Idiot question about strapping stuff down

I have been tasked with transporting a bookcase from ikea in my short bed. The box packaging is 80" long by 12" by 24."

I am wondering how I would carry this in the bed. What I don't understand is how to strap it down to stop it from flying out of the bed. I'll be going on the highway.

I have plenty of 12' ratchet straps, but I can't think of how exactly I should tie this box down. Tailgate down seems to make sense, but then the box might fly off the back of the bed. Not really sure here. This is my first time using the truck to carry a load, so obviously I don't know what I am doing and don't want to have an accident.

 

Tailgate up, so the package points up, use one strap and wrap around it, use another strap to Go over the box just To apply down pressure

 

What I don't understand is where to tie the ratchet straps

 

The d rings at the back end of the bed.

How far are you hauling it?

 

This.

I’ve also, in the past, added some 2x4’s underneath boxes for further rigidity, but you shouldn’t need it for IKEA boxes.

 

IKEA

 

Same way I transported a 12 foot ladder, tailgate down and lean it against cab with blanket and use rear d rings for looping the ratchet straps diagonally and across.

 

Many ways to accomplish the same thing. Use the D rings, over the top of the book case in an X shape. Around the back to prevent sliding backwards. Done. Do not secure straps to wheels. Use the D rings or the tracks in the bed, you should have some anchor points for the track, check under your back seats

 

Yup, tailgate up and put the box in the bed with it hanging over the back. Wrap a strap around the box and hook each end to the d-rings on the floor of the bed. Tighten it up and roll out. Push it tight to the front of the bed.

 

Remember if the box isn't sitting flat, don't over tighten the straps (if using ratchet style) or you'll snap momma's particle board furniture.

 

The box is so dense you may not even need a strap. You may also be able to put it caddycornered and upright. When I have a ton of stuff, I just ratchet it down on the tailgate clips.

I've had a lot of Ikea in the back of my truck, literally our whole house is Hemnes furniture.



My truck looks completely different now (the above pic is ~3 years old).

 

I would imagine said boxes are no longer in it. Or are they?

 

Let me explain how to haul longer, slender loads, like boards or the box you are talking about.

1. hook your ratchet strap to one d ring.
2. making sure you have plenty of slack, stretch it across the bed but do not hook it.
3. lay load on top of ratchet strap.
4. now, take ratchet strap and "loop" it around the load and back underneath.
5. You have effectively lassoed the load so now hook the far end into the d ring
6. cinch strap and ratchet it tight.

 

I prefer to have the tailgate down. An 80 inch shelf should fit on the tailgate with little to no hangover. I added a couple d rings to the front of my bed too for an extra tie down point.

Didn't even notice I didn't have any up there until I went to use them. Loop a strap in the front and one in the back. If you have a bed mat it'll stay put without much help.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/installed-d-rings-in-the-bed-pics.28533/

 

IF you do it with the tailgate down, I hope you've invested in a rubber bed mat

 

How small is the box?

I haul long sheet/long box goods with straps looped around behind to push it back into the bed.

 

IF the box can be really strapped down, I'd just tie it down using the D rings near the tail gate. The downward force of the ratchet strap pulling down on the box will increase the force of friction between the box and bed (really need the rubber mat here) would be enough that it won't go anywhere. For extra insurance, I'd also put another pair of straps to pull the box to the cab.

If the load can't be tied down because the box isn't structurally strong enough to be tied down, I might leave the tailgate up and tie it down to the D rings (front and back) to keep the load from shifting and letting gravity keep it in the bed.

If the box is weaker than all this, then you need something to support the load the whole way.... A trailer or build a cradle using 2X4s that you can tie down to your bed.

Tacoma - IKEA Furniture Hauler's Edition

 

Wow!! That is so true. The composite bed is slippery

 

Thought you could just sneak this in there, did ya?