12 foot lumber in 5' 7" bed? easy? or bed extender?

[Jake1050]

I need 12 foot lumber and have 5'7" bed. Has anyone ever loaded 12 foot lumber, with the tailgate down of course, and had any problems. I'd plan on using plenty of ratchet straps and a red flag. I'm basically wondering if I need to buy the harbor freight bed extender that fits in the receiver hitch.

 

[beetlespin]

I have the HF bed extender. I use it for 12' lumber and kayaks. Easy and safe way to transport your stuff.

 

[Jako]

Truck Bed Extender

Amazing deals on this Truck Bed Extender at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

$59.99
Based on my own experience - variables:
Amount of "load", distance and driving conditions (hills, curves, road conditions)

I have done both with and without but would not do a "large load" without.