I loaded it into my 6' 6" short box, I put down a 3/4" sheet of plywood to spread the weight over the tailgate, and used the DG Tailgate Ex support to better hold the load. It FIT with the added winch. No one tailgates me on the express way....... Load is supported using 4 Retractable racket straps, ea. 10' long. Last weekend I rented a Uhaul 5'x9' ramped cycle trailer. Perfect fit. Brought it home from the cabin for winch install, oil change, and rear bumper install. One day fast turn around by myself.