Long Lumber/ Short Bed

No lumber rack. No trailer. Plenty of ratchet straps.

I’ve been hauling 4x6 pressure treated posts 12’ long. Curious what the limits are for my 5.5’ bed with weight on the tailgate when it’s up and when it’s down.

If I, for instance loaded fifty 12 footers, the tailgate would definitely have too much weight on it in either position. I assume the safer way to load is keeping them flat.

 

Whatever you do, make sure it's clearly marked with a red flag for other people on the road.

With that many 4x6x12' pressure treated (heavy), I'd consider a one time delivery fee from your supplier.

 

For 50 4x6x12 I would rent a trailer.
The only really way to haul long lumber in a short bed is to get a lumber rack. I prefer the type that has a fixed front (headache rack) and a removable read rack. The fixed front rack protects the cab when leaning long lumber, steel, pipe, etc on it and for really long items (20' lengths of steep) put in the back rack. This method is for a few at a time, you don't want to much weight that high up.

 

I did just get a 20 footer of steel square tubing for a gate and had to cut the stick in half to haul...would be nice not to have to do that!

I’ve been using a flag for the 12 footers- it’s getting old though. I’m definitely leaning towards the headache rack to avoid having the long load stick out the back.

Speaking of load limits again- how many 4x6 12 footers could you lean against a good steel headache rack? I figure the weight limit is for loads pushing straight down, but so much would be pushing forward, especially while braking.

 

Rent a 16' tandem axle utility trailer. In my area, costs less than $40/day and no worry about damaging my truck.

 

Pace Edward’s lumber rack. In the picture that is a 20ft piece of treated framing. Like what was previously mentioned. Can’t load a lot up high, but I have used it a lot. Red flag is a must, and a red light if you are traveling at night.