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David M (dmacchiarolo)
http://home.triad.rr.com/redsled
T/S 53
sled351 Linux 2.4.18-14 has been up 3 days 5:19
>> David,
>>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> Since I have an 8-ft bed, I don't have to choose. I can put plywood in the
> bed laying down flat *and* close the tailgate.
There you go!
I vote for tailgate up. Sheet goods can slide! There's nothing really direct
you can hook on to and keep them from sliding out. They're easy to tie
down, but not so easy to tie "in".
Whitelightning - 26 Nov 2006 01:42 GMT
> I vote for tailgate up. Sheet goods can slide! There's nothing really direct
> you can hook on to and keep them from sliding out. They're easy to tie
> down, but not so easy to tie "in".
If you have the right cargo straps its easy to tie in. You hook one strap
to the inside lip of the bed opening on each side of the tail gate and angle
slightly toward the center of the tail gate and let it hang over the tail
gate Load the plywood right on top of it all then run the straps to the
opposite side of the bed, hook them to the tie downs on that side or the
post holes in the bed and ratchet them tight. This assumes using good straps
rated for at least 2 times what your load weighs. Then secure the load to
the bed so it can't "bounce". Just putting the tail gate up so the sheets
are angled into the bed is not going to secure them in place. Get smacked
in the a.s and sheets will come out. Remember you are liable for damage
caused by unsecured loads.
If there were tie downs in the bottom of the bed you could use ratchet
straps and get them tight enough going across the load that they would stay
put. Look at a flat bed carrying plywood next time you see one.
If they fit in the bed with the gate up, then all you have to do is secure
them to the bed, the gate will keep them in place as far as sliding out.
Personally I wish the front of the bed was a lot more substantial then they
are. Think 2x4 getting shoved through that front wall and then back of cab
and then through drivers seat.
Ouch.
Whitelightning