[Foggy4X]

Hey everyone,
So stupid question incoming... How do you guys carry items that are larger than the truck bed? For instance this weekend I want to pickup a pre-hung door (maybe around 7 foot total length) and next weekend I need to move a 10 foot table (light weight plastic thing). I was thinking just have it rest on the top of the tailgate. I've seen people have things stick out the back of the tailgate too, but then whats the best way to secure it? I have a set of ratchet straps and the utilitrack anchors. Dumb questions its just this is my first truck. Last time I needed to buy a door it was one without the frame and it took up the entire length of my 2013 Grand Cherokee.

Thanks for any input.

 

[MNCarl]

I know here in Minnesota when you have a ladder or long item hanging off the back of the truck you have to tie a red/orange ribbon or cloth tied end of the ladder.
You can use an old bed spread/comforter or a moving blanket to protect the item and just try some different locations of the item in the truck bed and go with what appears to be the safest.

 

[The other Sean]

I've hauled many 8' and 10' items with my truck. The Utilitrac is quite helpful in this. Depending on weight and length is how I decide about tailgate up or down. And yes, by strapping to the floor rails the load is quite secure. I always carry a roll of red duct tape in my truck and simply wrap some around the end of the item.

 

[Supertrmp]

One option I can offer is that if you have a receiver hitch (or get one) you can try one of these.
https://www.harborfreight.com/truck-bed-extender-69650.html
Another option is build inexpensive 2x4 rear rack (cab height) and temporarily attach to rear tailgate area. Support front of long item on front rack of Pro4X. I've carried a canoe like this for years. Can use large swim noodles sliced length ways to wrap around front rack to protect from scratches. It's temporary so looks are less important than getting the job done.

 

[GraphiteblueDan]

I don?t think you can beat the ratchet straps and utilitrak. I would be more concerned about carrying something that is tall and fits in the bed as opposed to something short but sticking out of the bed. Covering anything with a tarp that?s high is a challenge. The wind pretty much shredded the one below when I had to move a couch from central PA to Boston.

 

[Mathster]

Depending on what Im hauling, tailgate up for long stiff items that arent heavy.otherwise its gate down and flag the end.
I do miss the longer bed of my king cab.

 

[Dark Night 18]

I've hauled many 8' and 10' items with my truck. The Utilitrac is quite helpful in this. Depending on weight and length is how I decide about tailgate up or down. And yes, by strapping to the floor rails the load is quite secure. I always carry a roll of red duct tape in my truck and simply wrap some around the end of the item.[/QUOTE

The red duct tape is a good idea, but personally I like the red flags you can get where ever you go for the door. I think the flag moving around would draw more atention. Every place I go to has them free.
Good luck with the move and install.

 

[Clint]

I've hauled many 8' and 10' items with my truck. The Utilitrac is quite helpful in this. Depending on weight and length is how I decide about tailgate up or down. And yes, by strapping to the floor rails the load is quite secure. I always carry a roll of red duct tape in my truck and simply wrap some around the end of the item.[/QUOTE

The red duct tape is a good idea, but personally I like the red flags you can get where ever you go for the door. I think the flag moving around would draw more atention. Every place I go to has them free.
Good luck with the move and install.

You’re supposed to have a red flag, the tape may be red but have the right cop behind you and he will still write you as a violator.

Clint

 

[jski701]

Haven’t used one in years but the Home Depot’s here used to have the red flags in the cart that held the box of twine that people tied plywood to the top of their cars with... if you find 1 at any Home store you can keep it in your truck and reuse it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[The other Sean]

I've had more than one item that there was no way at all to tie or tape a flag on to. The red Duct tape is better than nothing. With that said, having the end of your load wrapped in ted tape with a good sized flap of tape hanging off is going to appease most cops.

it always helps to check local laws. Here is Minnesota. So, going by the "law" I need to hang a red light off the cargo at night. No cop is going to write you a ticket for that.

"169.52 PROJECTING LOAD; LIGHT OR FLAG.

When the load upon any vehicle extends to the rear four feet or more beyond the bed or body of such vehicle there shall be displayed at the extreme rear end of the load, at the times when lighted lamps on vehicles are required in this chapter, a red light or lantern plainly visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the sides and rear. The light or lantern required under this section shall be in addition to the rear light required upon every vehicle. At any time when no lights are required there shall be displayed at the extreme rear end of such load a red, yellow or orange flag or cloth not less than 16 inches square.
"

 

[Foggy4X]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I ended up only getting one door to start (to see how bad the project would be). It fit fine with the tailgate down, but then I would have had to ratchet it or something to keep from sliding out the back. What I did instead was tailgate down, but rested the door on the bed extender. This worked OK for 1 door, but if I get more than 1 on the next trip i'll probably need to just lay it flat then somehow ratchet them down to keep from sliding out the back.

 

[4thNissan'05]

Hey Foggy4X, I haul prehung doors in my truck all the time ( I manage a door company with a full shop in back. ) If you have a CC you can just put a couple of 2x4s flat on the tailgate and set the jambs on top. If you don't have utilitrack system, run a ratchet strap down and hit the tow hitch or frame. Just watch how you stagger the doors (3'0" / 2'8" / 2'6") and put the larger ones on bottom. If they are all the same size, but a couple of 1/2"+ spacers between to act as a brace. Hope this wasn't too late!