Day 2 Bed Protection - What?

[Visualvalhalla]

This is my volvo wagon doing double duty with a quarter cord of firewood. I'm hoping my Slate will take over that duty when the time comes.

 

[kvermeer]

Why would a "2" REAR HITCH RECEIVER" only be a 1.25" receiver?

That post you're quoting was from April, when Slate's FAQ said they would have a 1000 lbs tow capacity.

 

[Doctors Do Little]

You can get a 5x7 rubber stall mat and cut pockets for the wheel wells (4x6 is cheaper, but just barely won't reach the walls):

https://bigronline.com/northwest-rubber-trailer-mat-5-x-7-x-1-2/

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...floors-garages-stables-indoor-outdoor-2546443

Thinner is lighter, of course, and conversely thicker is more protection.

Personally, I find that a little 5x8 or 6x10 utility trailer is WAY more appropriate for hauling rocks and dirt and stuff than a pickup bed. I'm not nervous at all when the skid steer driver at the gravel pit approaches my $800 trailer, it doesn't really matter if he gives it a nudge (at worst I'm out yet another trailer taillight - they ought to sell these things in bulk), but I'd be quite scared if he was going to try to reach over my bed rails, even in a work truck.

Unfortunately, I have to agree with your wife: Storage is a problem, yes, but a trailer is among the cheapest upgrades you can make to your Slate, and none of the bed protectors and toppers and accessories in the Maker are going to be particularly competitive on that front.

I have my 6x10’ trailer parked under a deck in the rear of the house. She rarely sees it and so it isn’t an eyesore.

 

[Moe]

IMO, a trailer is the right tool to haul landscaping materials; topsoil, sand, gravel, crushed stone, pavers, etc. A $25,000 truck with a plastic bed with crevices is the wrong solution!

 

[MIDgrid]

IMO, a trailer is the right tool to haul landscaping materials; topsoil, sand, gravel, crushed stone, pavers, etc. A $25,000 truck with a plastic bed with crevices is the wrong solution!

Yes, I’ve decided to add a trailer hitch to my Slate accessories and rent, borrow or buy a utility trailer for landscaping. Appreciate all the wisdom shared.