LOAD HANDLER???

Bedlam · Aug 9, 2006

I am interested in anyones feel for the Load Handler for the pickup bed.
Specifically how it handles with firewood.
The prices don't seem bad. I can see how sand and Stone would come out OK, But seems wood could get hung up.
Thanks Allan

onsight · Aug 10, 2006

Although I don't know how the loadhandler would do with wood, I can tell you that it works best with a slippery surface underneath it. If you have a "non-skid" drop in bedliner, it is marginal (with dirt and gravel). If you have a "spray in" bed liner, it is even less usefull. It does not work real well with chunks of concrete either.

Bedlam · Aug 10, 2006

Thanks. I never considered that you'd need a slippery bed. but that sure makes sense.Thanks.

KubotaSteve · Aug 10, 2006

I bought my dad the 3,000 lb load handler and it works great. He has a hard slide in bed liner and normally has a bed mat over that but takes the mat out when using the load handler. We loaded his full size Chevy up with wood and it cranked out like there was nothing there. We used it for a good size load of sand and once again it worked like a charm. It seems like I ordered his from harbor freight for just over a $100. I like the ease of hooking it up and unhooking it, although it does take some time hooking it up for the first time to get everything adjusted just right.
If you've seen the videos on those, it really is that easy.
Money well spent to me.

Ken_CT · Aug 11, 2006

I have Rhino Lining, a spray on bed liner, in an 05 Dodge Dakota. When the Liner was installed the installer had an old drop-in bed liner at the shop which he gave me. We cut out the bottom to lay in the bed as a mat while using the load handler so it would slide easier. After using the load handler a few times with it I tried it without the mat and had no problem. I carry top soil and gravel and found I don't need the mat even with the Rino Lining. Some of the load will get stuck behind the wheel wells, but the majority of the load comes off nicely. BTW, I put some padding under the Load Handler where it mounts on the tailgate so it doesn't scratch the paint. I feel the Load Handler is money well spent.

Ken

Bedlam · Aug 11, 2006

Thanks, I just did a quick search and found a video ill take a look at.
I don't know why I didn't "google' it before.
I guess I just thought Id get the best consumer view from the friends at TB.
I used to get horse POOH, and loaded it with the tractor. but had to unload by hand... Not fun and definitely something that I still feel the aches etc when I think back to it.
As for my bed. Its a wavy one. that happens when you "dump' firewood into it with no protection.I usually use a sheet of plywood to help protect it. So not sure how that would work with the liner. But I can live with the "waves"
I now see that HF has two models a 2000 and 3000 Pound model. Any one have an idea what the difference is and is it Worth it to go to the higher rating?
I would think maybe the mat is just heavier, unless there is some sort of "gearing" on the crank also.

Thanks for the feedback Al

Cildein · Aug 22, 2006

From my research of the LH the 3000 is rated at 3000lbs and the 2000 is 2000lbs. I also found that the 2000 is a heavy duty plastic tarp material where the 3000 is a metal weave tarp material. I got the 3000 for my 1/2 ton truck just so there is no surprizes. Also keep your eyes open to the letter at the end of the number like LH2000M the "M" is for medium/small size pickups.