Anyone Pulling A Conestoga? How is it?

Sure saves a bunch of time tarping.

Don’t allow for much oversize though.

MPG - that of a van - same principle.

 

i've used them, personally i dont like them.
i spend twice as long trying to strap anything because they're designed so badly imo. the rubber seal always is in the way, 1/4 of the slots where straps can go are unusable because of bolts for the frame. i hate how most of them use a slot on the underside for the hook ends to go. you have to constantly make sure nothing blocks or goes over the slides. trying to use your wench bar is harder, you have to bend at a stupid angle.. the landing gear arm always rubs on the frame because they couldn't extend it another inch... not to mention you cant see #### in your mirrors going down the road. they're okay in certain situations, but really
great for the lazy flatbedder....

 

@OLDSKOOLERnWV

 

I have a Chameleon. Great design. Smooth n easy to use. Only lose 2 spots on the hook side from track bolts, though I suppose you could run the strap end up inside and hook underneath and still use them.

I lose approximately .8 mpg vs open flat/step (loads 5-30k. I ran one with 35k on my drives n lost 1.3 mpg comparatively). Definitely more wind resistance from the side wind as well.

Unless you have dedicated work for weather protect/must tarp product that will always fit under the system: it is NOT worth having imo. Cost would never be justified unless you compare medical expenses from falling off a load into the equation.
If you’re pulling loads from a general load board, I wouldn’t suggest getting one. Never know which shippers won’t load one, or be able to guarantee the integrity of your unit.

I utilize mine for multi stop loads that must be kept dry & clean. All odds n ends for shapes, sizes etc. untarping and retarping 6-10 times a day (while the product gets wet at every stop) takes a lot more time and effort and adds time at every stop, which adds up quickly. Plus, every time you’re on top of the load retarping odd shaped products with variable crush/break strength, you increase likelihood for damage claims.

If you don’t have something that requires one, and/or that pays more for having one, and a commitment for the amount of work for it: it will not be worth the investment imo.

 

be ready to lose some mpg. I went from a 48ft combo spread step deck getting 5.5 - 7 mpg to a 48ft combo spread step deck conestoga and i dont see anything over 5 mpg anynore. If your getting loads from the loadboard it can be a bit challenging to find freight that will work with a conestoga. But if you can find loads that require a conestoga there is good money to be made.

 

And you have to lubricate the rollers with decent graphite spray that doesn't leave residue. Otherwise dirt and dust build up and they either take 2 people to move, or a lot of back and forth from side to side pushing whichever side it hanging up. I personally don't like 'em. We only haul glass, so freight is the same every load. Plus, in tight docks where there is little room for the tarp to bow out, they try to bow in and get between the roller frames.

 

My setup is good for the work I do. 95% of what I haul needs tarped. OS/OW loads are out the window with them. The way my rails are mounted the pockets are now null and void as anchor points.... chain and strap. The rubber seal at the bottom created a fit issue with my 4” straps, but a few minutes of alteration with a sledge hammer and that is no longer a problem. Unless your load is close to the edge, the ability to load, close the tarp, and then get inside and secure the load in the dry is a plus. Keep the guide rails clean, and don’t use any oil or grease on them, mine are guaranteed as long as I own it. After paying close attention to it and checking my numbers, I did notice a drop in mpg. But still..... if I keep my rpm’s down while cruising, 5 to 5.25 is not bad with the power plant I’m using.

 

I alternate between a covered wagon and a conestoga(only when I load sheets of Aluminum). I have a mid roof. I prefer the covered wagon when I haul coils. I'm on a dedicated account. I can definitely feel the difference between the two. It is definitely tighter in the docks we load in. I have seen guys mess their conestoga up pulling in, just like other have stated in works in certain applications. I would agree it beats tarping.