Hey flat bedders what do you carry?

[Doghouse]

Hey Flat bedders,
What do you recommend that I carry for cargo securing??
I have been to many sites but all the starps,chains are confusing, can you tell me what you use for a set up, so I know what to get and when I don't need what they are selling?
I have all the load securement info, but on the actual materials I am lacking info.

[rank]

Kinda depends on what you plan to haul, but unless you're pulling coils, here is a start. I've left out some of the sizes, but if you've read all the securement rules, you already know that stuff.

53' flatbed with a 10'-1" spread and max 41' KP distance (unless you're running Cali)
(2) 4' x 28' steel tarps (could also go with 6' and/or 8' tarps)
(12) straps
(8) chains
(8) binders
(4) 4" x 4" x 8' long pieces of wood (preferably hardwood).
ladder
hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, vest
wide load lights
oversize banners and flags

[Doghouse]

I'm picking up a Ravens 48/102 in Ohio in a couple of weeks.
I think I'll be hauling coils also, it seems to be a common load. I've seen how to secure them, I like the pre-fab coil racks and the double chains through the middle.
What I'm mainly looking for is what works and what doesn't work. I always feel the best place to go is to the people who use their tools of the trade the most.
What do you mount the wide load lights to, I understand the banner, but not the lights?
I've seen the 4 by 4's in the landing gear struts.
Ladder I'll probably go for the one Steve just got,...the one that loads and tarps for you :wink:
What about chain size, I've heard about some and they advertise a smaller gauge that works better, but I'm not sure what the size is.
Flat bed will work great for me, I have always over secured loads even back on the farm when I could fit 75 bales of hay onto a 1/2 ton truck.I'm looking forward to the flat bed challenge, I just don't want to waste $$ on something they say works,...but does not.

Lever binders or ratchet binders?
these are the decisions that keep me up at night

[jorlee]

I'm picking up a Ravens 48/102 in Ohio in a couple of weeks.
I think I'll be hauling coils also, it seems to be a common load. I've seen how to secure them, I like the pre-fab coil racks and the double chains through the middle.
What I'm mainly looking for is what works and what doesn't work. I always feel the best place to go is to the people who use their tools of the trade the most.
What do you mount the wide load lights to, I understand the banner, but not the lights?
I've seen a beacon on each side of the sleeper, or you can get a mini lightbar and stick it on top. Trailer will need 2 lights. Reflective oversize sign to run at night.

I've seen the 4 by 4's in the landing gear struts.
Ladder I'll probably go for the one Steve just got,...the one that loads and tarps for you :wink:
What about chain size, I've heard about some and they advertise a smaller gauge that works better, but I'm not sure what the size is.
Smaller size may be easier to work with, but requires more chain to do the same job. I'd recommend 3/8" Grade 70 or higher.

Flat bed will work great for me, I have always over secured loads even back on the farm when I could fit 75 bales of hay onto a 1/2 ton truck.I'm looking forward to the flat bed challenge, I just don't want to waste $$ on something they say works,...but does not.

Lever binders or ratchet binders? Both
these are the decisions that keep me up at night

Ladder from Walmart. One that folds out into many positions and extends to 17'.

10 3/8" chains 20' long and grade 70
10 binders for the chains

2 8' drop tarps

25 sliding winches with 30' straps

200 20" rubber bungee cords

4 4x4x8 posts hung under trailer on cross members. Used to make headboard to block a load. Never done it but it makes me feel cool.

Hammer and nails

2 red flags for when the loads hangs over the back

hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, vest


Everyone already mentioned everything I take. I just felt left out.

[brian]

for the love of god and everything holy dont forget bungie cords!

[GMAN]

To start out with I suggest the following:

10- 3/8'' x 20' M70 chains. 5/16" will do, but 3/8" is much better and will
offer more flexibility.
10- Binders. Ratchet or snap, the choice is yours, but the ratchet type
would be safer starting out.
2 steel and 1 lumber tarp. You can sometimes find these in a 3 tarp set.
10- 4" straps
1- Winch bar
1- box (50)of 21" bungee's. You can never have too many.
5 sets of coil racks. This consists of 2 pieces of beveled 4 x 4's, 2 coil racks, 2 pieces of belting for each coil rack. I have been in a situation where I have used 5 coil racks.
20- Steel or chain edge protectors.
20- Strap protectors.
6- 8' pieces of dunnage. You can use 4"x4". This is an option. Most shippers will have some dunnage you can either have or purchase from them. I prefer having my own.
Unless you have a wood and steel trailer, you may also want to get some thin rubber matting.

