Flatbed Rubrail/Stakepocket ladder

Discussion in 'Flatbed Trucking Forum' started by MJ1657, Dec 21, 2013.

  1. MJ1657

    MJ1657 Road Train Member

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    Isanti, MN
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    Does anyone on here use one of those ladders that slips into the stakepockets or rubrail to get on and off your flatbed? I would like to see some pics of what you have or hear about a particular brand you like. I have to stop jumping down off my deck and walking down the rub rail or over the top of the load to get at something.

    From what I've seen they are fairly expensive but one slip or fall would pay for one many times over. I have the skills and equipment to make one which may be an option but my project list is long and it may just be easier to buy one.
     
    Last edited: Dec 21, 2013
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  3. growler

    growler Bobtail Member

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    Dec 21, 2013
    simcoe,ontario,canada
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    hi,i no longer have my ladder to zshow you,but i had one built (partly built from an old household ladder).
    it was an old aluminum ladder,about 8' long,from a local yard sale. i cut it to be one step higher than the rail,then had a local frind bend and weld some aluminum bars ontto it to become rub rail hooks.
    worked great. done it after climbing on a load,then slipping and falling onto my tightener bar(for tightening straps) which i had left laying on the ground beside the trailer. broke my left hip,750 miles frm home,in eastland md. in hosp.5 days,after sugery,the wife and friend drove to pick me,truck and load up,nd take home.
    7 weeks off work,and a lot of pain.
    then built ladder !
    hard headed til then !
     
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  4. spyder7723

    spyder7723 Road Train Member

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    I just use a 6 foot step ladder. Better value in my opinion, considering the one I saw that slipped into the stake pocket was over 250 bucks. Can also easily pick it up while on the deck and use it to get on a load to spread my tarps. And then I carry a16 foot extendable for when I need to get on a tall load.
     
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  5. MJ1657

    MJ1657 Road Train Member

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    I have a Little Giant type ladder that works great in certain conditions. I tried to use it unloading on an icy job site on Friday and it was more of a hazard then jumping off the deck.

    I know the type that hooks onto the flatbed are expensive but nothing compared to the wear and tear on my already marginal knees and bad feet.
     
  6. not4hire

    not4hire Road Train Member

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    Calgary
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    I have a similar ladder. Why not just make something to clamp/fix to the ladder and use the stake pockets for those times you need it?
     
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  7. MJ1657

    MJ1657 Road Train Member

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    I think the type that slips into the stake pockets would be a lot faster and easier. I mainly haul for one shipper and I have to get on and off the deck a lot to pad straps and get them in the right spot.

    Spending a few bucks on something to speed up my day and save me some wear and tear on my body is no big deal to me.
     
  8. Freightlinerbob

    Freightlinerbob Road Train Member

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    I'm using the Cosco "Worlds Greatest Ladder" Step/Extension ladder and the welded in steps on the back of my MAC.

    I wonder if you could make a strap from an old flat hook belt to hook from a ladder rung to the rail.
     
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  9. MJ1657

    MJ1657 Road Train Member

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    I have thought about adding some of small fold down steps like you see on older grain boxes to the back of my flat. I believe they even sell them at Tarpstop.
     
  10. snowwy

    snowwy Road Train Member

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    i just use a 6 ft step ladder. easy to pack also.
     
  11. mickey melon

    mickey melon Medium Load Member

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    Chicago,Il
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    When you start getting old like me.......You have the younger generation assist you when picking up/delivering.

    I'll get to a pick-up ,location for crates that are 6-8' high that newed tarps.....I do the 'Old man' walk, Crouched over.

    It works Virtually everytime..I'll get the 20 year old warehouse kids out there tarping it for me..I just bungee and go. Same goes for deliveries


    And YES..I still bill the customer/Broker for Tarp pay
     
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