I always cross stacked my bales. One layer would go one diretion, the next layer goes the opposite direction. I found it locked them together really well.

 

I have stacked them all ways and there is no way your GARANTEED to keep the bales on. I've had most my loads stay on but I have lost bales all sorts of ways. Depending on trailer I've done it =I= first levelthen I=I on second level and so on. = as in across and I for front to back. I've seen it done other ways and have done it other ways. But best way is an inclosed trailer in my opinion. I'm sure I dont have the most experience with loading hay but I have alot. 5 years of just doing large rounds and been stacking squares since 12. Just started doing large squares a year ago. I've loaded semi trailers which are always fun with about 10 people and beer. As for price of bales we are around 2-3 dollars in Oklahoma.

 

The first year I drove truck and being I was the new guy, I got stuck hauling Timothy hay from Ellensburg WA to Bay Meadows in San Mateo CA and a few loads to Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, CA. I would haul 1 to 2 loads a week on an old 1973 Freightliner truck trailer and I never lost a single bale of hay. BTW, I only used 1/2 inch steel cables crossed in the center and V boards to hold 380 bales of hay down.

But I do know that if a farmer does not bale the hay tight that alone will cause big problems when hauling it. So being I have hauled a load or two of hay I just have to give you all a bad time about hay falling off your trailer [sm=icon_stickpoke.gif]

 

This whole "Hauling Hay" thing sounds kinda fun !! I wanna try "Haulin Hay" !!

Are any of you guy's running throuhg my hood with some hay anytime soon?

 

You have to kind of interlock them all together, like a big puzzle. Stack wider at the bottom to make a stable base. I've only ever lost 2 bales, and that was because I forgot all my straps at home. Wind blew 2 right off the top. You can get a lot more on a flatbed than an enclosed trailer. Makes it more cost effective. Less trips, less diesel.

 

Im not even going to touch this thread hehehe