These are minimums you should have starting out. If you have more than 1o winches on your trailer, you may want to have at least 1 strap for each winch.

In addition to these items, I carry 10 hand ratchet straps (2" and 4") and plenty of padding. Padding can consist of pieces of carpet, blankets or diapers. Don't laugh, diapers work just fine. There are other items I carry which you may not need.

[Doghouse]

WOW,
Thanks for all the info,....guess its time to find a place who won't rape me on this stuff.
The grade 70 chain is what I read about,..and you confirmed it. Off I go debit card in hand

[GMAN]

If you buy the items I suggested new, prepare to spend as much as $2,500 for everything.

[rank]

>What do you mount the wide load lights to......?
We have magnetic ones that you just slap onto the back of the load and plug the cord into a receptacle in th back of the trailer. They are quick and easy and they work great.

>What about chain size...they advertise a smaller gauge that works better
Well.....this is all spelled out in your securement book. 3/8" grade 70 is about the smallest you can use and still keep your sanity. Any smaller than that and you'll need lots of chains (and binders).....if you're going to do it by the book that is.

[GMAN]

Rank, I use 3/8" chains. That is probably the most versatile size to use. I think you will find more flat bedders using 3/8" than any other size. There is really no need to go with anything heavier.

Not all over-sized loads require a light. Unless the load is very wide, you may or may not want to use it. You can either mount it on the back of the trailer or on the product. I have used bungee's to keep the light on the product. I have a plug made into the rear of my step deck for a light. You can put a plug on one of the tail light wires to power your light on the trailer. If you want a light on your tractor and don't haul a lot of over sized loads, you can use duct tape to keep it on top of the truck and use a cigarette plug to power the light. It can be very expensive to put a permanent lighting system on your truck, depending on the type of lights. If you use a light in Georgia, make sure you get a permit. I believe Georgia is the only state in the U.S. which requires you to have a permit for a light. It only costs $2/per vehicle. Some over-sized loads have different requirements or restrictions as to using lights on over-sized loads. Everything should be outlined on your permits.

[thebaldeagle655]

Not going to repeat what everyone else says because they are pretty complete but I carry in addition/different than the others

8 20'chains and 2 40' chains. The 2 40' chains are for belly wraps on pyramided pipe loads.

12 4x4" oak boards (and this is not always enough!)

Pipe Stakes, 3" channel, 4 - 3' tall and 4 - 1' tall, these slide into the stake pockets and hold the pipe steady, be sure to use chain and binder between to keep stake pockets from breaking off.

Hammer, nails and small wood blocks (or commercial plastic) for chocks to prevent pipe from spreading.

Did anyone say Winch Bar? Cheater?


Good luck and don't worry, with all of us telling you what to get, you will definitely get to the first shipper and need something else!!

[GMAN]

I believe I listed a winch bar in my list, thebaldeagle655, but it doesn't hurt to mention it again. It would be a shame to be at a shipper with all the chains, straps, etc., and not have a winch bar. 8)

[Red Clay Rambler]

G-man, what is "belting" for the coil racks?

[GMAN]

Red Clay Rambler, the rubber belting is about 4" x 4' x 1/4" thick. I use about 2 per coil rack. If it is a wide coil, I may use 3. You lay them across the beveled wood in the cradle of the coil rack. It helps to protect the coil and prevent it from slipping. Some shippers may require them. Most probably won't.

[thebaldeagle655]

I believe I listed a winch bar in my list, thebaldeagle655, but it doesn't hurt to mention it again. It would be a shame to be at a shipper with all the chains, straps, etc., and not have a winch bar. 8)

I couldn't remember if it had been mentioned or not. I carry two, that way when one of my friendly co-truckers "borrow" mine will still have one the next place I load/unload. Actually two since someone did borrow mine and I had to buy another then he returned it next time he saw me.