Flat bed Equipment Advise

12 3/8 x20 chains split you binder 6 each incase you haul any military or equipment, no more than 5 2in straps as for tarps 8ft tarp loads don't pay anymore and in most cases pay less and are heck to do alone or in this heat waves we have'n 4 ft will do fine and get a smoke tarp.

 

What kind off loads will you haul?

 

I'm getting a couple of single coil bags. Using a full size lumber tarp or smoke tarp tends to be a big PITA. I'm still looking into a headache rack. Trying to find one I like that works for me has been a chore and still is. Trying to find a polished 3 door( "X" panel) with tarp rack on top that is no more than 12-14" deep.

 

Typically and I see as a industry standard is two 24' lumber tarps with 8' drops and flap. They do have the newer three piece sets now but I don't know the dimensions but can say they are shorter in length but the same 8' drop with a center tarp which can be used in most cases as a steel tarp, smoke tarp or coil tarp. They are easier to work with weight wise as far as getting them up on the deck then on the load.

 

I carry 12 sets of 20' chains and binders, a box (20) of 4" straps, about four 2" straps with ratchets which I seldom use and a winch bar. I also carry twelve 10' chains with hooks on one end (six 20' chains cut in two in the middle) for adding length to the 20 footers when hauling crushed cars. Also have a box of 50 rubber corner protectors that slide over the 4" straps. Also 4 four foot pipe stakes, ten 8' 4x4's hardwood and eight 4' 4x4,s. No tarps. I don't do tarp loads any more. Haven't for probably 8 years. Health issues.

 

How much do you think this has affected your bottom line?

 

12 3/8 x 20' chains
8-10 snap binders
4 ratchet binders
10 - 2" straps and ratchets
12 - 4" straps
2-4 4" ratchets or stake pocket winches
30 4" corner protectors
16 Vee-boards
8 coil racks
8 8' 4x4's (prefereably beveled)

that should be a good starting list, tarps are a bit of a coin flip. If you plan on hauling a lot of lumber or something that is going to require 8' drops then start with that. If not, then you really don't want to hassle with them and have the extra 400 lbs to haul around. 2 - 16x24's and 1 - 16x16 is also a good way to start, and if you add a 20x24 or 2 and a nose tarp you can fully tarp an 8' tall load by turning them sideways if you have too. It's fine to start without tarps too, you may miss some tarp loads but you'll also probably pick up some loads that need that extra 400-600 lbs net. Save your money, run awhile and see what you are missing out on by not having this or that tarp. I definitely wouldn't waste money on a coil bag unless you really plan on running coils alot, a 16x16 works fine and comes in handy as a nose tarp, for little partials, and for lots of things.

edit - oh yeah, and furniture pads. tarps are expensive, furniture pads are cheap, buy the pads to cover sharp edges and corners so you don't rip your tarps.