Cattle panel can help make a quick and easy run or coop. Unfortunately, at 50" x 16', they are often difficult to transport and many places will not deliver them. So, here is what I did to get three cattle panel home on my minivan.
Supplies:
3" screws
(2) 12' 2x4s
(1) 8' 2x4 (2 recommended)
Steps:
1) Cut the 8' 2x4 in half to use as cross supports on a frame.
2) Measure the distance on a luggage rack between the most forward and rearward points to tie down. Divide that measurement and half and mark that distance from both sides of the midpoint on the 12' 2x4.
3) Clamp the two 12' 2x4's together and drill a pair of pilot holes for each cross support.
4) Screw through the pilot holes into the cross supports
5) Securely tied down the frame to the luggage rack.
6) Securely tie down the cattle panel (s) to the frame and luggage rack.
Things I would do differently ....
It was unnecessarily difficult to line up the 50" panel on the frame, as I only had a little over an extra inch of space. I should have included extra cross bars at the front and back:
Other considerations:
*** CHECK YOUR OWNER MANUAL FOR WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS *** We have 2 cars with roof racks. One holds up to 125 pounds the other holds up to 150 pounds. Tractor Supply lists the panels as apx. 35 pounds.
I used pressure treated lumber, as I intend to repurpose the lumber later and will need it to be pressure treated. Otherwise, I would have used standard lumber. Pressure treated lumber is much heavier and makes the frame heavier. The frame needs to be included in the weight calculations, too! I was able to move 3 at a time.
Because wind can blow right through the panel, they can't catch wind and kite. Still, I kept my speed below 50 mph to be safe.
I am not an engineer. I am only sharing what worked for me. Please do your own due diligence and make your own structural stability / safety determinations!
Supplies:
3" screws
(2) 12' 2x4s
(1) 8' 2x4 (2 recommended)
Steps:
1) Cut the 8' 2x4 in half to use as cross supports on a frame.
2) Measure the distance on a luggage rack between the most forward and rearward points to tie down. Divide that measurement and half and mark that distance from both sides of the midpoint on the 12' 2x4.
3) Clamp the two 12' 2x4's together and drill a pair of pilot holes for each cross support.
4) Screw through the pilot holes into the cross supports
5) Securely tied down the frame to the luggage rack.
6) Securely tie down the cattle panel (s) to the frame and luggage rack.
Things I would do differently ....
It was unnecessarily difficult to line up the 50" panel on the frame, as I only had a little over an extra inch of space. I should have included extra cross bars at the front and back:
Other considerations:
*** CHECK YOUR OWNER MANUAL FOR WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS *** We have 2 cars with roof racks. One holds up to 125 pounds the other holds up to 150 pounds. Tractor Supply lists the panels as apx. 35 pounds.
I used pressure treated lumber, as I intend to repurpose the lumber later and will need it to be pressure treated. Otherwise, I would have used standard lumber. Pressure treated lumber is much heavier and makes the frame heavier. The frame needs to be included in the weight calculations, too! I was able to move 3 at a time.
Because wind can blow right through the panel, they can't catch wind and kite. Still, I kept my speed below 50 mph to be safe.
I am not an engineer. I am only sharing what worked for me. Please do your own due diligence and make your own structural stability / safety determinations!
