securement question

triplesix said("The frame is the strongest part of the trailer, so yes, it is legal to hook to the frame, but the thing is about flats and steps is usually, the stake pockets and spools are matched with the same WLL of your 3/8 g70 chains and binders. If you hook to the frame, you would still need the same amount of securement points as you would if you connected to the stake pockets and spools.")

http://s172.photobucket.com/user/beastr123/media/underslungbinders.jpg.html?sort=3&o=6

the binders in the pics can be accessed after tarping.
the binders and chains are hooked within 12" of the cross tube supports between the framerails

 

Wild Question. . . But a good question too!

I've actually seen this on stretch trailer also. And If you are talking OS/OW, it would seem a feasible enough solution. I like it!

 

I've used the frame on stretch and oversize flatbed stuff a bunch. Hell, it's the biggest, strongest piece of steel/aluminum on the trailer ! And like a couple other guys have said, on the "open section" of a stretch flatbed, the frame is all you have, and the "do what ya gotta do" applies as well. But you gotta realize there's a young DOT prick down the road with $$$$ signs in his eyes that could say something trying to be promoted to captain in one week on the job using you to get there !! And when he does, just ask him "How am I supposed to meet the "5 linear feet rule" then ?" And watch him start talking like Mel Tillis when he just realized "you got HIM INSTEAD of HIM getting you". You could make him famous as a YouTube star if ya could get it on video !!

 

That would be the 10 foot rule.

Assuming, of course, it isn't an item that can't be secured every 10 feet (minimum).

 

I may have misquoted a little but 2 tiedowns in 10 ft, I think I was close using "5 linear feet" don't you ? And yes I'm aware of the "special rule" provision but when this thread got started I was thinking the guy was asking about tying a LEGAL dimension load to the main frame beams, now we're into specialty stuff somehow. I still don't follow that stupid "textbook" all the time today, I use what I know works.

 

The "5 linear feet" only applies to the first 10 feet of an item. Thereafter the rule is every 10 feet. As far as rules go. Anything extra is either company policy or driver preference.

 

Speaking of stretch loads. I've pulled a stretch flat once. Had some sort of metal bridge on a stretch flat. It's been some time ago, but other than the routing through Illinois, I don't remember any issues with it. The first time I pulled a stretch RGN, I had one of those big monopoles on it. I made the mistake of trying to put the securement every 10 ft according to the regs. Big mistake. The trailer would bounce so much that it would fling the securement off. Lost a couple straps and the dunnage in the middle started walking. Had to pull over and rework my securement to the ends of the piece (where the remaining dunnage was at), and just make sure I had enough securement to cover the weight.

Live and learn, right?