New to stepdeck I need some advice

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by strongtrucker, Mar 30, 2023.

  1. strongtrucker

    strongtrucker Bobtail Member

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    Mar 18, 2021
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    Hi
    I hope y’all doing well on the road, I’ve been driving for 3 years, pulling reefer and dry van trailers, this week I’ve decided to try stepdeck trailer, I’ve read many threads on the forum, I still need some advice from experienced open deck drivers.
    I also have couple questions that got me thinking.
    I’m an O/O. I’ve seen a lot of videos on YouTube about load securement but still all suggestions welcome.
    1) Do I need headrack if my stepdeck trailer doesn’t have headache rack?
    2) I’m going to buy flatbed equipment sets, do you have anything specific you can suggest me? Where can I buy those equipments with good deal? Any shops that you know in chicago area. ( I know where to buy I just wanna know if you know cheaper way to buy it)

    Thank you!
     
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  3. xsetra

    xsetra Road Train Member

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    Green regulation book has cargo securement chapter.
    When I started, I always watched others load and I would ask people loading. I still do.

    A headache rack is not required per regulation. Some shippers require them.

    Securement. You could carry a ton of equipment and still not have what you need. Depends what you haul.

    Online stores are a good source. Chain is cheaper at box stores.
    Look at classified ads on this website. Facebook marketplace. Truck stops around Gary have everything you need.
    Good luck
     
  4. pavrom

    pavrom Road Train Member

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    .. i can sell you headrack with chain hangers almost new ... Sitting on my yard for over 2 years
     
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  5. Kshaw0960

    Kshaw0960 Road Train Member

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    I would get an enclosed cab rack. Yes it’s $3500 or so but you’ll regret buying a cheaper one first.

    What to buy depends on freight you haul. I do load board freight and I have never missed a load because I didn’t have what I needed. Look around for prices. Tri city canvas has dunnage for $20 that’s oak. I believe mytee had the USA binders with free shipping. I got chains locally USA made also for $72 each. Below covers almost everything besides tarps.

    10 coil racks
    10 8’ beveled dunnage 4x4
    10 rubber conveyor belts
    12 chains 3/8x20’
    12 binders
    40 edge protectors 12”x12”
    Crap load of tarp protection padding
    1 box 21” bungee
    1 box 32” bungee
     
  6. strongtrucker

    strongtrucker Bobtail Member

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    Mar 18, 2021
    Wisconsin
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    Thank you for responding, For now I may not install cab rack since I’m gonna spend some money on flatbed equipments, but later I will get good one for sure, the trailer that I’m gonna rent has toolbox so I will use that box to storage my equipment at least first couple weeks.
    I have similar list that you have, only difference chain types, I was planning to buy 5/16 chains since trailer pocket holds around 5500 lbs if I’m not mistaken, therefore 3/8 chains would be pointless for me. What do you think am I mistaken about this?
     
  7. Kshaw0960

    Kshaw0960 Road Train Member

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    Every trailer is different but on mine I can take full advantage of 3/8 chain as the WLL goes up if you wrap it around 2 spools/stake pocket instead of one. If you’re in the Chicago area there are tons of coil loads and they pay pretty good. You could use 5/16 chain and be ok but securement failing could end up costing tens of thousands of dollars. Attached is a load I just did, each coil was 16k lbs. I’d hate to get this load and only have 5/16 chain. Then I would use an extra chain on each coil.

    I would say you’re fine with 5/16 but I still prefer 3/8. However I would strongly recommend getting USA chain.
     

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    Last edited: Mar 31, 2023
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  8. Kshaw0960

    Kshaw0960 Road Train Member

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    I’d also add a peerless snap binder as there’s a hole for a padlock and you can use it to lock your tarps to your deck. Harder to get them stolen then a strap anyone can cut.m since you don’t have a lot of storage boxes.

    If money is tight I would just get like 8 dunnage, 8 coil racks, and 10 chains instead of 12. It’s very rare you need 12. Like 2 times a year rare for me anyway.
     
    Last edited: Mar 31, 2023
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  9. strongtrucker

    strongtrucker Bobtail Member

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    That makes sense, I’d definitely get 3/8 also. Learning new things everyday! Appreciated.
     
  10. strongtrucker

    strongtrucker Bobtail Member

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    Wisconsin
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    Good to know this trick! Yes I will get 10 of them at the first and see if I need more I’ll add up.
     
  11. NH Guy

    NH Guy Medium Load Member

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    For the tarps, keep repair supplies. Someone should have suggestions of a vinyl cement they use with scraps to repair any holes.

    For straps, there is no such thing as too many spares. Find some place that will give you a bulk discount if you buy a whole case. Even a few of the hook on 2" types come in handy for if you haul something palletized like roofing shingles.

    If you look at your securement and wonder if its enough, its best to just add more straps to be thorough. Easier to keep things in place than deal with it on the road once things start shifting.
     
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