Going Flatbed and Need Some Setup Advise

Discussion in 'Landstar' started by Hegemeister, May 5, 2016.

  1. Hegemeister

    Hegemeister Road Train Member

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    I have a conventional tractor (T680) pulling van now with a Tripac. I think installing a rack behind the cab might involve some modifications. I see a lot of trucks pulling flats with no rack.
    Where would the chains and binders be stored? I know a headache rack is no longer required by law.
    I'm just trying to set myself up without incurring a time consuming modification to the tractor assuming it's at all possible. Please help me out. Thanks.
     
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  3. CJndaTruck

    CJndaTruck Road Train Member

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    You can buy bars that allow you to raise the rack over the tripac bracket. I think it cost me $40 for mine.
     
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  4. DrFlush

    DrFlush Road Train Member

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    I kept all my chains binders and straps in my trailer boxes all winter to keep the salt brine off them, tarps were on the deck. You could do that year round.
     
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  5. Hegemeister

    Hegemeister Road Train Member

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    I ran flatbed for a short time years ago. I just don't want to run all over wasting time running into problems. So guys, if needed at least temporarily, keep all equipment in the trailer box and tarps on the deck just to keep moving?
     
  6. kevin7898

    kevin7898 Light Load Member

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    I keep my tarps on the deck. Takes all of 10 minutes to secure to a new trailer. What i did is i took a cut strap and used it to secure the tarps. Being short reduces the winch time. I do have a rack for my chains. All straps stay in the box below my sleeper
     
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  7. Hegemeister

    Hegemeister Road Train Member

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    Thanks all! Does anyone have the name of the source(s) for Landstar for the equipment and racks?
     
  8. whoopNride

    whoopNride Road Train Member

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    @Hegemeister if you are planning on pulling one of Landstars flatbed/step trailers they Don't have toolboxes on them, so you would have to store equipment on your truck
     
  9. Hegemeister

    Hegemeister Road Train Member

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    Yeah. I just learned that. Look like I'll need a rack. But that's not enough? I was told I can buy a box and mount it on the trailer, then take it when it buy a trailer?
     
  10. whoopNride

    whoopNride Road Train Member

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    I think they will allow that. I think @SHC did that when he was pulling a company flatbed
     
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  11. TheDude1969

    TheDude1969 Heavy Load Member

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    I would find a headache rack. A side-box full of chains and binders sounds as fun as a barrel of monkeys.
     
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