I have narrowed it down to a step deck but have a few questions

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by Dadetrucking305, Jul 25, 2021.

  1. Dadetrucking305

    Dadetrucking305 Heavy Load Member

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    So I have narrowed my search down to a 53’ step deck.The one I’m looking at is a Fontaine with 10’ upper and 43’ lower with a 40” deck height loaded according to specs.My first question is will one set of ramps work to load backhoes,skid steers,and tractors? Or do I need two sets?

    How does this list look for tie down gear 16-4”x30’ straps
    10-5/16x20 chains and ratchet binders
    40-edge protectors
    1-winch bar
    2-8’ drop tarps.I’m having the hardest time with this one because I don’t know how often I’ll be using them and if I should even get them at first and see how it goes,and if it comes to the point that I’m missing loads then purchasing them.Also will I need 8’ drops on a step or will a different drop work better?
    How many coil racks should I get?
    What else am I missing?
     
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  3. Linte_Loco

    Linte_Loco Road Train Member

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    I would get at least 4 3/8” chains as well at minimum for the larger equipment. And have all binders 3/8” rated of course or to save money, at least match your chains

    At least 4 coil racks at minimum. But pay attention to shipper specific notes

    4-6 2” straps with binders. And maybe 2 4” binders for any area you don’t have a winch on your step. Usually near the wheels. That’s where the 2” and 4” ratchets come in handy

    You will eventually be dealt with 9-10` tall loads that need tarped if you accept them. So as far as tarps go some 8m drops would be ok for most things, but if you want to get those other loads, consider 28-30` length, so if you turn them sideways, you can cover height if needed

    Someone else can comment on ramps
     
  4. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    Looks good to me. You may want some bungees to go with those tarps. Or you wont get very far down the road lol

    The coil racks if you get the ones that are specifically made for regular dunnage then you wont have to carry angle cut dunnage with you... i have 6 of them , got them at tarpstop in youngstown ohio. Very heavy duty...
     
  5. skallagrime

    skallagrime Road Train Member

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    Tarpstop still carries the angled racks, but they arent the GOOD ones anymore. Last i looked a month or so ago, was just a crummy peice of bar bent and tacked in place.

    For the GOOD racks, order peerless or the uscc has stock at the reitenour dealership in ky (trailer marketing incorporated)

    Pic1, uscc
    Pic2, peerless (but price is close to 50$ ea)
    I prefer peerless, but they aint cheap

    That said, if getting a reitenour (or some others have their own systems), if you buy one with the track, can buy the clip in aluminum extrusions that act as the racks
     

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  6. Kyle G.

    Kyle G. Road Train Member

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    This might be the most basic response but you should get more than one winch bar so you have a spare in case you lose one. I keep one in my trailer box and one in my headache rack. Also you can hook them together to make a longer bar for extra leverage if you need it.
     
  7. God prefers Diesels

    God prefers Diesels Road Train Member

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    Strap winder. I use the cheap Kinedyne, and it works great.

    Also some large edge protection. At least start with some furniture blankets if you can't get carpet/mud flap/firehose/conveyor belt scraps. You can get them at Northern Tool for like six bucks each. I carry ten. You'll need them to pad tarps.

    For bungees, don't buy expensive small quantities. Go on Amazon and order boxes of 50. They're about $70 per box. I carry 100 x 31", and 50 x 21". Your miles may vary.
     
  8. staceydude

    staceydude Road Train Member

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    So much great advice here.

    I agree with on the two winch bars. Never know…

    16 straps doesn’t seem like enough to me. One or two get damaged in the middle of a trip and
    you end up paying a lot more for them in a Truckstop. I would carry at least 20. As was suggested to me and you
    Get a couple good 4” Rachets you will use them sometime.
     
  9. God prefers Diesels

    God prefers Diesels Road Train Member

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    I carry 10 x 30' straps, and 10 x 35' straps. Longer ones help with belly wraps. Definitely need hand ratchet straps. I don't have any four inch on the truck. But I do have four 2" for cargo, and a handful of 1" for my miscellaneous junk.

    Don't forget some steel edge protection for your chains. I have ten regular, and ten with a loop.
     
  10. Kyle G.

    Kyle G. Road Train Member

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    The 4-inch ratchets are nice when you need them but they are bulky and heavy and take up a lot of room in the box. I carry two of them, but I think I have close to 20 2-inch straps and ratchets. Those are invaluable and much easier to store. I have two stackable plastic milk crates in my side box, straps in one, ratchets in the other. Works good. Don’t forget to keep those ratchets lubed! LOL
     
  11. cgilliland

    cgilliland Medium Load Member

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    i have both sets of ramps. i really only use one set. anything with decent ground clearance can be loaded with a single set. you only need two for longer lower loads like a service truck or a car etc. equipment is usually tracked or has the clearance. you might miss a load here or there with only one set but not that many.
     
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