Marbos

Yup, secure it with straps and keep an eye on it along the way. I've had my 12ft kayaks out the back of the bed. Strapped down for its life, but we get up on the highway and it makes it. You'll be just fine

big_ole_truck

Forget hauling a conventional bed mattress and box spring.

Get a deluxe air mattress. If it's just a few days or a couple of weeks, it's the way to go. And it's a lot smaller and much easier to handle and transport on your voyage to and fro.

johnday in BFE

iTrader: (1)

Sounds to me, the OP needs to beg, buy, rent a small trailer. 6X10 would certainly work. Plus if bought, he'd have something to haul larger packages than a 5.5 bed. And they aren't very expensive.

bassJAM

After wrapping it in plastic or a tarp, I'd be tempted to buy a 1/4" sheet of plywood to cover the mattress to cut down on the noise. It'd help distribute the pressure of ratchet straps as well.

Adam013085

Is your bed fairly new and in good shape? If not you may want to consider buying a new one wherever you are going. That's what I'd do at least.

MountaineerFX4

This is kind of what I was thinking. I know mattresses can be expensive, but I don't think I'd try to haul one 1300 miles without a cargo van or U-haul truck if there were any other option. You might get a few dollars for your current one on craigslist or something, and buy a new one when you get where you're going. The cost of a new one pales in comparison to potential liability if the thing flies off on the interstate.