Sliding winches, or Ratchet straps?

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by ReeferOhio, Oct 22, 2014.

  1. ReeferOhio

    ReeferOhio Medium Load Member

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    I have a covered wagon I run steel in 99% of the time. Lately I have a customer who has some freight going into areas where steel will not be the commodity I'll be bringing back. My trailer does NOT have sliding winch track on it at all. I can't decide if it's worth the money to have them installed or just buy some ratchet straps and do it that way. What are your thoughts....? Like I said this is not often, may happen once or twice a month.
     
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  3. brsims

    brsims Road Train Member

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    In my less than expert opinion, I'd stick with the rachet strap over the winch on a covered wagon. Best of all possible worlds would be those rachets that are set up to use the "pop up" securement points on your trailer. Otherwise, the rachet straps through the rub rail or the winch straps through the rub rail could damage your side boards on your covered wagon.

    Just my opinion, do not accept as gospel, consult your doctor, lawyer, insurance guru, prophet, and local gypsy before accepting. Or wait until someone with more experience and better knowledge about the ins and outs of covered wagons gets done working and I ogs on.
     
  4. skootertrashr6

    skootertrashr6 Medium Load Member

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    I would get some of the 4" and 2" ratchet straps that have the 3/8" chain and hook on end of them that you can use on your pop out chain ties. Or can get the 3/8" chain and triangle that you can hook to chain ties also and use a 2" or 3" rathet strap on
     
  5. barroll

    barroll Road Train Member

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    I've got half a dozen 4" ratchet straps with the chain ends I bought in a lot of used equipment and couldn't figure out why anyone would want them over stake pocket winches until now. Guess I'll try to get rid of them next time I'm in a steel yard full of sidekits.
     
  6. cke

    cke Road Train Member

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    I personally wouldn't a trust a ratchet strap to hold anything but a rolled up tarp on a trailer. Just my opinion
     
  7. okiedokie

    okiedokie Road Train Member

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    We use them alot. No problems. Keep them lubed up.
     
  8. skateboardman

    skateboardman Road Train Member

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    .

    that's really funny when ya think about it, maybe those one inch jobs, but 2 and 4 do a good job, you must one of those guys who chains down Styrofoam.
     
  9. G/MAN

    G/MAN Road Train Member

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    At one time I kept 13 ratchet straps on my sidekit. I have also used 4" straps and run them underneath the sidekit panel. I like using the ratchets inside the kit where I can run them through the "D" rings. I have never had a problem with the portable ratchet straps.
     
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