idealconcepts

Ok, quick questions for you guys. I have an 89 4wd v6 5sp long bed, with stock suspension (as far as I know), and 31x10.5x15 tires. The truck sags in the back about 1.25 to 1.50 inches compared to the front, which I am going to have corrected once I get a lift installed. I can get free wood chips at my company, one of the benefits of working for an electric utility, to cover a planter bed we are finally finishing in our back yard. Wood chips don’t weight that much but wanted to double check that my truck can handle the weight of my bed filled with wood chips. By filled I mean a layer of woodchips that doesn’t go above the truck bed walls. So will my truck be ok with a bed full of wood chips? I’m only driving about 12 miles one way and can either take surface streets or the freeway if that makes a difference. Also anyone know the maximum load my long bed can take?

Thank you.

Flamedx4

Shouldn't be a problem. I used to haul a bed full of gravel - waaaay overloaded but it still hauled it okay. You'll pop your tires before you hurt the truck.

idealconcepts

Thanks Flamedx4.

jimbo74

i have a shortbed, but an 85 4x2.... basically stock suspension, yeah its lifted but still stock tbars (front lift is spindles) and rear lift is only shackles so stock leaves... i had the bed this past friday filled up to the bed rails with sand and gravel (for the most part really about a 6" buffer around all the sides.... my trucks rear sagged so much that my leaves had a negative arch, but it handled it..... and i drove well over 70 mph on the freeway and also drove around 100 miles with no problems, jsut had to remeber i was way heavier and had to allow a longer stopping distance.....

idealconcepts

Thanks jimabena74. From your comments and Flamedx4 I comfortable with hauling the bark in my truck. Thanks again guys.

Flamedx4

Although I would point out that the sort of loads that Jim and I mentioned are not really recommended...

jimbo74

yeah negative arching the springs isnt a good idea... but it worked......

idealconcepts

How about snow? I don't think it would be a problem but have you guys ever gone to the mountains and filled your bed with snow? I think that would be kinda seeing my family, especially my little cousins playing in the snow at Christmas.

dlbrunner

Filling the bed with snow is an old mountain town trick, keeps enough weight in the back to improve traction, shouldn't be a problem