To transport a refrigerator in a pickup truck, you need to prepare the refrigerator by emptying, defrosting, and cleaning it. Then, you need to wrap and secure it with straps and place it on a durable appliance dolly. You also need to prepare your pickup truck by making space for the refrigerator to stand vertically and lowering the tailgate as much as possible.
Next, you need to use a ramp to load the refrigerator on the truck bed, moving backward and pulling the dolly up the incline. Finally, you need to secure the dolly and refrigerator with moving straps around its top and sides and fasten to the truck.
How To Transport A Refrigerator In A Pickup Truck In Six Steps
Before you start transporting your refrigerator in a pickup truck, you will need some tools and materials, such as:
- A new or rented appliance dolly
- Moving straps or ropes
- A ramp or planks
- Cardboard or plywood
- A level
- An owner’s manual
- Cleaning supplies
- A cooler
You will also need an extra person or two to help you lift and move the refrigerator.
Here are the six steps to transport a refrigerator in a pickup truck:
- Step 1: Prepare the refrigerator. Make sure you empty and unplug the refrigerator at least 24 hours before moving it. Remove all the contents from inside the refrigerator and freezer and store them in a cooler or give them away. Remove any shelves, drawers, or bins that can slide out during transport and pack them separately. Defrost the freezer compartment and drain any water or ice from the unit. Clean the inside and outside of the refrigerator with cleaning supplies and dry it thoroughly. Leave the doors open until moving day to prevent any odors or mold from forming.
- Step 2: Wrap and secure the refrigerator. Close the doors of the refrigerator and secure them with moving straps or ropes. You can also use tape or plastic wrap to keep them shut, but be careful not to damage the surface of the refrigerator. Wrap the refrigerator with cardboard or plywood to protect it from scratches or dents during transport. You can also use blankets or bubble wrap for extra cushioning. Secure the wrapping with more straps or ropes.
- Step 3: Place the refrigerator on a dolly. Tilt the refrigerator slightly forward and slide an appliance dolly underneath it. Make sure the dolly is sturdy enough to support the weight of the refrigerator and has rubber wheels that won’t damage your floors. Center the refrigerator on the dolly and strap it securely with moving straps or ropes. You can also use bungee cords for extra stability.
- Step 4: Prepare your pickup truck. Measure the height, width, and depth of your refrigerator and compare it with the dimensions of your truck bed. Make sure there is enough space for the refrigerator to stand upright in the truck bed, as laying it down can damage its compressor or cause leaks. If possible, lower your tailgate as much as possible to reduce the height difference between the ground and the truck bed. You can also use a hitch extender or a bed extender for more space. Place a piece of cardboard, plywood, or another sturdy surface on top of your truck bed liner or mat to protect it from scratches or dents.
- Step 5: Load the refrigerator on the truck bed. Position your ramp or planks at an angle from the ground to the truck bed. Make sure they are stable and secure enough to support the weight of the refrigerator and dolly. Have one person stand behind the dolly and another person stand on the truck bed. Move backward slowly and carefully while pulling the dolly up the ramp or planks. Have another person guide you from behind or from the side if needed. Once you reach the truck bed, slide or lift the dolly onto it and move it toward the cab wall of your truck.
- Step 6: Secure the dolly and refrigerator on the truck bed. Stand your refrigerator upright against the cab wall of your truck bed. Make sure it is level by using a level tool or checking if its doors open and close properly. If not, adjust its feet or rollers until it is level. Strap your dolly and refrigerator securely with moving straps or ropes around its top and sides. Fasten them to your truck’s tie-down hooks or rails if available. You can also use bungee cords for extra security.
When To Call A Professional
If you have tried all of these steps and your refrigerator is still not safe or stable on your pickup truck, you may have a more complex problem that requires professional help. Some of these problems include:
- A too large or too heavy refrigerator: If your refrigerator is too large or too heavy for your pickup truck, you may not be able to transport it safely or legally. You may need to rent a larger or heavier-duty truck or hire a professional moving service to transport your refrigerator for you.
- A damaged or malfunctioning refrigerator: If your refrigerator is damaged or malfunctioning before or after transport, you may need to repair or replace it. You may also need to check if your warranty covers any damages caused by transport. You should call a professional technician to diagnose and repair your refrigerator.
Conclusion
A refrigerator is a large and heavy appliance that can be challenging to move, especially if you need to transport it in a pickup truck. However, with the right tools, equipment, and precautions, you can safely and efficiently transport a refrigerator in a pickup truck. You need to prepare the refrigerator by emptying, defrosting, and cleaning it. Then, you need to wrap and secure it with straps and place it on a durable appliance dolly. You also need to prepare your pickup truck by making space for the refrigerator to stand vertically and lowering the tailgate as much as possible. Next, you need to use a ramp to load the refrigerator on the truck bed, moving backward and pulling the dolly up the incline. Finally, you need to secure the dolly and refrigerator with moving straps around its top and sides and fasten to the truck.
If you have tried all of these steps and your refrigerator is still not safe or stable on your pickup truck, you may have a more serious problem that requires professional help. Some of these problems include a too large or too heavy refrigerator or a damaged or malfunctioning refrigerator. You should call a professional technician to diagnose and repair your refrigerator.
