tailgate down hauling
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 131
From: Maryland
tailgate down hauling
Hey guys,
anyone have experience with at Latch n Load bar for hauling longer items with your tailgate down?
I'm hauling some 4sx8 sheets of sheathing to our cabin this weekend and I'm too lazy to install my rack. I was just going to make some "T"s out of 2x10 lumber to act as down-pressure on the sheets and then use straps from my cargo hooks across the bed. Then I ran across the Latch N Load bar that gives you tie-down points on the tailgate itself. $90.00 though and I'm not sure if it is worth it.
anyone have experience with at Latch n Load bar for hauling longer items with your tailgate down?
I'm hauling some 4sx8 sheets of sheathing to our cabin this weekend and I'm too lazy to install my rack. I was just going to make some "T"s out of 2x10 lumber to act as down-pressure on the sheets and then use straps from my cargo hooks across the bed. Then I ran across the Latch N Load bar that gives you tie-down points on the tailgate itself. $90.00 though and I'm not sure if it is worth it.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,424
Likes: 12
From: BC Canada
Technically, the way to secure a wide flat load is to have a strap wrapped all the way around the load and tightened(this is a belly wrap, and its especially import with loads of dimensional lumber or pipes), in addition to several straps holding it down. Really depends on the size of the stack, but stacks of plywood/sheathing will easily slide on each other. Also can consider having a strap across the end low on one side, high on the other is another extra measure you might want to consider to prevent sheets sliding out. Also, sticking out past the bumper requires a red flag (piece of plastic stapled to the sheet rock).
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 502
Even with the short bed, sheet goods won't be beyond the end of the tail gate, just strap it down using the bed tie downs. I run one strap around the bundle to keep them together and one around the back of the bundle to keep them from sliding off the back of the truck. If it's plywood rather than drywall, just leave the tailgate up and put the sheets in against the front wall of the bed. One strap up and over and it's not going anywhere. That load and latch thing seems like a solution for a problem that doesn't exist.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,168
Likes: 1,375
From: Chaz
Just put a strap across them to the rear lower cleats. You want them to be stacked in height at least a couple inches above the cleats so its clamping down on them.
No need for anything else. If its a lot like halfway up the bed then do the same up front.
The device you are referring to will not help. Dont put them on a rack either unless you plan to drive slow.
No need for anything else. If its a lot like halfway up the bed then do the same up front.
The device you are referring to will not help. Dont put them on a rack either unless you plan to drive slow.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2020
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In these parts a red flag is required on loads extending 4 feet or more past the vehicle, measured from the taillights. Not sure in the OP's location.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 426
Likes: 92
Hey guys,
anyone have experience with at Latch n Load bar for hauling longer items with your tailgate down?
I'm hauling some 4sx8 sheets of sheathing to our cabin this weekend and I'm too lazy to install my rack. I was just going to make some "T"s out of 2x10 lumber to act as down-pressure on the sheets and then use straps from my cargo hooks across the bed. Then I ran across the Latch N Load bar that gives you tie-down points on the tailgate itself. $90.00 though and I'm not sure if it is worth it.
anyone have experience with at Latch n Load bar for hauling longer items with your tailgate down?
I'm hauling some 4sx8 sheets of sheathing to our cabin this weekend and I'm too lazy to install my rack. I was just going to make some "T"s out of 2x10 lumber to act as down-pressure on the sheets and then use straps from my cargo hooks across the bed. Then I ran across the Latch N Load bar that gives you tie-down points on the tailgate itself. $90.00 though and I'm not sure if it is worth it.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 618
Likes: 257
From: Stow, MA
If I'm buying a just couple of sheets that don't reach above the tie-down points, I'll grab a $0.99 bag of sand to lay on top and strap over. I can always use it in the yard to fill in holes. Flimsy stuff, I'll strap front and back. There's a low pressure area at the front of the bed and light flimsy stuff can get sucked up and break.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2021
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At the prices it's going for just rent an armored truck and hire a couple security guards to watch it if you stop at a store. Was in Lowe's last weekend $32 a sheet for 7/16 osb, crazy. I agree with the strap around all nice and tight and one from high to low around the end.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 863
Likes: 35
From: MA
Seconded with 4'..............
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 863
Likes: 35
From: MA
Hey guys,
anyone have experience with at Latch n Load bar for hauling longer items with your tailgate down?
I'm hauling some 4sx8 sheets of sheathing to our cabin this weekend and I'm too lazy to install my rack. I was just going to make some "T"s out of 2x10 lumber to act as down-pressure on the sheets and then use straps from my cargo hooks across the bed. Then I ran across the Latch N Load bar that gives you tie-down points on the tailgate itself. $90.00 though and I'm not sure if it is worth it.
anyone have experience with at Latch n Load bar for hauling longer items with your tailgate down?
I'm hauling some 4sx8 sheets of sheathing to our cabin this weekend and I'm too lazy to install my rack. I was just going to make some "T"s out of 2x10 lumber to act as down-pressure on the sheets and then use straps from my cargo hooks across the bed. Then I ran across the Latch N Load bar that gives you tie-down points on the tailgate itself. $90.00 though and I'm not sure if it is worth it.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 863
Likes: 35
From: MA
Even with the short bed, sheet goods won't be beyond the end of the tail gate, just strap it down using the bed tie downs. I run one strap around the bundle to keep them together and one around the back of the bundle to keep them from sliding off the back of the truck. If it's plywood rather than drywall, just leave the tailgate up and put the sheets in against the front wall of the bed. One strap up and over and it's not going anywhere. That load and latch thing seems like a solution for a problem that doesn't exist.
Drywall buy 2 2x4's and put them in first resting on the tailgate
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 131
From: Maryland
It is just 2-3 sheets of 3/4" exterior sheathing. I'll slide the sheathing in with the tailgate up. I'll strap front and rear, this should work well. I also have 3 rolls of tar paper and 4 packs of shingles, but I'll put that in first and place it overtop the axle. Just need to be extra careful not to hit the tailgate drop button! Only did this once in the 4 years of ownership, but my luck the second time will be this weekend.
For what it is worth, I'm in MD and traveling to our cabin in PA.
I figured I was trying to solve a non-problem, but I had some free time and went down the research rabbit hole.
For what it is worth, I'm in MD and traveling to our cabin in PA.
I figured I was trying to solve a non-problem, but I had some free time and went down the research rabbit hole.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 863
Likes: 35
From: MA
It is just 2-3 sheets of 3/4" exterior sheathing. I'll slide the sheathing in with the tailgate up. I'll strap front and rear, this should work well. I also have 3 rolls of tar paper and 4 packs of shingles, but I'll put that in first and place it overtop the axle. Just need to be extra careful not to hit the tailgate drop button! Only did this once in the 4 years of ownership, but my luck the second time will be this weekend.
For what it is worth, I'm in MD and traveling to our cabin in PA.
I figured I was trying to solve a non-problem, but I had some free time and went down the research rabbit hole.
For what it is worth, I'm in MD and traveling to our cabin in PA.
I figured I was trying to solve a non-problem, but I had some free time and went down the research rabbit hole.