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Flatbed without slidable ratchet mechanism. Should we buy it?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by freight schlepper, Aug 27, 2011.

  1. Aug 27, 2011 #1
    freight schlepper

    freight schlepper Bobtail Member

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    Aug 26, 2011
    North Carolina
    0
    Hi folks, i have a question regarding a 53' flatbed trailer that we are thinking about purchasing. The trailer does not have those sliding ratchet mechanisms for strapping down cargo. So i am assuming i will have to use those straps with the hand-crank ratchet. Is this going to be an issue? Am i going to be able to get the straps tight enough with those crummy hand crank ratchets?
     
    freight schlepper, Aug 27, 2011
    freight schlepper, Aug 27, 2011
    #1
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  3. Aug 27, 2011 #2
    Working Class Patriot

    Working Class Patriot Road Train Member

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    Wherever and Whenever...
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    You can buy "frame winches" from just about any trailer sales like Utility...

    Strap winches are good...But at $90 a pop....And a limit lifespan compared to frame winches....Get three or four of them and get about 20 frame winches....The frame winches will pay you back a lot sooner and last longer....
     
    Working Class Patriot, Aug 27, 2011
    Working Class Patriot, Aug 27, 2011
    #2
  4. Aug 27, 2011 #3
    bigjoel

    bigjoel Road Train Member

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    Jan 20, 2011
    Houston, Tx
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    Sliding ratchets are good in theory, until forklift operators run into them. Then they don't slide anymore.

    Yes it will happen eventually.
     
    bigjoel, Aug 27, 2011
    bigjoel, Aug 27, 2011
    #3
  5. Aug 27, 2011 #4
    Working Class Patriot

    Working Class Patriot Road Train Member

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    Or rub-rails.....But nothing a good winchbar to the side of their heads won't cure....:biggrin_2559:
     
    Working Class Patriot, Aug 27, 2011
    Working Class Patriot, Aug 27, 2011
    #4
    Mommas_money_maker Thanks this.
  7. Aug 27, 2011 #5
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
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    A sliding winch attached to the trailer is a good thing, IMO. Thats because you can adjust the winch to line up over the freight you are strapping. A portable winch needs to be "attached" to the frame, which means it is an item that needs to be handled, which means more work. A winch attached to the trailer VS a winch you need to take from the tool box and carry and attach. It's a "no brainer" as they say. Both winches can be cinched down tight with no problems. Portables need to be secured with bungie cords, which also means more work.
     
    Allow Me., Aug 27, 2011
    Allow Me., Aug 27, 2011
    #5
  8. Aug 27, 2011 #6
    Pfuse

    Pfuse Light Load Member

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    Aug 18, 2006
    La Crosse, WI
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    You can buy winch track in 10 ft sections that gets bolted under the edge of your trailer. You can also buy winches for it.
     
    Pfuse, Aug 27, 2011
    Pfuse, Aug 27, 2011
    #6
  9. Aug 30, 2011 #7
    freight schlepper

    freight schlepper Bobtail Member

    12
    0
    Aug 26, 2011
    North Carolina
    0
    Thanks for the advice everyone!
     
    freight schlepper, Aug 30, 2011
    freight schlepper, Aug 30, 2011
    #7
  10. Feb 4, 2012 #8
    qtip

    qtip Light Load Member

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    Jan 2, 2012
    calgary, ab
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    Personally I prefer fixed winches, 15 or so on either side of trailer and then a hook opposite so you can use d rings instead of those flat hooks that always seem to fall off
     
    qtip, Feb 4, 2012
    qtip, Feb 4, 2012
    #8
  11. Feb 4, 2012 #9
    mgfg

    mgfg Road Train Member

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    I can't believe this wasn't the FIRST responce.
     
    mgfg, Feb 4, 2012
    mgfg, Feb 4, 2012
    #9
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