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Sort of Sunny Sometimes, WA

Okay, all you experts out there. . . I'm going to take my very own very first pumpkin to my very own very first weigh off on Saturday and I need your help. I'm borrowing a pick-up because all I have is a PT Cruiser and though my Pumpkin's only a mere 350# I don't think it'll fit. Now then, I've been told by one of my mentors that a sturdy blanket should support the weight and I believe that, but once I get it on the pallet do I need to cinch it down or will it's flat bottom and weight keep it from shifting as we Parnelli around corners? Do I use tie-downs or bungies?

10/6/2004 10:32:57 PM

Western Pa.

You should have some kind of padding on the pallet, foam, styrafoam, carpet remnants,etc. If the pumpkin can be rocked back and forth, put wedges under the edges, so it won't! (A 2x4 wrapped in foam or cloth works well.) I secure the pallet by cutting scrap wood to brace against tailgate and on all sides of the pallet.If it's braced good, you shouldn't need straps or tiedowns. You don't want the pallet sliding around, and NO PARNELLIYING! Enjoy your first weigh-off!

10/7/2004 4:19:15 AM

Long Island,New York

If its an old blanket, Ive had good success just folding up the corners and throwing it over top the pkn...then screw in sheetrock screws through the corners and into the pallet sides.

10/7/2004 3:39:10 PM

Sort of Sunny Sometimes, WA

Thanks for the wedgie advice. I'm not sure I would have thought of that. All I have is firewood laying around so, "To the lumberyard"! I also would have never thought to screw a blanket to a pallet. Only a pumpkin grower would be so creative. Thanks!

10/7/2004 6:23:10 PM