My rod holder causes my rods to bow slightly due to the weight of the reel. It is a horizontal rack in my truck and I have both rack pieces as close to one another as possible, but they still bow. My UL rod is the worst because I can only get the rod tip in the other end. Since it is my truck rod holder, they do not stay in there for any real length of time, maybe a week at the very absolute longest. If I know I won't be fishing any time soon (LMAO, sure, like that ever happens), they come inside and stand vertical in a closet.

 

How long is too long for this stress on the rods?

Sounds like the butt is where it's sagging a little and this is not nearly as likely to warp as the tip.  As an option you could take the reel off and store it in a tackle bag or something. A glass rod is more apt to take a set if leaned against a wall etc. Later in the summer when it can get really hot in the car I'd take them out every day to be on the safe side.

Sounds like the butt is where it's sagging a little and this is not nearly as likely to warp as the tip.  As an option you could take the reel off and store it in a tackle bag or something. A glass rod is more apt to take a set if leaned against a wall etc. Later in the summer when it can get really hot in the car I'd take them out every day to be on the safe side.

X2...

X3

I wouldn't store rods with a curve in them, just wouldn't, that's all I'm saying.  If they develop a curve while resting in your truck rod holder, you might want to consider 2 piece rods.   You really don't lose much sensitivity or strength using 2 piece rods.

Sounds like its time to buy a pocket

 

I wouldn't store rods with a curve in them, just wouldn't, that's all I'm saying.  If they develop a curve while resting in your truck rod holder, you might want to consider 2 piece rods.   You really don't lose much sensitivity or strength using 2 piece rods.

Sounds like it's time to buy a pocket fisherman!