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Colorado

I have 100 miles to drive to the Colorado Springs weigh-off... I have also acquired the perfect pallet, and the perfect truck (which is not mine, and I don't want to damage it). I have absolutely no experience transporting large objects in the back of a pick-up. What's the best way to tie it down? How much padding should I put between the pumpkin and pallet? or between the pallet and truck? Or more importantly, is there anything I want to make sure that I DON'T do? My main goal is to keep the pumpkin and truck in their original condition...

9/15/2006 12:29:11 AM

Anamosa, IA [email protected]

I have seen bales of straw or hay used to keep pumpkins from rolling around in a truck or trailer. I have also seen ropes, straps, tarps, and mattresses used. Whatever fits your truck and pumpkin

9/15/2006 8:45:32 AM

Owensboro, Ky.

Pete, def. secure that 'kin...adjustable straps with padding under the strap where it contacts the fruit. A couple years back, there were photos posted of a punkin (approx 500#, if I remember correctly) that was unsecured in the back of a p/u truck that was involved in an accident. 'Kin kept on movin when truck stopped and did major damage, not just to the bed, but also to the cab of the truck!!!!!!!!!! Momentum can cause damage...major damage...best of luck at the CS weigh-off...Peace, Wayne

9/15/2006 11:10:10 AM

Colorado

Pete,
I place my 'kins on a pallet with a piece of foam
insulation under the 'kin then secure both the pallet
and pumpkin with adjustable straps (the kind of straps
used to secure motorcyles- avail. at Lowes or Home Depot) Place foam padding between the straps and the pumpkin this will help avoid damage to the skin. A couple of bales of straw will also help if the pumpkin should break free. Hope to see you at the weigh off at Jareds.

9/15/2006 11:26:35 AM

Long Island,New York

two to three layers of used carpet foam on top of pallet to sit the fruit on. I add an additional layer or two where needed if the bottom is not flat..perhaps where it grew off the plywood?). The pallet sits in the bed of the pickup if it fits between the wheelwells...if not, it sits on two pallets to get it above the wheelwell.I like to move the fruit up towards the cab if possible with 2x4 or 4x4 blocking between the pallet and the front bedwall so if I stop short the pallet wont slide forward.Thje fruit gets a large comforter over top to keep the fruit comfy...hay bale between the fruit and the tailgate to keep the fruit from moving back and I like to use soft pool kickboards or soft carpets to protect fruit from other sides of the bed.

9/15/2006 4:24:03 PM

[email protected]

I have some serious foam roofing panels at the warehouse that the roofers just left behind. These would be nice between the pallet & the fruit.

Best advice I can offer:

Maintain a nice gap between you & the vehicle in front.

9/15/2006 11:57:18 PM