Drop/tilt deck chain/cargo strap tie-down methods

ok. Now, bear in mind I know jack about this - though I'd love to flatbed.

I'm assuming there's no ratchet points inside that outer rail.

the slots in the deck are easiest to deal with. They're chain-grabs. Drop a length of chain through the center "eye", then turn it sideways and slide it into the 'wing' portion. Use a tightening system to snug it. (you see this a lot on flat-bed tow trucks)

Obviously, the stake mounts are.. stake mounts.

So, it appears the real question is,where do you secure your chain snugging system, or your straps?

Well, actually, for heavy equipment, are straps even used?

No matter.

Don't attach to the stake-sockets - if they get bent, they're unusable.

Don't attach to that bar that runs parallel to the side of the trailer (supported by the round-bar). That puts part of your securement system outside the dimensions of the trailer. Darn things are wide enough as it is. Attach to the support bars (the round bars).

Snugging system should be on the passenger side of the trailer (less likely to affect other motorists if something goes wrong)

I'm not sure about those square holes inboard of the rail and stake holes. maybe there's a specialized fastener? Or are they pass-through for a connection point under the bed? No idea 'tall.

Now

All that being said, SOMEBODY at that company should show you how they want it done. If they won't, I'd look REALLY hard at other employment. They're setting you up to fail.

 

You can check the FMCSR §392.9 and §393.100 through §393.142 and see what's required. However you'll need to check with the manafacturer of the chains to see if they meet the requirement or read § 393.108 (d). I always used the D-ring on the side of the trailer to secure heavy equipment but if you don't have those you have to make sure the tiedown point can meet the same spec's as the chains.

It's all there, you'll just have to go through it and make sure you're legal.

 

GH - Maybe I'm reading it wrong. I read the OP as asking about technique and how-to, rather than specs and requirements.

 

Gashauler has the better idea.While the thread starter was looking for techiques,they still have to be techniques that are allowed by the FMCSR.You cant go wrong when you are lookin for answer's in the book.There are a million ways to do flatbed,but only a few acceptable ways to do it right.Take the 1 chain for every 10k pound rule.My company liked one for every 8k pounds.If you have a 40k pound coil loaded shotgun,and you have 4 chains on it,you are also required to have atleast one strap on it as well.If its loaded suicide,there is no strap required.Again,you can dispute technigues,but you cant despute regulations..There are a TON out there for flatbed.Wildrose,I dont wanna sound mean,but did your company train you??If alot of other drivers are tellin you different methods,just go with the one that works best for you.

 

Again there is no right way to place you chains or tiedowns as long as you secure the load. And the points on the trailer must meet the requirements too.

I've never crossed over the trailer with heavy equipment but all my equipment was on tracks. But I used 1/2 chains with binders. I never did like the ratchet type binders because I could always get a better secured load with binders and a cheater bar. You can block the inside if you like but if you're only going a short distance then a chain across the trailer might be best.

If I were you I'd check to see if those type of tiedowns even meet the requirements. At least you can find out how many you'll need by the FMCSR's. Just remember that if you're the driver then you're the one that's responsible for the load. Don't let anyone push you into something you know is wrong. That's why I listed the FMCSR's. Once you find out what you need then you can tie down the way you like.

 

heh - I bow to experience.

I still think, though, that if somebody at the company ain't showing him the ropes, so to speak, he's in a precarious position.