Carrying a long item in the back of a pickup

[Happy hillbily]

What's the legal view of carrying a load in the back of a double cab pickup with the tailgate down ?
I'm interested in a bucket that's 7 ft long, it will be a 200 mile round trip to fetch this bucket, mainly on motorways, and don't fancy hauling a trailer behind me, Ive had a measure of the bed, and with the tailgate down the bucket will be a couple of inches over the rear of the tailgate. If it was local I would do it, but 200 miles of motorway ?

 

[Jameshenry]

It wouldn't bother me, if it's securely strapped down i can't see a problem, i reguarly carry 8ft gateposts or 10ft gates in the back of my extra cab hilux

 

[Jameshenry]

Just got this from a quick google search from department of transport

 

[hendrebc]

Stick a trailer board on the bucket

 

[bravheart]

Measured from the rear bed of the pickup or bed plus tailboard folded down?

 

[Exfarmer]

Provided the lights are nit obstructed and the weight will not affect the handling of the truck I can see no issues. If you are worried place a trialer board on it, dont forget to make sure the numberplate is visible.

 

[ffukedfarmer]

I often have the tailboard down on my truck when carrying bales but I am aware that plod might not be keen as it obscures the number plate. Certainly a lighting board with a plate fitted would keep them happy

 

[miniconnect]

Must be marked if protruding more than 2 m beyond the vehicle. Been there, had the points... [emoji849]
So I think you'd be alright, if your worried, hang a fluorescent jacket on the end of it.

 

[Happy hillbily]

I suppose I could put my magnetic tail lights on the bucket, not sure about the number plate, it would be visible from behind at car height, not sure from speed camera height .
There we go,I've just knocked 20 minutes off my journey time

 

[HolzKopf]

Must be marked if protruding more than 2 m beyond the vehicle. Been there, had the points... [emoji849]
So I think you'd be alright, if your worried, hang a fluorescent jacket on the end of it.

That might take your mind off the bucket hanging out the back but could get a bit sweaty after 200 miles?

 

[tepapa]

What's the legal view of carrying a load in the back of a double cab pickup with the tailgate down ?
I'm interested in a bucket that's 7 ft long, it will be a 200 mile round trip to fetch this bucket, mainly on motorways, and don't fancy hauling a trailer behind me, Ive had a measure of the bed, and with the tailgate down the bucket will be a couple of inches over the rear of the tailgate. If it was local I would do it, but 200 miles of motorway ?

100miles, that'll take you nearly to Lancaster, across to Birmingham or most of south wales. No motorway to the south so its either east or north.

 

[Andrew]

The overhang is no problem legally. Just make sure numberplate and lights are still clearly visible.
Would have said weight would be the thing to watch, depending on how heavy duty the bucket is.

 

[Dry Rot]

Tie a white feed bag on the end WITH BALER TWINE!

 

[Ffermer Bach]

Tie a white feed bag on the end WITH BALER TWINE!

if you wear a high vis coat while you are driving and keep a hard hat on as well, I am sure there will be no problems ~ happy days!