Tips on building Coil cradles and securing

That depends on what it is attached to on the trailer, as long as it is rated as a securement point, you are OK.

 

Maybe that is why, I started with TMC and moved on to ATS, I know both use the angled coil racks.

If you are running the chain through the clevis on each side and attaching the binders on the chain after where it is attached to the trailer and then after it is looped through the clevis, this is indirect securement. It doesn't matter if it is one chain and two binders. If it is one chain and one binder, it would be indirect securement, but under the special circumstances for wheeled vehicles, you cannot use indirect securement, you must secure each corner. Using only one chain is not covered, so you take your chances with DOT.

 

I secure my loads like Snowwy says. I hook binders in stake pockets with hook end of chain secured to load or pocket on other side of trailer. Depends on load. Coil, I put coil racks on Trailer main beams when possible. I don't haul many coil maybe 4 loads a year. I make sure I have at least 6 chains in each coil. Most always loaded suicide. Some eye to the sky palletized didn't like them at all.

 

Thought I'd mention most common coil racks are rated at 10K so you would use 5 minimum for a 50K coil.

 

I believe I said that was an indirect tiedown.

how can a wheeled vehicle call for indirect tie down method, but indirect tiedowns not be allowed? over the years I have hauled quite a few wheeled vehicles using one chain across the front and one across the rear just ran thru the clevis loops, never had a problem. maybe the chocks I had nailed under the wheels helped in that regard.

many military loads, they want a binder at each corner , making a Humvee use 2 chains and 4 binders , hooked up in an indirect manner with the slack hanging in the middle,

 

You are describing the direct method. The FMCSA requires each corner be secured on a wheeled vehicle. The slack across the middle does not matter. Each corner is secured with a chain and a binder, making it direct securement. Indirect would be one chain and only one binder, which is illegal.

 

in this situation, indirect would be putting chains over the top of the it and chaining down as if it were lumber. Indirect tied owns are held in place place by fiction to the deck. Obviously no one would do that because of damage to the load.

 

Keep your coil racks inside of the. Coil edges, use more chains than you need, ratchet binders instead of snap binders, when you pull your chains thru eye of coil try not to cross chains and keep chain links straight not twisted. This will help keep chains tight. Keep chain angle as vertical as possible. Don't stretch out like some companies want. Secure chains to one side rail spool use metal edge protectors on prime coils. For can coils ( skidded eye to sky) X two chains or straps over top crossing chains at eye of coil. ALWAYS use edge protectors with rubber or cardboard under. One chain pulled down can be extremely costly. DOT also wants trip chain or strap around front. A big single coil will rock and twist trailer so go slow around ramps. One chain per 10000# plus one extra

 

I have a feeling you didnt haul alot of coils. I always loaded suicide but most steel places recommend shotgun. There is no right or wrong its personal preferance. U.s Steel would tell you to load shotgun but if you place your bunks suicide the crane operator would place it down in the bunks no matter which way they were placed. As far as a previous post about bunks holding at 45 degrees thats not true. The bunks I was using held 4x4 flat but my oak 4x4 were beveled. I got the 4x4 from friends that own a sawmill and with help of my dad (need some one you trust alot) he cut a bevel in them with chainsaw (again need someone you trust if your holding and there cutting lol)