Cheaper than ABS would be sono tube used for pouring concrete piers. I think it comes in 12 foot lengths so you would have 4 foot sticking out of each end. That should not be a problem if the ends are taped together. The cardboard tube comes in different sizes from 6 inches to huge. It also makes very good storage for your strips back home in the shop. Rather than tape you might try a product that is like saran wrap on a roll. I forget the name of the stuff but it is about 4 inches wide and you just roll it around a few times and it holds the bundles together. I use it for a kinds of finished millwork because it dosen't have any adheasive to mess up the finish or raise the grain when you pull it off. You can leave it on forever and still take it off with out the drying out problems you get with tape. One roll lasts a very long time and once you have it lying around you may find many uses. I have seen guys at the lumber yard completely wrap trim pieces for delivery on a rainy day. An Alum. extention ladder will also work very nicly to tie your strips to. Get em home safe and don't forget the red flag, Steve.