Flappy Straps Question

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by Chewbongka, Jun 17, 2015.

  1. Chewbongka

    Chewbongka Light Load Member

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    Feb 11, 2015
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    So I have a question for the vets on here regarding the preferred technique to stop straps from flapping in the wind while going down the road. This isn’t a problem when I have a load with a rounded edge because I can crank down on the straps hard enough to prevent any slack and flapping.

    The flapping occurs when I have these wooden boxes about 5’x7’x7’ in dimension. The flapping only happens on the hook side so I have started putting one twist in the strap on that side to add a bit more tension. I figured the crank side doesn’t flap because it’s cranked down hard and the hook side is loose because it has to go over two 90-degree angles so the twist adds just enough tension to stop the flap.

    There is no company policy on this; also, I cannot not add anything to the boxes to make the edges rounder. The twist eliminates the flapping in the wind so I figured I am doing the right thing but since I have never seen straps with a twist on them on a flatbed before I’m wondering if I am missing something. Is adding a twist to the straps kosher to eliminate flap or do I look like a dope with a sloppy strapping system?
     
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  3. Chewy352

    Chewy352 Road Train Member

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    I put a twist on both sides unless the load is very flat or the strap is at 90* to the trailer deck.
     
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  4. street beater

    street beater Road Train Member

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    If i can put a half twist in a strap, and that twist does not come into contact with the load or trailler, i do it. No flapping, no slack, no problems.
     
    Chewbongka Thanks this.
  5. marineman227

    marineman227 Dock Waterer

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    You guys should teach the guys hauling intermodal containers on step decks. Sounds like a pack of Harley's flying by me every time I see one.
     
    Chewbongka and catalinaflyer Thank this.
  6. catalinaflyer

    catalinaflyer Road Train Member

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    Half twist on each side and if it's wide-flat across the top a half twist there too. Right, wrong or indifferent that's the way I do it.
     
    saddlesore and Chewbongka Thank this.
  7. cabwrecker

    cabwrecker The clutch wrecker

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    But how else will you know they're annoying?
     
  8. street beater

    street beater Road Train Member

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    When they take the chrome off your bumper, then brake hard to make the next right into a industrial park with no signails. Are they broken, or he didnt bother using them? The world will never know.
     
    dannythetrucker Thanks this.
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