Tarp Solutions for my bed ? - protection, cover, easy clean-out

[MarineBSP]

My Problem: Tree limbs and waste - very messy, need to cover in transit

Desired Solution: Large canvas tarp - partly fitted? tie down loops? just a bigger tarp and better plan on how to use it?

I am cutting down trees and need to truck them about 12 miles to my county tree and yard waste collection site. I've done one large apple tree so far - just about a bed full maybe 6 inches above the side rails. I have a bedrug, and I would like not to fill it with tree bark and mold spores and dirt. I lined my bed with a tarp and flapped it back over the load, then put a couple of load straps in an X between the tie downs in my stake pockets (Bull Ring, I like them a lot).

Since I will need to do this regularly for a while, I am willing to put a little more effort into the right size tarp or into sewing on some loops or piecing together an 'odd shape' if it will help me more efficiently load and unload this kind of 'crappy' stuff and keep the bed nice for use with 'cleaner' loads. I have a rigid bed cover, but these loads will routinely be 'above the rails'.

Please share any of your personal solutions to keeping bed clean and covering awkward loads.

 

[DURASPANK]

Use a trailer. You sound like you own this place. Go buy one or have one built. It's worth it.
I originally owned suburbans so I needed trailers. Since 2001 I've drove trucks but still use trailers to haul anything. Cause it's so easy. Drop a gate and walk on.

 

[MarineBSP]

Thanks Duraspank. Okay, I just haven't been thinking 'trailer' - the obvious (hand to forehead). . . . . I'll be looking at trailers.

I might still in the market for a better tarp system, though.

 

[RobertusvT]

+1 to the trailer suggestion. I really see no benefit of a tarp system over a trailer, especially since it is inevitable to get dirt etc. into the bed rug if you use the bed even with a tarp.

 

[JohnnyMac]

I just bought a trailer for this reason. Didn't want to keep cleaning out the truck or removing/installing the tonneau cover every time I had something to move. I had the installed tarp added that is on a roller and I just pull it out, bungie it down on the back and when I'm done, I crank the handle and roll it back up. I know that's not what you're asking, but thought I'd pile on with the other guys...

If just for the truck, you might consider doing it like you're doing (tarp on bottom and folded over top) and then putting one of these bungie-cargo nets over the top of it.

https://www.amazon.com/Egofine-Cara...1583037132&sprefix=truck+bed+,aps,261&sr=8-24

 

[BWL]

For what you're trying to do the way you're doing it is pretty good. Trailer is of course easier and if you don't want to buy/insure/inspect one and don't have friends who will lend you one rental is a good option as it's generally quite inexpensive for infrequent use comparibly.If the pile is big enough it's often cheaper in time, gas and truck scratches to get a bin dropped off and hauled out for you.

 

[Travelin Ram]

No market for firewood there? I’d be thinking sell the big stuff and use the proceeds to buy a quality wood chipper for the small stuff. Or you could rent one I guess.

I bought a chipper after storms took down a bunch of trees. Maybe I’m weird, but I enjoy using it. There’s something Zen about feeding it and turning waste into mulch.

 

[MarineBSP]

I solved my immediate needs :

1) Installed a Mopar integrated trailer brake controller, and configured with AlfaOBD.

2) Accepted my brother-in-law's kind offer to loan me his 4-wheel electric dump trailer.

I'm evaluating whether I really need a trailer of my own. Thanks for the shared advice !