Transporting pellets

Since you will probably be doing this every year for awhile.I think I'd go the trailer route.I'd buy a trailer that was rated over a ton and haul one ton at a time.You would need a frame mounted receiver hitch if your vehicle doesn't already have one.It would be best to have a brake box installed and get a trailer with brakes.I wouldn't haul over a ton with your type of vehicle.
I have a 250 ford and a 7500lb. trailer with brakes on both axles.When I haul 3 tons when you go to stop believe me you can tell tou got a load...My 2 cents...

John97 said:

I purchased 3 tons of pellets. I ended up having to cancel getting them delivered because there is no way they'd get their big truck in here. So, I gotta pick them up myself over the course of multiple trips.

How much should I be able to fit (somewhat safely) in a 2006 Dodge Durango 4x4 with a V8?

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Depends on how far you got to go? I would say if you spread the bags out across all of the floor you could easily get at least 1500 lbs in it. When I say all of the floor I mean the floor board for the passenger seat and the floor behind the front row of seating. If you think about it you wouldn't think twice about hauling around five/six 200lb guys.

I have the same issue. Can transport 25 - 30 bags in a Toyota Highlander at a time. Spread evenly in the back and a few in the front. We're not too far from the dealer so it's not a big issue...a pain in the ass, Yes. I rented a truck the first time but realized afterwards that was a waste of money, for me anyway.

Did you check out you local truck rental company?

I have a Chevy Silverado HD 1/2 ton 4x4 Crew cab and I take the first 3 layers off the top of the pallet, throw them in the back seat area, seat folded down of course, have pallet put in the truck with a Hi-Lo. Hook up my trailer and stick another ton in my trailer and strap it down really good; you don't want your load to shift. I only have to drive 30 miles mostly highway but I take it real cool all way home with my stomach in knots hoping I don't die today..Had to pick up a garage door for my garage this year and had to rent a long trailer so went with a Uhaul 6' x 12' Utility Trailer for 35 bucks and next year I am gonna rent simular trailer for hauling the pellets and don't have to worry about busting a spring on my truck or personal trailer..I think for 5 bucks more, if anything happens to Uhaul's trailer, the renter is not responsible for damages.

If it were me, I would fold all the seats down and start stacking. After about 25 bags I would take a look at the rear tires/suspension and re look about every five bags. I would guess you could carry close to 1 ton safely.

Take it easy on the way home and increase your braking distance.

I'm not totally sure of your situation, but if it is your driveway that is the delivery problem can't you get the pellets dropped close, and then load onto your truck to finish the trip?

1D

1Dtml said:

I'm not totally sure of your situation, but if it is your driveway that is the delivery problem can't you get the pellets dropped close, and then load onto your truck to finish the trip?

1D

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This sounds like a good idea to me!

None of my business, But I am curious as to why a delivery truck can't get to your house??? Sounds dangerous, what if your house catches on fire, how does a fire truck get to the scene?? How did you get your furniture in when you moved in??

But I agree with the others, Load the truck with as much as you're comfortable driving with and make multiple trips. Good luck and enjoy the heat, that's an awesome looking stove you bought!!

leave a couple road cones by the end of the driveway for the driver to
put around the truck and go for it

i,m sure they deliver to less the ideal places all the time and make it work

A friend of mine has a durango, not sure what year, he puts 5 bags in the passenger seat/floor, and 20 - 25 bags spread evenly from behind the driver seat to the back door. He hasn't had a problem, he just stays off the highway and gives himself extra braking distance.

It's better than the last time I picked up bags I found on sale, My Wife's old 2000 Toyota Echo had 5 bags in the passenger slot, and 15 bags in the back seat.
I was proud of that...she was less than impressed at the abuse to her car.

John97 said:

They use a flatbed truck with one of those hitch hiker forklifts mounted on the back. My driveway itself is a hill and is only slightly longer as the delivery truck itself, and I live on a 2-lane road with no shoulder. Speed limit is 40, but people go past at 50. So, having them park on the street isn't possible. They could get the truck itself in the driveway but would have nowhere to maneuver to offload the pellets. My driveway is cut into my front yard, so the yard itself is "uphill" from the driveway if that makes sense. If it was a boom truck, they'd be able to get into the driveway and drop the pallets right on my lawn.

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Got it...But I would still have them park on my street, Same road conditions here!! Personally I like going to pickup the pellets myself, but I've been told I'm a goof before!!

[quote author="John97" date="1324117513"]This is not going to be permanent solution.

My father owns a Chevy 3500HD and a dual-axle 18-foot trailer w/ electric brakes. I just can't get access to either right now. He just got the trailer. It's in the shop because we have trailer inspection here, and it needs some work.

]
>
Instead of using your fathers trailer use his truck and put 1 1/2 tons ,two trips you are done...

That condition is normal for truckers. Think NYC and such it is part of the job and they are allowed to stop traffic if needed no different than delivering building supplies. I deliver pellets and have to take up the road at times. I don't like it and nor do the passing cars but it is what it is we all get over it and people need there heat.

I own a Tundra 5.7L (1/2 ton) and haul an entire ton at a time in the back of the truck. Technically your not supposed to but the truck handles it fine. I always have them center the pallet across the rear wheels. I then crisscross heavy duty racket tie downs the the metal hooks on the bed. Finally I put the truck in Tow/Haul mode and drive exactly the speed limit and limit speed on turns / curves. It also helps that the dealer is only 5 miles away from my house though

I googled your truck and the 2006 V8 Durango has a towing capacity of 8950 lbs. You can easily find a tandem axle trailer with a 7500 lb load capacity-use searchtempest. Three tons of pellets is 6000 lbs, the trailer will weigh about a ton and you still will ahve almost 1000 lbs of spare towing capacity. The trailer should have brakes on all axles and you will need a brake controller that is mounted on top of your dash for quick adjustments to brake pressure. Obviously, a high-quality class three hitch is in order. Teh trailer will come in handy in ways you never thought of at the time of purchase. I've moved gun safes, logs, lawn tractors, showblowers, bobcats, backhoes, you name it. This is with a V8 explorer and tandem axle trailer.

I have a 98 gmc safari mini van. I put a whole ton in it..i remove the two benches behind me, and load it four high, four abreast mid cabin, then drop it down to two high, four abreast, towards the back of the van...it helps that I added heavy duty shocks, and rear wheel drive..shocks were added to pull my boat..hauling pellets was unforseen..Now glad I purchased those heavy duty shocks..

The sticker on the inside drivers door should provide info on max weight per axel. That is how I knew it was OK to put a ton in the back of my Avalanch.

why go thru all the worry wondering if your truck can handle it

have them delivered....like i said, i doubt its the worst the driver has ever seen

CTguy9230 said:

why go thru all the worry wondering if your truck can handle it

have them delivered....like i said, i doubt its the worst the driver has ever seen

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I agree trucker won't mind at all its what the do.