Shortest support height

[Chethro]

I'm getting ready to make a support system from my truck receiver hitch on one end to a 5 x 8 trailer on the other. To minimixe the steel used I had a few questions.

What is the shortest height you think I can hang a Claytor JH from on each end?

What distance side to side would I need to hang two hammocks beside each other?

I will be able to make the distance between the trailer and truck whatever I want. I haven't received my hammock yet, so I'm not sure what I can get by with. I weigh 270 lbs. My idea so far is to have the height at 4.5' with a distance on the truck end between hammocks at 4' and the trailer end at 10'. I'm guessing the distance between truck and trailer will be 15'.

[Doctari]

Sounds like you have it worked out already.

Have fun!

[dually]

Chethro,

Your question triggered an idea I will try on my next fishing trip.

I need 38 inches on each end and hang diagonal in load bed of pickup to keep the Expedition off the floor. Stake pockets are roughly 5-5 by 7-10, 9-8 on diagonal.
I tried pulling the hammock tighter and using a spreader to reduce sag however that puts more stress on already >very short< suspension straps.

Your trigger… how I can gain several feet of suspension length…
Open tailgate then hang from front stake pocket back to trailer winch post.
And maybe even get two hammocks over the load bed tailgate area.

Thanks I needed that!

John

[Chethro]

Do you use a tarp when hanging in the bed? How do you rig it?

I will be able to do this with my set up as well. I have a ladder/canoe rack on the bed already that I can hang from, but I wasn't sure how to rig the tarps. The picture below shows just the rear rack. There is another one in the front. The height is adjustable. I'm going to make another bed mount for the other front corner







Harbor Freight sells a Bed Extender that is: dimensions: 36'' extension bar, 48-3/8'' crossbar, 48-3/8'' maximum height. This would probably work and costs $39. The weight capacity is 350 lbs. You could get more height by making a longer verticle bar.

[Cannibal]

Modifying a truck in order to hang a hammock; LOVE IT!
That's some true hanging dedication there.

[dually]

Yes, Wal-Mart blue tarp.

I am set up to haul fifth-wheel with a wind deflector above the cab. The deflector is mounted on a stanchion using front stake pockets. I attach hammock and tarp to the stanchion.

[anewconvert]

For reference that truck bed extender is selling for $26 after tax right now. I just bought one today so I can get my canoe down to the everglades. At $26 you probably couldn't make one for cheaper....


BC