Double cab pickup - transporting wood with tailgate down

[Griffalow]

I have to transport various products to and from the french alps.

I have on my next trip a large roof box so can not use the roof bars as normal.

My bed length including the tailgate is just over 2 meters. I propose creating a small box area out of 12mm plywood to the edge and side of the tailgate and to the height of truck bed securing with ratchet straps.

The side lights and number plate will be visible - is this legal in uk and france

[lucido grigio]

How much overhang out the back ?

[cologne2792]

[Griffalow]

The overhang would be no more than the tailgate itself

[bobtail4x4]

dont forget the numberplate

[patby]

Trailer light board on back of box? Do you already have a tow bar with electrics ?

[InitialDave]

I've done it with about a 3' overhang. I made a sheet wood "bucket" that I ratchet strapped in place to hold the stuff securely, and added one of those "overhanging load" inverted triangle symbols on the back for good measure. Probably excessive, but very little additional effort.

My lights and numberplate were still completely visible, so I don't have to do anything there.

Edit: I wasn't in France, so can't speak for the legal side of things there, just that it held everything in place really well.