Ratchet Straps

You think I haven't hauled insulation? Get real man. It's a waste of time and a myth.

 

I would venture to guess I have hauled more insulation than the other "experts" on this thread and IMO 30' 2" straps will do the job for x straps. I've probably only hauled a hundred loads or so of it though, so if a real expert would like to correct me, no trouble. Use edge protectors, the wider, the better. Those cardboard ones they supply at some insulation places are worth holding onto but the plastic ones are better if you got em.

 

Definitely more risk of forward load shift with heavier loads improperly secured. 8,000-10,000 lb loads spanning 48' with 14 total 4" straps (3x first unit and last unit) brake checks have never moved a bundle on me, 2/3 loads per week for years not a single incident of load shift.

Leftlane *"decision you make" didn't reference a brake check alone- if you 'just can't get the straps tight' you can't also be slammig on the brakes. Loose securement = not secure, can't slam on your brakes with an unsecured load.

 

Also Danny is right about those edge protectors: I use the 10" with the 4" lip. Cut a slot in the lip on both sides so if need be you can run the strap thru the edge protector. Makes a significant difference.

 

OK go to place in lake city and see if they let you leave without your X. Don't give me the I leave without all the time cause I've seen them do it. Or smoke tarp which is same principle.

 

let's not forget the back. as that crap can and sometimes does walk backwards.

i'd hate to haul that with a flat top semi.

 

I spent a year driving for a commercial roofing company. I hauled that crap every day, including open, partial bundles in a flat too, daycab truck. never x strapped ISO, and never lost any, either.

 

If you get the 8' tall shrink wrapped stacks, a U-strap works just fine. Never seen anyone X-strap the front, and I've never considered it since I have a bulkhead. I've never managed an effective X-strap, but I'll throw one on for show, and stop 5 miles down the road after the edge protectors fell off and put a good U-strap on each layer.

The stuff definitely likes to walk backwards, though, especially in a strong crosswind.

 

Completely irrelevant, but "rachet straps" would be a decent title/theme for a james brown song, I think.