How many sheets of sheetrock (1/2") Can I Safely Carry?

I'm finishing a shed for my wife and need to get some sheetrock. How many sheets can I safely carry? I'm using 2x8's in the bed notches and plan to load the rock on them (with 3 2x4's running lengthwise to support them).

 

The truck will haul more than stock suspension will handle.

 

I hauled 20, it was pretty squatty but could have handled a bit more. It’s all I needed

Edit. Mine was “light weight” boards. Maybe 10 lbs less than standard.

 

OK, I'll bite a sheet of 1/2 inch thick drywall is 57 pounds as others have said you payload is about 1100 pounds.

1100 pounds divided by 57 pounds per sheet is an imperial nut hair above 19 sheets. The sheets are sold in pairs. You can safely carry 18 sheets or 9 packs. You can probably push 20 sheets, but that's for you to decide if you had the grande breakfast burrito and if your truck can handle it.

 

I have put some lengths of 1/4" chain links in to hang the tailgate out at an angle - using top edge as a helper for the bed notch boards. There's a photo in my album that shows one installed. That might make your three 2x4's a little more stable hanging out back. My old GMC and F150 trucks used chain hangers on their tailgates and this was a common practice. The taco tailgate isn't quite as sturdy so you'll need to load share.

 

I'll only be needing 10 sheets so it appears that it shouldn't be a problem. I have a habit of over-securing loads just to be on the safe side. Sounds like I'll be good to go...

 

Be sure to cut your boards for the notches good and tight. The plastic inside bed will actually spread a bit. I didn't cut my first pair long enough and when the bed spread one slipped out and the load of SR collapsed and was a mess to remove. I usually use a ratchet type strap from the tailgate latches around the end of any sheet goods to keep from sliding out.

 

Dont forget, payload is total weight added to vehicle while driving, this includes passengers and gear inside the truck.

 

Got them home without incident. The 2x8's and 2x4's provided enough support and stability.

 

I guess I just beat mine like a dead horse, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made trips with 2000lbs of stone in the back of the Tacoma. Hell even more. I have a picture somewhere of the Tacoma with a pallet of sod in the bed. ~2500 lbs. not however saying it’s safe.

 

I'm impressed. Not saying I think it's a good idea, but still...

 

she takes all the abuse I give her. I tow around a ditch witch mini skidsteer with it almost daily. About 5000 lbs including the trailer.

the first issue I had was the alternator went out at 215k miles, replaced it, and now at 222k my ac compressor just took a shit. I’ve never replaced the water pump either but figuring I should while I’m in there.

 

Just curious... are you running stock suspension or any mods? Also, any issues while hauling 2,500lbs+ in the bed? Have you noticed any issues afterwards such as suspension/leaf spring issues? It's just so far over what is recommended I wonder how the truck takes it. It's def not recommended, but will it break the truck?

 

Stock suspension. Recently I added roadmaster active suspension springs to the rear. Less for sag and more for the better ride quality. As far as any issues, none. Rides like shit when there is that much weight. Every bump is rough. I definitely wouldn’t be going more than about 40 mph with that much weight in the bed. It takes weight off the front end and makes it a little squirrelly around 45-50.

 

Read your max load on door frame and subtract weight of passengers.