Hauling Rock?

ShoddyHog · August 28, 2009

I need some rock, and might see if I can go get some this weekend. I do have a couple questions for those who have done so.

Shold I just take the tailgate off when unloading? Seems like the (unprotected) gap between the tailgate and the bed will get beaten to death if I just try to shovel it off the back.

Also, my bed liner didn't come with covers for the holes where the tie downs are. Can I just duct tape them or duct tape a hard cover over them temporarily? I wouldn't imagine I'm going to get much rock in there before reaching the load limit...I just don't know how full that'd be. I know I don't want rocks down between the liner and bed.

Of course, I could always just pay someone...lol. Just don't want to scratch the hell out of my new truck

Thanks!

Gerry

peteking · August 28, 2009

I've hauled loads of limestone for my old man on a few occasions. I've removed my tailgate each time. It not only protected the bottom-inside section of my tailgate...but it was SO much easier to shovel out and unload, period. Good plan.

cliobogger · August 28, 2009

+1

brandon_guzzo · August 28, 2009

I've hauled loads of limestone for my old man on a few occasions. I've removed my tailgate each time. It not only protected the bottom-inside section of my tailgate...but it was SO much easier to shovel out and unload, period. Good plan.

+1

I had moved some rocks in the spring with the gate off ..much easier

big_dawg74 · August 28, 2009

Yeah, take the 'gate off. But be advised, your bumper will take a little beating if you aren't careful. Not sure if duct tape will hold when the rocks start falling out of the tractor bucket. Are you getting pea gravel, or something bigger? Oh, btw, at least where I get my rock & bark, the tractor scoop is pretty wide...like 8' wide. You may get some overflow over the tailgate when they fill your bed.

But hey, it's a TRUCK, right??

Vortec-Z71 · August 28, 2009

When I'm hauling mulch or crushed stone I always put a tarp down first. It prevents the rock from getting underneath the bed liner through the cut outs for the bed tie downs and from falling into that gap you were talking about. By the way, I saw that thread you posted about those new bed rail protectors you bought. They look good. If you don't currently use the stake pockets for anything you should definitely look into getting some GM retractable tie down hooks to fill in the holes. How's the new truck anyways? I know you had some problems with your first one.

426ted · August 28, 2009

I would rip a length of wood to fit in the gap between the tailgate and bed, removing the gravel, dirt or whatever with the tailgate down on my old truck. That way, you can easily shovel (or sweep near the end) into a wheelbarrow. This also lessens the mess that may spill behind your bumper if you do it with the 'gate removed (unless you are just dumping in a pile). Plus, the bumper on these trucks seems rather flimsy and you may dent or scratch the chrome and plastic.

bubba33 · August 28, 2009

I have a bed liner and a mat in mine. I just pull that mat up on the tailgate before they load the rock. I have the gm bed rail caps and I put in some d hooks in the pockets that you can pull the hook up or push it down flush.They were 20 something for 2 at auto zone.

C. Charles Hahn · August 28, 2009

I would just put a tarp down at the back of the bed before they put the rock in there, so when you drop the tailgate the tarp is under the rock and keeps it out of the gap and off the bumper/etc.

Another alternative to consider would be taking off your tailgate, getting a can of that duplicolor spray on bedliner, and covering the bottom edge of the tailgate and end of the bed under the load floor with that for added protection, and you'd then be good to go. That's how my Line-X is and it seems to do quite well at protecting things from damage.

ShoddyHog · August 28, 2009

When I'm hauling mulch or crushed stone I always put a tarp down first. It prevents the rock from getting underneath the bed liner through the cut outs for the bed tie downs and from falling into that gap you were talking about. By the way, I saw that thread you posted about those new bed rail protectors you bought. They look good. If you don't currently use the stake pockets for anything you should definitely look into getting some GM retractable tie down hooks to fill in the holes.

Thanks, my sister-in-law has those on her Sierra, and they sure do come in handy. Right now, I just have them covered with the black plastic caps that come with the covers.

And thanks for the suggestions guys...I'm going to do the tarp. I'm not going to need a whole lot of rock, so that should work out fine.

How's the new truck anyways? I know you had some problems with your first one.

I absolutely, positively love my new truck. You'd have to shoot me to take it away. I'd start a thread about how happy I am with it, but don't want to jinx myself

Gerry

ShoddyHog · August 29, 2009

Thank you VERY MUCH for all the tips, especially the one to use a tarp. I got a big enough one (get a HEAVY DUTY one) to drape it over the loading side. That was a damn good move. As soon as he started tipping the Bobcat bucket, it dropped a bunch of rock right on the side of my wheel flare. It would have been all chipped up if not for the tarp.

Mission accomplished! I still can't belive I was able to do this in August in the St. Louis area without killing myself. Low 70s this morning! Woo Hoo!

I paid $16.99 for a Bobcat scoop of 1" minus cleaned. The 1" crusher run looked like there was barely any rock, and more dust than anything. It was $14.99 a scoop, so I sprung for the extra $4. I got two scoops, and felt that's all I wanted to put on her.

She hauled it just fine...very well, in fact. Gave me a hard on. Oh, and ECLB FTMFW!!! I'm Sofa King glad I ended up with my long bed. It hauls more than just ass.

GAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!! NOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Looks like I'll be detailing her this afternoon! lol

punmax · August 29, 2009

Thank you VERY MUCH for all the tips, especially the one to use a tarp. I got a big enough one (get a HEAVY DUTY one) to drape it over the loading side. That was a damn good move. As soon as he started tipping the Bobcat bucket, it dropped a bunch of rock right on the side of my wheel flare. It would have been all chipped up if not for the tarp.

Mission accomplished! I still can't belive I was able to do this in August in the St. Louis area without killing myself. Low 70s this morning! Woo Hoo!

I paid $16.99 for a Bobcat scoop of 1" minus cleaned. The 1" crusher run looked like there was barely any rock, and more dust than anything. It was $14.99 a scoop, so I sprung for the extra $4. I got two scoops, and felt that's all I wanted to put on her.

She hauled it just fine...very well, in fact. Gave me a hard on. Oh, and ECLB FTMFW!!! I'm Sofa King glad I ended up with my long bed. It hauls more than just ass.