The Truckers’ Report flatbed Hall of Shame.

Run thru the center hole or down low like a coil?
They seemed like a high center...the wire was a ways up off the deck. So I was thinking it might be wobbly not just roll-y lol

 

I wouldve put them down low like u did.. I always felt like u get better leverage and defense against the coil/spool wanting to roll, if chains is low than it is high... could just be a mental thing idk..

 

Im just curious... You always hook your binders to the belly of the trailer like that?

 

IMO that style spool should have atleast one chain through the center. See how the pipe intersects the X plate with full support, full weld and no lip to bend? It cant fail or distort.

Where youve got the chains is over an unsupported flange that can bend and allow some slack in a wreck, you can already see where the rim is wrinkled from chains. If they slack enough then your spool could come out of the racks and go cannonball run. Im not sure if the spools go back to southwire as cores.. If so id think the rcvrs could frown on them getting bent up.

Im not saying its gonna fly off, just that the center bore was spec'd to handle the entire load. Thats where they reel the cable on and off from.

 

Likely it aint movin as long as you check your tension often. I would've run either a chain or a protected strap though the center also as @FoolsErrand suggested, particularly because it's off the deck. Also, 4 chains on the center spool, not just 2, just like the other two spools you have on there.

I've always looked at securement by the 5 points of movement, fwd (especially fwd) & back, side to side, and up and down, cover them 5, it aint moving....

 

Ya I find it easier to get a 2 hand grip on the binder and reef that mother with all my weight. That's my girlie compensation for lack of testosterone lol

 

Only have 10 chains.
But I check the binders every time I stop....cuz they're so easy to get to!!!
I did see other guys show up with straps. That honestly never occurred to me. I'll keep it in mind for next time.

 

I'd be kind of concerned with side to side strength of the X plate. It's made to support it vertically in all forms of use, but unless it's spooled on it's side it won't necessarily be made for side load.

 

Why do u need 4 chains.. ? If coil is 12k then Ur over legal limit with 2 chains even with 5/16

 

You likely don't, but if the one chain that's on there that prevents fwd movement let's go..... To each his own I guess, I just wouldn't do it. I'd also either chain or strap the center, like I said. I drove a lot of miles over the years, much of it flatbed, never lost a load....