holland_patrick wrote:rock
Yes, I went to the
Vulcan Materials yard in Alexandria and had the front end loader fill my Baja up. Unfortunately, they wouldn't let me out of the vehicle while on the yard, so I couldn't take pictures, but it looked just like your Baja (mine is silver also) with the front end loader.
The gravel cost $22.50 per ton, and the Baja took a half a ton, $11.25. I was a little concerned about the weight, but the car handled perfectly. They require all loads leaving the yard be covered, so I put my Ozzbros cover on (which was conveniently stowed in the back seat).
I remembered seeing your pic here so it inspired me. Unfortunately, my Tarp was not as carefully placed as yours and I think some rocks worked their way in between the tailgate bedliner and the tailgate so it doesn't close as well anymore, and one of my drain holes is clogged with a rock I can't dislodge. Also, the plastic trim above my license plate got pitted from rock chips...no biggie, my Baja is meant to be used as a work vehicle, not a showpiece. What good is a vehicle that can't be used?
The tailgate still closes 95% of the way and still locks with the Ozzbros.
The local Lowe's, Home Depot, and WalMart sold the same gravel in 40# bags for about $4 per bag, which equates to something like $200 per ton, versus $22.50 at Vulcan...Thank goodness for the Baja!
Next time I will prepare my tarp more carefully to prevent the drain holes and tailgate from getting clogged. But your pic inspired me!
Also, at one time, I stacked 32 8 foot 2x6's and 10 Lawn Timbers with the passthrough hatch open. My dad was visiting and insisted it would fit, he had more faith in my Baja than I did, I was ready to rent a Lowe's truck to haul all that lumber, but it all fit with careful stacking.