Tips and Tricks of flatbedding

I appreciate the input. I guess hearing the term half-hitch from the trainers throws it a bit off as to what it is. I suppose the more appropriate term is half strap... which is kind of what it is.

 

Half/short strapping is folding the strap in half and putting the fold in the winch, then tightening it up. Thats a no no.. pull the entire length through, pull back several feet, hand tighten the winch, fold up the slack and tuck between the strap and trailer then tighten up.

Thats the most common, i run shorter straps so i put the strap through, draw a equal length of the tail v slack, and wind the entire strap up on the spool

 

I am scheduled to attend Roehl orientation/securement training in Gary on the 5th. Just want to say I appreciate the info you fellas (and fellettes) put on here. I've had my CDL for a few months and was driving van, I figured out that the van side is not for me and decided to go flatter side. There is a alot of awesome info on this thread.

Other than the typical driver tools/supplies....what items you recommend I take with me? After the initial couple weeks Roehl will dispatch me back to UT to get my other stuff and dog and I've asked them to give me a rental car (rather than flying) so I can take needed stuff with me.

 

Other than the usual just make extra sure you have good boots, preferably something reasonably water proof, good gloves, and cold weather gear. You'll be spending much more time in the elements.

The company should provide other needed ppe.

 

Painters pole, a good set of full body winter bibs, 3 or 4 sets of gloves.... (always have a few pairs warming on the dash... others will add..

 

Half-strapping is ok if it's done properly. The winch manufacturers want 6" of strap and at least 2 wraps around the winch to prevent it from "becoming loose". It's about an arm length to the fold to get enough strap.

Some people just fold the strap and stick it through the first slit in the winch and not completely through, thats crazy bad. Try it on a load of steel or something that won't give. It will pull out of the winch before it gets very tight.

 

Steel toed work boots. Don't scrimp on this. Give them a good waterproof treatment.

Hard hat - get the kind with the dial knob on the back to tighten or loosen. Quick, easy, and secure adjustment. Sometimes you need to add room for a balaclava inside that hat and need to adjust on the fly.

Long johns and layers for winter.

Some customers may require safety glasses and vests. Some may require impact gloves.

A good strap winder is an essential tool for me.

 

You say half strapping is ok, then go on to call it crazy bad?.....

 

Yeah!

 

Smh..... drivers.....