Container locks/twist locks installed

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by bigNATURE, Dec 13, 2014.

  1. bigNATURE

    bigNATURE Medium Load Member

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    Any body here on the forums instal twist locks for containers after purchasing the trailer? I'm debating wether or not to buy new or used SO I'm curious on HOW MUCH $ it would cost to instal 1 40' / 2 20' / 1 heavy 20' twist locks?

    even just a ball park figure it would be helpful. When I called wabash in Dallas that man was laughing on the phone saying there's no way he could give me an estimate without looking at the trailer, well wabash man lol I don't have a trailer, he wouldn't even go ball park figure with me. So I know I won't be getting it done there.

    But any ideas or owners on here that has installed twist locks that could help me locate a $ amount for this install would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks in advance
     
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  3. TankerYankr

    TankerYankr Medium Load Member

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    The person from walbash is absolutely correct. There is no way anyone could price out that job without looking at the trailer.

    Containers rest all their weight on the 4 corners where the twist locks are.

    The only way locks can be added to an exsisting trailer is to examine the frame and figure where extra supports would have to be fitted and figure the overall stress points and basicly just re-engineer the complete trailer.

    Much better off to purchase a trailer that was built with locks from the get go, that way the entire trailer was designed for it.

    If I found someone that was willing to quote a price on work like that without inspecting the trailer first, I wouldn't let him put air in the tire as he is either a crook or an idiot.
     
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  4. bigNATURE

    bigNATURE Medium Load Member

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    Okay i guess that makes sense. I'm just trying to get a ball park figure tho, 3k, 5k more???
     
  5. TankerYankr

    TankerYankr Medium Load Member

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    3k, 5k, 8k, who knows. I'm not a engineer but I'd bet that on some trailers it would not be possible (thinking of some of those ultra-light weight trailers)

    I guy I know purchased (actully ordered) a new transcraft combo step deck about 5 years ago. When he spec'd it out with container locks locks on the price jumped 4k, or maybe 5k.

    This was for 8 locks total.
     
  6. 281ric

    281ric Road Train Member

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    My cousin had them installed on his new step, the dealer wanted about 5 grand. He bought te parts and had them installed at an independent shop and I Beleive it cost him half of what the dealer wanted , more or less
     
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  7. 281ric

    281ric Road Train Member

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    But the pats and go thru outside shop
     
  8. Hurst

    Hurst Registered Member

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    That can be problematic as if the job isnt done right and say one of the locks breaks. It would be easier to have the work done by a national chain, that way if you need warranty work done, you have more options. If the original shop is 1000 mi away and you need it fixed immediately,.. it might be difficult to get the original shop to pay another shop for the repair and still remain under warranty.

    As they say,.. you get what you pay for. Pay now or pay later.

    I dont do enough containers to need the locks myself. I'm fine using chains. I have seen guys just toss 4 straps and go. I cringed at the idea.

    I think it would be best, if you dont have a trailer yet, to just buy a trailer with the locks already designed into the build.

    Hurst:smt111
     
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  9. bigNATURE

    bigNATURE Medium Load Member

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    Texas city, tx
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    exactly. I have a good one lined up now if it all goes through.
    Already had 1 40' 2 20' and a heavy 20'
     
  10. jpracer1

    jpracer1 Medium Load Member

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    So chains around the ends won't work for you?i wouldn't put them on a used trailer,no way to guarantee they will work or hold,and the liability of the shop that put them on would be a question too,order new or just throw chains.unless you use them several times a day
     
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