Give every tire a stopped position
A tire on its tread will roll to the tailgate under braking and can bounce out of an open bed. Lay tires flat in a stack, or stand them against the cab and strap the group so they cannot start rolling. A strap across the top of a standing row, anchored low, works better than a hope that they will lean forever. Do not rely on the tailgate alone for a standing row. One hard stop and the gate takes the whole weight. Empty water out of the tires before you load them. A tire full of rain is heavier and will soak the bed when it finally falls over.
Rims and loose wheels
A wheel with a rim rolls more easily than a bare tire and can damage the bed. Lay rims flat. Ask the site whether rims are accepted with the tires before you mix them into a pile you cannot separate. If you are hauling several sizes, group passenger tires apart from a lawn tire or a truck tire so the count at the window is honest. The fee sheet often prices tires by count. A rolling mess makes the count harder and the drive more dangerous.
Unload one at a time
At the tire area, release the strap only when you are parked. Roll one tire down the method the attendant allows, usually to a marked pile, not across the travel lane. Do not kick a stack and let them bounce. If a tire gets away, stop other movement and retrieve it. Do not leave it where a loader will run it over and pop it unexpectedly. Count what you delivered against what you declared. Then latch the gate.
Before you go
- Empty water and stack or strap tires so a stop cannot start them rolling.
- Lay rimmed wheels flat.
- Keep the tailgate latched and the load covered if required.
- Unload one tire at a time in the area the attendant names.
Standing five tires against the tailgate with no strap.
Questions people ask
Can tires ride inside the cab?
They should ride in the bed or trailer. A loose tire in the passenger area becomes a projectile and blocks the driver. If you have no bed, ask about a different vehicle.
What if I only have one tire?
Strap it or wedge it so it cannot roll, and still declare it. One tire is enough to bounce out of an open bed.
Search Dumpmapper by ZIP code or city, then call the site before you load the truck. Hours and accepted materials change.