 

I know these are redneck, but they work to haul small loads of long boards... I've easily handled 16-20' pieces of trim, etc.. I bought 4 total, and use them in the truck windows and bed...

http://www.technologylk.com/crl-side...tm?src=froogle

 

Not yet I'm torn between welding projects (play time) and holster orders (work time).

 

I haul steel a lot, most places one cut is free so 20 foot stock is now 10 foot and 24 foot tubing becomes 12.. I always bind the load together then strap across the front, I installed two tie downs just in front of the wheel wells for this. I also strap the tail gate up to the load by hooking into the tail gate latches in the locked position. The steel places have thin red plastic that I just wrap around and never lost one. I often haul 16 foot lumber in one piece and do it the same way but I have a piece of red tape with a screw I use for the flag. I do have trailers I could uses but just the truck is much easier, I also have a headache rack but find my way is easier.
Almost forgot, I have seen hitch extenders, 2 inch tube stuck in the rear hitch and pinned with an upright piece then a cross piece on top of that, with stops to keep the load where it should be. I have thought about making one, I even bought the material but used it on something else.

I just noticed Digger posted a link to one..