A way to carry long/awkward stuff (like cattle panels) on a roof rack using a ladder.

So I have a smallish roof rack on my 4runner.  It's just got a couple of cross bars and is the original unit that came on the truck from the factory.  

I bring some long items home occasionally.  20' sections of pvc pipe, 20' sections of mild steel, and yesterday a few more 16' long cattle panels.  

The trick I do is to extend my aluminum extension ladder to about 16' tie it down securely to the roof rack (and front and rear bumpers) and then put the cattle panels (or whatever else is long) on top of the ladder and then strap it down again.  I've done this at least a dozen times and it's worked great.  I get some weird looks but that's about it.

Not the best pictures, but it's a pretty simple idea.  The people at the store where I got the panels said they'd recommend it to other people who didn't know how they'd get the panels home if they didn't have a pickup truck......probably most people buying cattle panels do have a pickup though.....

I think the weird looks are disgust at not having thought of it themselves!

This is a great trick, and even with a pickup AND ladder racks it is still by far the best way to handle floppy materials. Pipes, long mouldings, long boards, panels...

I've also bought an extra 2x4 (or larger, if I know I have a use upcoming...) of the right length to bundle my floppy purchase with, those times when I didn't plan ahead and bring the ladder.
I've also bought an extra sheet of plywood as support for thin panels, like pegboard, masonite, panelling, formica, drywall...
Both are cheap insurance. Maybe once? I've gone back to the store and returned the "extra board" for a refund? Usually it goes into the next project.

Joshua said "Disregard my spectacular artichokes.

Those artichokes are spectacular.  I have never seen them growing or even eaten one.  Thank you for sharing.

And for sharing the ladder trick!

FYI, there's a PEP BB for that: Lash something 10' long or longer to a vehicle

Mike, what does this mean please?

there's a PEP BB

For added strength to stop it bouncing would be to add a bracket off the front bumper bar extending up to the ladder.
If its removable it may be an improvement to a good idea?

This is great tip!
I recently bought clear fiberglass panels to cover my chicken porch.
I strapped them to the top of the minivan just fine , but a block from the store we heard a terrible sound.
The loose floppy leading edges had bent backwards on themselves.
Fortunately it was mostly cosmetic, but very disheartening, I had bought new materials for once and messed them up on the way home!

The ladder trick will come in handy if I buy 20 foot lengths of pvc or better still,rebar.

I frequently find damaged ladders in construction dumpsters,  they should do nicely for this purpose.

I found it for you John!

It's a badge bit in the homesteading sand badge.

Thank you! I have been trying to figure out how I am going to get 2 pieces of lumber that are less than 1"x1"but are 18' long home with my hatchback car. Brilliant!  

William Bronson wrote:This is great tip!
I recently bought clear fiberglass panels to cover my chicken porch.
I strapped them to the top of the minivan just fine , but a block from the store we heard a terrible sound.
The loose floppy leading edges had bent backwards on themselves.
Fortunately it was mostly cosmetic, but very disheartening, I had bought new materials for once and messed them up on the way home!

This is where the purchase of extra "support materials" like the 2x4, or sheet of plywood can be less costly than the lost/damaged goods. Also a piece of cardboard folded over the leading edge and tied/taped on will prevent those floppy edges catching the wind.

Catie George wrote:
Thank you! I have been trying to figure out how I am going to get 2 pieces of lumber that are less than 1"x1"but are 18' long home with my hatchback car. Brilliant!

Another trick for long thin items: Use the passenger-side mirror as a "shelf" (best if your item fits in the "hook" and is tied here), and tie the forward and rear ends of the item to the bumpers/tow hook/grille. An open window can also be a place to tie something off to the interior (door pillar, grab handles, seat bracket). Alternately, in foul weather, a cord can be tied off inside with tails to the outside and the door/window/trunk/hood(boot/bonnet) closed on it. Then tie the ends around your item. Cars with the loop door handles (lock the door) have those as an option for tying as well... The one downside, is nobody really wants to ride shotgun and be tied in, expect to go solo or be a chauffeur.
Don't forget rags to protect your paint.

>>Disregard my spectacular artichokes.<<

Fat chance! They're gorgeous!

Let's bring this back from the dead.

Small Jeep trailer, one extension ladder again, and one 16' long cattle panel.

Still works like a charm.  If you can carry a ladder on the roof of your car, you can rig a cattle panel to it.

Edit, a red coffee can works great as a makeshift red flag.