The Truckers’ Report flatbed Hall of Shame.

Can one u steel haulers tell me what is up with guys putting straps on coils ?? I just dont get it . I never done it before but see it all the time . Seems like a waste of time . I just dont think it would do much in a hard brake event. I want chains on metal not fabric.

@650cat425 @jamespmack thoughts??

 

Straps over the top? Or through the eye?

 

Both. I dont do either. Just always looked tacky to me. I gues over the top i get it , i know some guys put them to help make it easier to tarp. But i have seen it thru the eye of coil, to me that just seems dangerous. Not trusting my life with a piece of fabric on metal

 

Over the top is fine. Heck, it's required on shotgun coils. I've been told (rumor) that Ohio and Michigan will ticket if you don't have at least one strap over the top of a suicide coil as well.

Straps through the eye? Big time bad idea! We have chains for a reason, and that reason is chaining down murderous coils. Chains don't cut (as easily) or stretch (as much) and definitely don't fray!

See straps through the eye of a coil? Lazy flatbedder, approach with caution, may also be criminally stupid.

 

I will still put 2 straps and 2 chains thru the eye on every suicide coil for the hell of it. If a chain breaks theres still a chance she'll stay in the saddle.

 

I didnt know it was required over top. I always go above and beyond on coil securement . Would much rather throw an extra chain on coil than a strap. What is a strap over top preventing ? The chains prevent forward back up and down and side movement if u chained correctly. If they want to write me a ticket for no strap go ahead

 

If a chain breaks that strap is worthless. Id rather have 4 or more other chains to keep me comfort rather than straps. Just my opinion.

 

Same thing on structural. I am always throwing chains , if it is not painted stuff and provided i have enough slack to get to the other side. But see guys running straps on that stuff where . At the very least if ur gonna run straps on that u need cross chains up front .

 

Strap over the top on shotgun (eye forward) is DOT required. Check your little green bible under special commodities. I throw a couple, myself.

I have yet to find literature requiring a strap over a suicide (eye to the side), but I have been told by four different safety supervisors that Ohio and Michigan will ticket you if you don't have one. I throw two over in an "x" pattern, never had a problem.

As far as why? They stop the top of the coil from "bouncing" and flexing as you go down the road.

Take a cup (or any flexible, round object) and lay it on its side. Now gently press the top down, then release. That bounce back? That will cause your chains to stretch. It will also suck moisture in between the layers, even under a tarp, so there's that.

 

I think you base a lot of your opinions on whats hip or whats tacky. If theres two chains on a coil and thats legal youre happy, but throw an extra strap through the eye just for ha-has and its now wrong? This doesnt seem to follow logic to me so i have to assume it falls into a what will the guys think category.

Extra securement is not wrong.