How much lumber can hang out the back window?

Hello everybody. For those that haul lumber, is it safe carrying pieces out the back window? I wanted to grab six pieces of 8', 4x4 and open the back window and let them hang out. Safe or am I asking for problems with the window?

Thanks!

 

I've seen guys carry more.

But problems down the road who knows.

 

Tie them together, use two of the anchor points in the back to run a strap across, should be fine.

 

Should not be a problem, for 8 footers you don’t even need a red flag. They will be pointing up, and will barely be sticking out 2 feet. But like I always say safety first, and hold my beer.

 

I've done double that. Used a towel over the edge to keep damage to a minimum.

 

Saw a guy today with an extension ladder out the back, 5 o 6 feet sticking out no red flag.

 

Throw thick padding over the gate. Secure lumber together and prevent horizontal sliding. Anything 4' or more out the back, is supposed to have a red flag.
As far as the total load goes, you could not fit enough in there for it to be a problem.

 

I was going to splurge and go for 7 but I didn't want to come off arrogant or anything.

Thanks for the tips! Appreciate it.

Good stuff. Thank you!

Perfect! Thank you! Was worried I was going to end up regretting this but sounds like you all do it so, haha!

Good advice. Thank you! I am surprised at the responses and the idea I can run a ton more.

 

I carried 12ft 2x8's in my 3rd gen and out the back window. Took the headrest off the pass side seats and boards on top of them for mid support and a towel on the dash and tailgate with about 2 ft sticking out the rear window.

Funny as I have a Tacoma too and 4Runners are easier and more stable then using it and having boards stick 6+ ft out the bed.
4Runners are just work horses !

 

Most I carried in one trip was 20 pieces of 2x4, I put heavy towel under them and strapped them with a couple of bungee cords to make sure they stay in place if I had to make a sharp turn.

 

I've carried more lumber in mine then what your planning as well, also carried 12 panels of a steel roof which were heavy as hell, no issues. I just put a thick towel on the window sill to make sure it doesn't get all marked up.

 

Thanks everyone. Job done. 12 pieces of 4 x 4 at 8'. No problemo. I am impressed. Thanks for the help! This vehicle and forum are awesome useful.

 

I think I ask myself this very question every time I go to HD. No particular reason.