Why do my straps do this, and how to stop it?

That’s the structure of the trailer. No, it’s certainly not flimsy.

 

This guy shows the twist method I was taught, the half twist vs flat strap.
The twisted one in the mirror when tight won’t flop or move, where the flat one always flaps in wind.

 

Are you sure?


I wouldnt assume every manufacturer does the same. Some of the old trailers have parts of the rubrail broken off between the stake pockets. Ouch. But when you look at the rubrail youn can see that they are much thinner than whats on a Reitnouer.

 

There is no regulation against using the rub rail as an attachment point. Reitnouer (and others) lists specific WLL for rub rail, stake pockets, and pipe spools for different combination of chains and straps. It has been debated for years, but it is still legal to strap over the rub rail also. Sometimes inspectors make up their own rules. There is an inspector I've run into several times in NY that does not accept 2 inch straps as legal securement and will write drivers up for unsecured load. Can't argue with these kinds of people, a badge and a gun does not make them right.

 

I think you might be on point. Tks

 

Looks like they changed the rules again.
I still won’t do it though.


Should you use rub rails for cargo securement?
As the name implies, a trailer’s rub rails are designed to “rub” against other objects (walls, highway barricades, etc.), absorb the impact, and protect the trailer from damage. Perhaps more importantly, they’re also designed to protect the chains, straps, and ropes commonly used to secure cargo on the trailer. By routing such tiedowns between the rub rail and the deck of the trailer, the driver can protect the tiedowns from impacts to the side of the trailer.

Recognizing the important role that rub rails can play in keeping cargo secure, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) adopted a rule in 2002 requiring drivers to route tiedowns inboard of the rub rails “whenever practicable.” The rule was also adopted in Canada as part of the North American Cargo Securement Standard.

Enforcement problems with the new rule became apparent soon after the agency started enforcing it. Many carriers were faced with a difficult choice: route tiedowns inboard of the rails and attach them directly to the underside of the trailer, potentially risking improper securement, or attach them using standard industry practices and risk being issued a fine or being placed out of service by enforcement personnel who have a different interpretation of “practicable.”

Noting that tiedown failure caused by trailers rubbing against fixed objects is “extremely rare,” the FMCSA decided in 2005 that removing the rub-rail rule would not detract from highway safety and would make enforcement more consistent. Despite objections from Canadian officials, the FMCSA issued a final rule in June 2006, rescinding the prohibition on routing tiedowns outside the rub rails.

 

How long you been flat bedding?