DOT-approved straps?
 

Recently my company bought some new 2" ratchet straps. Problem is they don't have the little red stripe down the center. Does the DOT require that or not? I've searched the forum and FMCSR site and can't find anything about it.

I don't believe that the red stripe is a DOT requirement. I have some faded straps on the flatbeds that i pull, you can't see the stripe, and I've never been stopped because of it. As long as the strap is properly tagged, (with WLL) and has no cuts or abrasions, you will be ok.

I'm not sure why the red stripe is there....I'm guessing that its there to help you keep the strap center on the winch? I really don't have a need for it myself.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1...n/EZTorque.jpg

I don't know if the red stripe has anything to do with DOT at all but I use it when I roll up my straps because I'm anal retentive and I like them to be all rolled up the same way so that when I throw them the next time they all have the same sides out.

I am stepping out on a limb here because I am not sure this is correct but I think the red, black, gray or what ever color thread is in the middle
of the strap is there for safety. If the colored thread is broken, the strap has been over loaded or just wore out.

I was told this by a salesman that was selling all kinds of hold down equipment at a big drag race event I was at.

Mike

I've never been stopped for alot of the silly things I do with a flatbed, but it doesn't mean it's not illegal. I've just never been caught. There's got to be solid reason why straps have that red stripe.

I use the red stripe to tell me which side is which. It tells me which way the hook is facing.

The red stripe is a stretch indicator. When the line is no longer visible it is considered worn out. I've never run into to any DOT inspecting for it but,I've just not run across them yet. The best advise I can give when it comes to the DOT is if you see something that needs corrected, do it. I don't like to give them a reason to write a ticket.

Re: DOT-approved straps?
 

I've never had any problems with that. If it came new like that and is properly labeled and in good working order HAMMER DOWN!

Also, I should have added that the stripe tells me if the straps are twisted or not. I pull a curtain van, so no need to twist them and I like to keep them straight but if I was pulling an open flatbed then it's good to twist them to reduce the vibration in the wind.