Hauling sheet goods

[jarhead]

I have no way of getting the sheet goods home other than tying them to the roof of the car and driving slooow. I was thinking of buying a base roof rack and tying the plywood to the rack so that the air flows underneath and doesn't try to lift up the plywood. Does anyone know of a source where I can buy an inexpensive roof rack?

[LarryG]

It might help if you'd define "inexpensive." A Thule or Yakima basic roof rack (towers + cross rails) will set you back something like $150; less if you can catch one on sale, or secondhand, or on eBay. There may be lesser-known brands available that cost less. Try the various online bicycle dealers: Excel Sports, Bike Nashbar, Colorado Cyclist, Performance. Also places like REI and Dick's.

Where these things get REALLY spendy is when you start adding all the accessory mounts needed to haul bikes or kayaks or whatever, but you wouldn't need those.

[dedaddy]

I have the same problem. I usually get Lowes or HD to make some preliminary cuts so I can get it in my small hatchback. If not, and I buy enough, I can justify renting a truck from HD. Here you can rent a Ford 350 with a big bed for 75 min for $20 from HD. Thats what I did last time I bought 10 sheets of plywood on special. The time does not count loading time but from the time you leave the parking lot until you return.

[Jim-Iowa]

This is one item, I would not pay retail for.
I think you will find what you need at a garage sale.
I have a set in the garage.
But there are problems with trying to haul large or heavy items on top of the car. Like the air moving beneath those sheets does cause lift and the rack has to be very secure.
Two in a wind the carrier can lift and bounce the load causing the top to bend and nearly cave in support ribs bow(Hwy 40 east of Amarillo, Jan 2,1990 Try a 3000 mile trip to Texas,& New Mexico in a VW Rabbit with two teenage kids for Christmas Holidays).
Those sheets are awkward to lift on and off the car!
Tying them down front & back is awkward and depending on design of the car, ropes or tiedowns can rub off paint.
And you have a very topheavy load, keep it under 50mph.
Don`t Ask Me How I know all this!!
Small Utility Trailers can be bought for around $200-$300 and are far superior in my opinion. I have a small pickup with topper and a trailer is what I use.

[JohnnyTest]

This is a very common problem, one that I am having right now as well.
Most suggestions is to get a 4x8 trailer from Harbor Freight and be able to haul away.

[gabedad]

You can sometimes find trailers cheap on craigslist.org. I found a 4x8 for $50. My friend found a 5x10 - Free!

[jarhead]

Larry,
I was looking at the Thule and Yakima, but didn't want to spend $150. I wouldn't mind the price if I was to keep my current car for a long time (unless these racks are universal). I will check the places you listed for a lesser-known brand.

Lee,
I did rent the truck from BORG once, but want to stop buying sheet goods (or in their case sheet "bads") from them.

[Hellrazor]

A small trailer is your best option, easily moved between different cars. I am lucky and dont have a problem hauling anything, i have a F250 SuperDuty and a 6.5'x12' Utility trailer. I built a one car garage with a 4' (at the jackwalls and 6.5' at the peak) loft from one trip of lumber.. Although the bill wasn't pretty.

[lrogers]

Another nice thing about a small utility trailer is that you can use it a cutting surface to get the sheets down to a more manageable size. I did this when I built my UTS. The first cuts were made right on the trailer using a straight edge clamp and battery powered cicular saw. The biggest draw back to a trailer is finding a place to park it when you aren't using it.

[jarhead]

quote:Originally posted by lrogers

The biggest draw back to a trailer is finding a place to park it when you aren't using it.

For me that is a big problem. That's why I am looking for a roof rack solution.

[rbfunk]

This one is a LOOONNNGGG shot but my local lumber yard will deliver for either a very modest amount or even for free if I wait for them to have another load going my way. Of course, you shouldn't expect this service from the BORG although some offer delivery service.
Bob

[mschrank]

What...you guys can't convince the LOYL's that that a pick-up truck is a necessary wood-working "tool?"

My wife recently got it in her head that she thinks we should buy a travel trailer. I pointed out that my 6-cylinder Dakota won't pull one very well. She said fine, let's get a new truck. I know I should jump on this right away....

[WEG]

Hi Jarhead;
I have one of those HD "foldable" 990# load 4x8 trailers that is perfect for storing in a "small" place. It folds up to 4x4 and stacks or stores vertical on 4 caster wheels. I stick it in the garage next to a boat. I made removable sides for hauling brush or other taller things that need sides. You might consider one..
WEG

[onedash]

get a truck devil! Or borrow a HMMWV!

semper fi

[Jim-Iowa]

quote:Originally posted by mschrank

What...you guys can't convince the LOYL's that that a pick-up truck is a necessary wood-working "tool?"

My wife recently got it in her head that she thinks we should buy a travel trailer. I pointed out that my 6-cylinder Dakota won't pull one very well. She said fine, let's get a new truck. I know I should jump on this right away....

Yep you should jump on that!
But then again, my 73 yr old father is pulling a 26' 5th wheel with a v6 s-10 Chevy? I told him I knew he could pull it, but could he stop it? His response was sure it has electric brakes.
Guess after all these years I should know better than to argue with him.