Short bed hauling

[fordtruckman2003]

I'm used to having longer beds and didn't really think about the short bed being an issue until now.

I need to pickup flooring that is 72 inches long. I can't lean it over tailgate without putting stress on it and maybe breaking the planks. 72 inches falls just a little bit onto tailgate surface, but not far enough to reach the side tailgate tie downs. I have this plastic bed liner that came with my used truck so keeping things from sliding forward and backward is always fun.

I'm thinking strap around it in as much of a box as I can create and hook onto side box brackets. I'm probably overthinking this without seeing it in front of me. ?
Maybe I'll buy one of those bed extenders for days like this... ?

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[powerboatr]

One time use?
I would buy a 4 x 8 sheet of 7/16 osb
Then lay planks on that.
Plus it keeps tailgate from bouncing up and down

 

[Lricaud81]

Pull them to end of gate. Use a 2x4 lay across the top of them and use 2 squeeze clamps in the tailgate ege openings. I used this method when I picked up some 10ft tin and worked like a charm.
You can use some sash cord to tie extra if you'd like as well

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

Put the tailgate down and just use the four tiedowns that are at the bottom bed sides.

I did this with 300 cedar fence pickets

 

[INADAZE]

These are all great tips. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Bryan Simon]

I have 15 years of short box pickups that have just pissed me off.
So, I ordered SuperCab with 8’ box for my 21.
Cant park it anywhere, but it sure has a nice ride that only a longbed can offer.
(poking the bear within you)

 

[fordtruckman2003]

Put the tailgate down and just use the four tiedowns that are at the bottom bed sides.

I did this with 300 cedar fence pickets

Tailgate has to be down. The flooring will fall about 3 inches over the tailgate bend when pushed against front of bed. My fault for ordering long flooring planks common size is 48 inches. ?

 

[fordtruckman2003]

Pull them to end of gate. Use a 2x4 lay across the top of them and use 2 squeeze clamps in the tailgate ege openings. I used this method when I picked up some 10ft tin and worked like a charm.
You can use some sash cord to tie extra if you'd like as well

I thought about trying something like that.
I just need to keep it from sliding rearward on the slippery plastic bed liner. The more experience I get with that thing the more I think of throwing it away. I had linex on last two trucks but this one came used with this plastic thing. ?

 

[Eskram]

Something like this maybe + a plywood base?

https://www.harborfreight.com/truck-bed-extender-69650.html

 

[fordtruckman2003]

Something like this maybe?

https://www.harborfreight.com/truck-bed-extender-69650.html

That is neat for long loads, but I'm dealing with a load not too long and not short enough to close tailgate. 72" vinyl flooring planks. It could maybe hold up to being at angle in bed but I don't want to risk damaging it. If it was just plywood I'd angle it in with a strap over it and a snap that it ain't going anywhere.

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

Tailgate has to be down. The flooring will fall about 3 inches over the tailgate bend when pushed against front of bed. My fault for ordering long flooring planks common size is 48 inches. ?

yes, I know all about that. The 300 cedar planks I carried were 6 foot. There’s nothing wrong with a load partially supported on the tailgate. Been doing it for almost 40 years.

 

[fordtruckman2003]

yes, I know all about that. The 300 cedar planks I carried were 6 foot. There’s nothing wrong with a load partially supported on the tailgate. Been doing it for almost 40 years.

Yeah me for half that with taller loads. I'm only getting 12 boxes so it will be well under the straps on sides. I am probably overthinking things and will be easy to figure out in person when I see it.

 

[Eskram]

If you only have a 3" overhang, you're totally fine and definitely overthinking things.

Strap the whole bundle together, then strap the straps that hold the bundle to the truck's anchor points. Then another across the tailgate, over the bundle. Smack it a few times, say 'It ain't going anywhere', then move on with your day.

 

[fordtruckman2003]

Okay I feel stupid now.

This plastic Ford bed liner was covering the lower tie down points.

I've been thinking how useless these box link tie downs are for anything short in the bed. ?‍?

 

[My 2ND Ford]

I have 15 years of short box pickups that have just pissed me off.
So, I ordered SuperCab with 8’ box for my 21.
Cant park it anywhere, but it sure has a nice ride that only a longbed can offer.
(poking the bear within you)

When I ordered my Supercrew I spec it with the 6.5 ft bed. I knew the 5.5 bed would be too short. I would have gotten an 8 ft bed if there was an option for it. I have trouble parking now, I can't imagine having another 1.5 ft to deal with.

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