Purchasing wood in a large quantity helps to save effort, time, and money. But can you fit a cord of wood in a pickup truck?
If you have an 8-foot bed on your truck, you will be able to carry a half cord of wood in it. If you have a 6-foot truck bed, you will be able to carry 1/4th to 1/3rd of a cord in your vehicle.
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Can You Fit A Cord Of Wood In A Pickup Truck?
As mentioned above, you should be able to fit 1/4 to 1/2 of a cord of wood when transporting it, depending on the size of your truck bed.
There are certain things you can do that can help fit more wood into your car, as long as you’re mindful of the weight you’re carrying.
Stack the Wood Properly
Stack the wood in alternating directions, making sure that each piece is secure and won’t move during transport. This is much more space-efficient than stacking the wood in a single direction or simply throwing it in. You’ll be able to fit up to double the amount of wood with some smart stacking.
Stacking the wood properly also helps to secure the wood so you don’t have to worry as much about it sliding around your truck bed or falling out.
This handy guide gives further information on what to consider when loading a pickup truck.
Use Straps to Secure the Wood
If you properly secure your wood to your truck bed, you can get away with stacking it higher. You can purchase straps for wood at most home improvement stores, or find them online if you don’t have access to them in local stores.
Using tarps to cover the wood will also help to keep it secure and reduce shifting.
Pack the Wood Tightly
Make sure that there aren’t any gaps between the logs or pieces of wood when you pack them. Keep the space between each piece to a minimum so that they’ll be less likely to move around and fall out while you’re driving, which is extremely dangerous.
Split the Logs First
If you’re trying to fit a cord of wood into your truck, splitting the logs with a sharpened splitting maul is an excellent way to do so. This will make it easier to stack them tightly and securely enough.
Install a Rack on Your Truck
If your truck bed is a little larger, you can purchase a wood rack that fits on the outside. This will allow you to get around needing to stack it high enough in order to fit more wood from one trip.
Hitch a Trailer to Your Truck
Hitch a trailer to your truck if you have one available. This will allow you to carry more wood at once without exceeding the weight limit of your vehicle’s bed, which is extremely important when it comes to safety on the road.
Do not exceed the recommended amount for how much wood can be placed in your pickup truck! Only do so when the weight is distributed evenly, and when you’re using straps or other safety precautions to secure it.
How Much Weight Can a Truck Handle?
A truck is designed to carry a certain amount of weight, and going over that limit can be dangerous not only for the wood you’re transporting but also for other drivers on the road.
It’s important to know how much your truck can handle before loading it up with too much weight. You don’t want to overload your vehicle and have it break down on the road, or have something fall out and hit another vehicle.
Trucks come with a recommended weight limit that you should never exceed when carrying logs in your truck bed for either short distances or long ones.
The average weight limit for a truck is between 2000 and 4000 pounds, but this varies depending on the make and model of the truck.
What Happens if I Exceed the Weight Limit of My Truck?
If you exceed the weight limit of your truck, there are a few things that could happen.
The first and most obvious is that the wood will shift around and may fall out while you’re driving, which can be extremely dangerous not only for you but also for other drivers on the road.
Another possibility is that your truck’s suspension or frame could be damaged, which would lead to expensive repairs.
You may have very poor mileage and decreased performance when driving your truck if it’s overloaded, making it dangerous for you to carry cargo on long trips where gas stations are less readily available.
Additionally, it will be harder to brake since there will be so much weight for the system to stop.
Finally, your car may not even work if it is overloaded, which will leave you stranded until you reduce the weight you’re carrying.
It’s important to weigh your options before deciding how much wood you want to carry on each trip, and always plan for the worst-case scenario in case something goes wrong.
How Heavy Is a Cord of Wood?
A cord of wood weighs anywhere between 2000 to 3000 pounds or 1 to 1.5 tons. The cord’s weight depends on several factors. These include the dryness of the wood, the type and density of wood, and the moisture level of the wood.
These factors can make the weight of the cord fluctuate by up to 25%, which can make a huge difference when deciding how much wood to carry in your truck.
It’s important to keep this weight difference in mind so that you don’t overload your vehicle and risk damage. When in doubt, carry a little less than your truck’s full capacity so that you’re always safe when transporting your wood.
How Much Should a Cord of Wood Cost?
The price of a cord of wood will vary depending on the supply and demand in your area.
Since they are in high demand, it’s common for firewood to be expensive when purchased from local vendors or retailers. You can also occasionally find them at some gas stations if you’re looking to save money over buying directly from someone who cuts down trees.
The average cost of a cord varies from $230 to $480, but this price can change depending on the market. Most people find $300 to be a fair price for an average cord of wood.
If you need help with getting your wood stacked in your vehicle or need it to be transported, there will be additional costs. Stacking a cord of wood can cost between $25 to $100. Transportation fees range from $50 to $200 depending on the distance and timeframe.
The following factors determine the price and quality of firewood:
Type of Wood
The type of wood you use to burn will have a big impact on how much it costs. Some types are more expensive than others, but they also provide the highest quality heat output so that your home stays warm all winter long.
The Season
Wood prices can fluctuate depending on what time of year it is. Prices tend to be lower in the spring and summer when there is more available, but they go up in the fall and winter as demand increases.
Distance From the Source
The further away you are from the source of the wood, the higher the price will be. This is because it costs money to transport logs long distances, so those who live close to where trees are being cut will have access to better deals.
Diameter of the Logs
The diameter of the logs will also affect how much you pay for a cord of wood. Timber is more expensive if cutting and splitting the logs is involved. Splitting is time-consuming, so it can take up to six hours or longer for a seasoned worker to complete.
Moisture Content
The moisture content of the wood will affect how much it costs. Wood with a lower percentage is more expensive because it burns better and lasts longer.
A cord of wood that has a low moisture content is between 20% to 25%. A moderate amount of moisture in the wood will be around 30%, while any more than this can make it unusable because it won’t burn well.
Wood is dried through a process known as curing, where it is stacked and left to dry for an extended period of time. Since this process can take up to a year, it has a significant effect on the price.
Storage Conditions
The longer a cord of wood sits, the more it will cost. Wood prices typically remain stable throughout the year as long as they’re being stored properly and not exposed to moisture or extreme conditions.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know a little more about the factors that can affect how much a cord of wood costs, you’ll be able to make an informed decision when it comes time to buy.
Always keep the safety of your truck in mind and remember that the price can vary depending on where you live. When in doubt when it comes to your truck’s capacity, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and carry a little less than you think you might need.
When you can safely transport 1/4 to 1/3 of a cord of wood to your home, you’ll know you’ve got enough to last for a full season.
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