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Princeton Kentucky

Would like to hear from experienced growers on what you use between your kin and the pallet to make the ride better for the caution of damaging the Pumpkin during transport to the weigh off. I've got to travel about 4 1/2 to 5 hours, hauling in the back of my truck and would like to get some feed back on what material would be best. Thanks to any and all for input. Thought about stacking layers of used carpet padding I can get free..maybe nasty... but cheap....which reminds me.....get date for this weekend.............Done. I'm sorry.

9/21/2012 12:09:43 PM

South of Buffalo

I use 3/4 in thick foam wall insulation. Comes in a 6 pack 12$. 3 sheets cover a standard pallet(i caulk it on) with a little overlap.Pumpkin squishes down into the foam. You may want to get some hay bales to put around the pallet as well in case it slides.

9/21/2012 12:25:36 PM

Wi

You want something like 2" rigid foam insulation. Carpet padding or soft padding allows the fruit to rock back and forth which is bad. Also anything soft will bottom on a big hit and crack the pumpkin. Any amount of rigid foam will offer great support.

If in a pickup truck with a suspension I wouldn't worry about any padding.

9/21/2012 1:03:40 PM

Paradise Mountain, New York

I've always used carpet padding and never ever had a problem. Plus with soft padding, hitting bumps in the road will give the pumpkin some give. I put a couple tie straps over the pumpkin so it can't rock back and forth. Made quite a few 150 mile trips and no problem. Seen guys use rigid foam also, straw and hay under pumpkins as well. Never heard of anyone cracking a pumpkin on traveling. Just my two sense

9/21/2012 2:12:45 PM

Cheshire,Ma

I use the rigid insulation also-- 2" stuff I used construction adhesive to hold it down. If the pumpkin wobbles side to side I put pieces of insulation under it to support it. I also use pipe insulation under the straps where it touches the pumpkin

9/21/2012 4:08:22 PM

Princeton Kentucky

Sounds like some good "Padded" advice from all. I'll probably incorporate abit of each into it. Knew I could count on ya'll, Good Luck!! Thanks Alot!!

9/21/2012 4:34:46 PM

Maine

Thick cushion of blankets, tie-straps with towels under them across the pumpkin, and quilts between pumpkin and sides/end of trailer.....

9/21/2012 5:12:39 PM

Utah

I use 2" foam, a blanket over the pumpkin, then stretch wrap the pumpkin to the pallet. I then use tie-down starps over top that. The pallet sits on a trailer. It works very well. I found with the odd shape of the pumpkins a tie-down woll not always stay on! I haul mine 200 miles one direction to the weigh off.

9/21/2012 6:39:16 PM

Princeton Kentucky

Thanks Anne and Knarf..sounds smart. Good luck to you Both!! Gunna haul in the bed of me truck so I gotta quit jumpin curbs..just kiddin...mostly.

9/21/2012 8:12:54 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Man, learn something new every year. I've never put anything on the pallet except the pumpkin and then strap the pumpkin down to both the truck and the pallet...never had an issue as long as things are strapped down.

9/21/2012 9:31:13 PM

Mulino, Oregon

Out West we use high density 6" foam. Wet blankets and a tarp then strapped down in several different directions. It's a 14 hour drive to Half Moon Bay!

9/22/2012 12:14:21 AM

Perry Iowa USA

Don Young taught us about cannabolizing the thick foam out of used overstuffed sofa's-chairs etc.I then secured the pieces to the pallat using strategically placed staples.

9/22/2012 1:15:28 AM

Princeton Kentucky

I don't think I should have a problem with all the smart advice....Thanks again to all and Good Luck Today Tomorrow and Beyond!!

9/22/2012 8:35:28 AM

Maine

Welcome, Joseph, but remember....I only drive the granddaughter's pumpkin 8 miles to weighoff...in the breakdown lane....at about 40mph......with flashers on...and beware of random drivers pulling up close to take a pic! Have fun!!

9/22/2012 7:51:11 PM