Hauling loads with tailgate down, legal or no?

[Wayne Costin]

I am making a trip from SC to IN this weekend (about 500 miles) and I was going to haul up a washer and dryer that I am giving to a family member. I just purchased a bed extender off of a ST member, but I haven't received it yet, if I don't get in time, I was looking at my options for hauling since the bed of the Sport Trac is about 2-3 inches short of fitting both, here are my options:



1. Just haul one and take the other later...don't want to do this, want to get both out of my garage



2. Haul them with the tailgate down. Is this legal? Is it a state to state thing? I will be driving through SC, NC, TN, KY, and IN. Obviously, I would be using some ratchet straps to tie them together and would check them regularing while driving? Part of me says not to do it, then another part of me says that it could be done using caution. I see people doing this with motorcycles and four-wheelers often? Like I said above, the actually bed is only a couple of inches short, so all the load will be in the bed.



Look for thoughts and concerns.



Thanks

 

[Andy Chase]

As far as I know, there is no law that would prevent you from hauling w/ tailgate down, (especially since you can use bed extenders). Just make sure everything is secure and if it hangs past that, use a red flag

 

[Alan Peters]

Just use a red flag. Cops will ticket if it is not properly marked.

 

[Les]

As far as I know, there is no law that would prevent you from hauling w/ tailgate down, (especially since you can use bed extenders). Just make sure everything is secure and if it hangs past that, use a red flag

Everything Andy said, plus, you may want to crap the tailgate with something. With it being down, you may kick up some gravel or stones that will chip your paint. You can buy a box of plastic wrap (pallet wrap works well also) and wrap the gate. I know people that have wrapped their entire car during hurricanes to help protect them.

 

[Wayne Costin]

I didn't even think about wrapping the tailgate while traveling to prevent nicks! Great suggestion!

 

[Brandon Seeley 3]

as long as your load doesnt fall out the back I dont see a problem

 

[J Piroth]

I've never seen or known anyone who's been ticketed for hauling with the gate down, but like others have said I'd make sure to red flag it if it sticks out the back and make sure it's easily apparent to a passing cop that the load is secure just so you don't get the hassle of being pulled over so he can check.

 

[Mike Dziubina]

perfectly legal as everyone else has stated...i haul a 14' canoe all the time out the back with the tailgate down and an "extend a truck" hitch attachment...just mark it with a red flag...there is a law which states you need a red flag hanging off the load if over a certain length out the truck, but i would do it anyways jsut to be safe

 

[Gavin Allan]

I've hauled a washer and dryer cross country in a Mazda B-2600 before with no problem.



Be sure to wrap them good with plastic if rain is anticipated.



Put the heavier washer in first, with the rear toward the cab.



Put an old blanket or piece of carpet (something soft) between the washer and the cab. Then put another something soft between the dryer and the washer.



Tie 'em all down tight binding them horizontally and vertically.



No need for red flag unless they stick out more than four feet from the edge of the tailgate.

 

[Jim parnell]

or rent/borrow a utility trailer from someone, a 5x8 will hide behind the st and not create too much drag, but will affect mpg some

 

[Jhonatan Zavala]

well to my bed extender i added some reflecting red tape and mostly i haul dj equipment w/ tailgate down, no problems YET.

 

[Darrel Chaney01]

Use a heavy web ratchet strap and hook it to the inside bed tie downs. Be sure to stop and check it a lot, especially if you hit any rough spots in the road. I am always worried when hauling like that. If I were taking that long of a haul, I would put 2 straps on the back across the end of the bed and run one strap across the top of each one. One other idea, just as a little extra piece of mind. I have never used one but, putting one of those rubber mesh tailgate replacements. I would not use it without the load being strapped down though, but if the strap slipped it would give you time to stop. Just my thoughts as others on here know better than I do. Good Luck and keep the shiny side up.

 

[Wayne Costin]

Thanks to everyone for the replies!