Ajs8140

I'm going to be driving 1300 miles next week and attempting to bring my queen size mattress + box spring (combined dimensions 58x80x24) with me in a 5.5 ft bed.

If this were a day move I'd put each in a protective bag, tie them down, and not think twice about it. However, the 1300 miles have me concerned. I've never transported something this shape over a long distance. With the tailgate down, what is the best way to stand them in the bed and tie them down so they won't slip out of the back? I will have them wrapped together with tarp. My main concern is the straps failing and the rope on the tarp coming loose while driving on the highway.

gone postal

Just the same precautions I take with any load.

Good ratchet straps, and check the load every time you stop.

kenv47

Be careful that you don`t get stopped for oversized/overlength load in some jurisdictions along the way.

Gene K

I wouldn't think that would be a huge problem. It wont even reach the end of the tailgate.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

Lay them down box spring first

NDcent

Sometimes, I miss having a real truck bed.

Ricktwuhk

Queen size cannot lay down in bed.

Wrap in waterproof tarps. Secure and strap tarps. Strap to truck from front cleat around mattress to back cleat. Then from front cleat over mattress then under then back cleat. Then back cleat over mattress then under to front cleat.

Will be a noisy drive. Check straps every stop.

Watch for rub through.

I did it on top of tonneau cover with bull rings, top tie-down point helps.

kinerin

I've done this several times (not 1300mi) and I have a 6.5 bed.

Few tips:

if you have a box spring, load the mattress ON TOP of the box.

If no box spring, take 4 2x4's cut to length of the mattress width plus about 6"
Lay the 2x4's from top of one bed (truck) side to lower inside of opposite bed side.

Place mattress on top of 2x4's so it's supported and cross strap (X pattern) from all 4 corners (assuming you have strap points inside truck bed).

Important to securely strap but not so tight as to distort the mattress.

It's an awkward-looking load and not very aerodynamic but it can be done. As others have mentioned, check straps for security at every stop.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

You can lay it down.. it will sit on the bed rail..

marshallr

This is one of those times where an 8' bed won't help any more than a 5.5' bed. Load is too wide for either. Strap it down and drive. If you're concerned about rain you can try to wrap it, but after 1300 miles at 60+ mph good luck keeping it from leaking in a rain.