what's the safest and most efficient way to haul stacks of hog panels when the trailer you have is 8 ft? Don't really want to cut them 1/2. We did haul some wedged in a truck bed once like a rainbow, but could only do 6 at a time and needed two people to safely unload due to the tension.

any suggestions?

How many panels are you hauling? You can fold them over and tie the ends together with wire, having them shaped like a "tear drop." This way, you can stand them up or lay them down. If you have a bunch of them then you may need a longer trailer.

Roll them over and use really strong ratchet straps or cut them I'm half. Just have someone you don't really like release the ratchet strap.

If you are trying to haul more than ~6 or so it will probably be worth your time and money to just rent a 16' trailer for the day.

Cut them in half or buy the 8ft cattle panels at Tractor Supply.

How about a couple of 16' 2x4's laying in the trailer with the panels laid on top and tied down very well? Red flag it for sure.

2x for this solution

never thought of that! i bet that would work!!

thank you everyone for the ideas!

Dave

The 2x4 will snap hanging off the end, too much weight and bounce. Another thought, bring part of the panels over the tongue (watch your turning), then use 2x8 with a 2x4 nailed on top, making a "T" shape , also use a red flag or lights on end of panels.

I'd use at least 2x6's and double up, 2 nailed together set and braced like a truss, one set for each side. So you would need 4. You could probably use a 2x4 nailed to a 2x6, then nail to trailer with them nailed on edge, truss style.

Yeah, overbuild it a little so you don't get caught on the roadside wishing you did.

Haven't done this on an 8' but did on a 12'. Laid them all in the trailer, looped a tie down strap through the front of them all and down to the trailer tongue. Took another one and went across the front from side to side of the trailer. Bent them up one at a time and put a strap through them all to the front. Then took another and went across the back of the trailer from side to side. Didn't move a bit.

I hope you don't need to haul them very far,and not on a state hwy or interstate. The DPS/or DOT trooper's will have a field day with you if you get caught hauling 16 ft panels on an 8 ft trailer.
You'd be better off borrowing or renting a 16 ft trailer to haul them on,or at the very least a 12 ft trailer.

Unless you have 16ft 2x4s laying around (I don't) by the time you bought the 2x4s and other lengths to make the frame, you could spend the same and save a half a day just renting a trailer from uhaul.

8 foot load extension will get you stopped by law enforcement. Go find a longer trailer. By state law, you are only allowed 4 foot to the rear - they should give you 1 foot grace - so ticket and parked at. 5 plus feet

I have stood them up (34" tall)and bent them into a "U" shape in the bed of my pick up. Can do the same on a trailer. Pretty easy with an 8' trailer. They will not be sticking out the end of the trailer. Might have to lay them on the ground and step on them to straighten them out.

I form into a gentle circle and ty wrap ends together ..Forms a circle about 5 and 1/2 foot Diameter..Easy enough for me to handle..Even fits my PU bed...or I can get 2 in my 8'+ trailer So if you do not have many to haul works for me!!!

It might be easier, considering all this, to drive to Rhome and borrow my 18' trailer.

I hauled 16' panels on a 10' trailer. I had about 3 feet hanging over the front of the trailer towards the truck and bowed up the back end with ratchets and flagged it.

Do not recommend.

I am guessing a 14 ft trailer with a load ramp would do just fine, yes? Think I found one local here on the cheap...

I just don't want to buy it and regret not having the extra 2 feet.

I'm wondering how many I can fit in the back of the truck and fold over onto the top of my camper without making a catapult.

Use the redneck style of hauling. Strap to front hood run over top of cab secure to rear bed.

I honestly gave that serious consideration!

Get a couple of jumbo foam "fun noodles" as a roof rack, THEN carry them strapped over the cab...

sounds like you might have done this before...