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South Dakota

First year grower and looks like I am going to make it to the weigh off. I have to travel 250 miles to get to the weigh off, and its suppose to be rainy on travel day. I was wondering if I should cover my pumpkin during transporting, or do most people leave them uncovered so everyone along the way can enjoy the big girl? I'll be hauling her on a small trailer behind my motorhome, so I don't think there would be a huge amount of wind hitting her, but tire spray could be bad. I would like to leave her uncoverd, but don't want to risk alot of weight loss, or god forbid, damage. How would you transport yours?

9/26/2018 6:28:29 PM

Hamburg, NY

We offer a transporter strap that will help you get it to the weigh-off without damage. E-mail me at Lgourd@aol.com

9/26/2018 6:54:33 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

Hi LJ, I am guessing you are headed to Rapid City. If so I will meet you there. I will have mine in the back of my pickup. As far as the best way to transport..i am not the best source of info. I have seen growers bring in pumpkins with all kinds of protection. Probably the most protected would be shrink wrap with water jugs on still long vines. Make sure you have the pumpkin strapped down well. I know i have been a little lax in previous years and have hit the brakes and had the pumpkin suddenly slide forward. You can use some foam under the straps to protect the skin of the pumpkin. When you travel a few hundred miles the wind will move the straps around and can cause marks on the pumpkin. Lets have some fun on Saturday.

9/26/2018 6:56:36 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

Also if you just use regular tie down strips, criss cross them and and at the junction where they meet, use a bit of duct tape to hold them together. It is a judgement call on how tight you cinch the tie downs, but if they are taped together, if you do not have them tight enough the wind cant blow the top off the curved surface.

9/26/2018 7:10:31 PM

South Dakota

bnot, looking forward to meeting you this weekend. Should be a blast. My pumpkin is only taping around 375 lbs, but I am proud as a peacock of her.

9/26/2018 7:30:22 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

If you have any questions or issues when you are loading yours, send me an email. The address is bnot1962@gmail.com . I have rented a bobcat to load mine thursday night. I am sure I am going to be losing weight on the trip...I am somewhat relaxed about that though. Having fun and keeping my stress level down is more important. Should be a fun weighoff...I have known Matt for years.

9/26/2018 7:37:54 PM

Rapid City, SD

try to be here by 9am.....be great to meet you....not bob of course.........he he

9/26/2018 8:02:36 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

It is best to pad tie down straps with pool noodles or blankets. If you don't they can sure rub off the skin. It is a lot of fun hauling them so people can see them. 3 times we made the trip to Pawnee City, NE. Cars honking as they pass, pulling along side on the interstate to take pictures, even an Iowa state trooper taking pictures. And then there all the admirers and questions at fuel and rest stops. Some of the best fun.

9/26/2018 8:06:54 PM

Oak Grove, Mn

Watch out Matt..it has been 30 years since I have terrorized Rapid. I might be too tired to do much, probably will do an all nighter drive..but you never know, I might catch the second wind. Hope to see Kevin Marsh out there. I have talked with him at Stillwater a few years after Harrisburg. But it is good to re-meet the growers thru the years.

9/26/2018 8:22:23 PM

Colorado

If you don't want to loose weight put a blanket and tarp over the fruit.Thats a lot of air drying the fruit at 65mph.You can put all the tie down stuff on top of the tarp.Drive home and around town with it uncovered:) Forgot to mention to cinch the tarp down with a rope and loop(same as you do with the bottom of a lifting ring rope) where the pumpkin rests on your pallet.

9/26/2018 9:20:21 PM

Honesdale, Pennsylvania

Haul it naked... It is the best time of year to have "gawkers" pull up to admire your effort. Your pumpkin won't lose much weight. I do say that sometimes they get careless and while trying to pull alongside it can get dangerous. I have seen drivers swerve and hold up traffic in the passing lane all in an attempt to get a good cell phone pic while a trucker is breathing down everyones back. Lots of crazy's out there. Enjoy the weighoff.

9/27/2018 9:29:19 AM