Packing crate on pickup truck?

[Charlesaf3]

I'm moving down to Richmond Virginia, and though I've moved a lot of stuff in a uhaul already I seem to have an unending amount of stuff left.

In order to maximize my space I was going to build a big plywood shipping crate and put it in the back of my 2007 Toyota Tundra Crewmax. (tailgate down). I'm not really concerned with going overweight with the stuff I'd put in it.

I'm not worried about the box coming apart at highway speeds or taking on water - I can build a house that will stay dry in 70 mph wind and rain, I've no fear of my ability to do it with a box.

Questions - how high is it advisable to build the box? More height = more space = better. And is there anything dumb or illegal about this idea?

Thanks for all advice. I love this site, my questions always get better answers than they deserve

 

[RobertN]

Height is limited by bridges, underpasses ect, same as big rigs.

I have had 11' cabover campers. I would limit it to something that size. Unless you add airbags, you will have noticable sway from having the load up so high, ie center of gravity.

The other thing that would be a limitation, is your box would probably be limited by the width of you wheel-wells.

For the cost of the lumber, why not look for a used or cheap shell? Otherwise, build a wood shell as compared to a box, so you get the full width of the bed to use?

 

[aczlan]

Questions - how high is it advisable to build the box? More height = more space = better. And is there anything dumb or illegal about this idea?

Keep it below 13' tall and you should be legal.

Aaron Z

 

[Cat_Driver]

Hoe much to rent a small trailer? Unless that's what you meant by uhaul?

 

[Charlesaf3]

Height is limited by bridges, underpasses ect, same as big rigs.

I have had 11' cabover campers. I would limit it to something that size. Unless you add airbags, you will have noticable sway from having the load up so high, ie center of gravity.

The other thing that would be a limitation, is your box would probably be limited by the width of you wheel-wells.

For the cost of the lumber, why not look for a used or cheap shell? Otherwise, build a wood shell as compared to a box, so you get the full width of the bed to use?

Lumber cost would be pretty cheap. I was going to lose the wheel well space probably - not enough to justify building a far more complex structure..

You think sway will be an issue even with weight low? I could see windage causing sway there, thinking about it... be a nice sail effect every time I go by a semi.

I've got my own open utility trailer, and no easy access to uhaul, so was thinking of doing the same on there

 

[aczlan]

I've got my own open utility trailer, and no easy access to uhaul, so was thinking of doing the same on there

My parents did that with a 14' landscape trailer going from GA to NY.
They used fencing to make sides and used a heavy plastic dropcloth under and around the load to keep it dry.
It worked well for them.

In your case, I would go no more than 5 or 6 feet high in the truck and then make the trailer match it. The flat front on the truck is going to be bad things to your gas mileage, so having the two match in height would probably be a good thing.

Aaron Z

 

[RobertN]

I'm guessing you won't go 3-4' over the cab? My cabovers had plenty of headroom for me at 6'2". The campers were 11' long, so they hung off my longbed 3'. They were at least 3-4' above the bed. That is not counting the cabover section.

I would just be cautious of sway, and wind... Those Tundra are suppossed to be pretty good for weight rating, but it is still a half ton series. Anchor it real well in the bed; better to over tie it.

Take it slow and cautious. I know here in Calif we can only go 55mph with a trailer anyways. Not sure in the area you're going.

 

[Charlesaf3]

Interesting point on trailer speeds - man, that'd be annoying.

Tundra is great for towing, little light on weight in the bed to my mind. But I'm not putting furniture in, so I doubt I'll get anywhere near a half ton.

This will kill my gas mileage no doubt. Tundra is actually pretty good on highway for a truck - up to 18. Bet this idea takes it down by 5. Still, no biggie for a one off.

 

[bdeboer]

Can you build something like a stock rack using the stake pockets on the bed? On the second thought does Tundra have them?

 

[MESSMAKER]

How about some racks using the stake pockets and cover the front and top with a tarp.