Flatbed Tarps

Got a set of those "peakstarps" now. At first they were alright. Being lightweight they tend to ballon out a lot. They are nearly impossible to repair unless you can sew the patches on. I found a glue (Seam Grip) that somewhat works to glue patches on. We've bought our latest vinyl tarps from Harps Tarps out of Atlanta.

 

How are those Harps?

 

look at the tennessee steel haulers websight. they have a list of what they expect on the flatbeds. which is pretty much exactly what i am setup with.

you need a 50 foot steel tarp with 4ft drop. for me that's been overkill. 3ft is what i would prefer but 4 is there should i need it. steel tarps are heavy though. i always have to ask for help to load and unload. i see a lot of flatbeds using some type of mesh type tarp. those are probably lighter.

2x25 foot tarps. i have 8 foot drops but have actually only used once. rest of the times i wished they were 4 foot. but i have had 6 foot high loads.

you want 21 straps. most of the times i don't even hit 18 for a load. but i've had a couple that i used all 21. coil loads for example require 3 straps per coil.
that also means you need 21 ratchets on your trailer for the straps. i have 13 on one side that i use all the time. the other 9 only get used part of the time. you'll find out why as you learn.

you want 12 light chains and binders. heavy chains can wear you out when chucking them. 12 chains is what it takes for a typical load of crushed cars. you also use chains for BELLY WRAPPING oversized rebar. i say belly wrap as that's the best way to secure rebar and pipe from sliding into your cab.

none of our trailers have headache racks. secure the load tight and you won't have to worry about killing yourself. i've had a couple of brake checks and my loads never budged.

you want 75 bungee cords. for tieing down your tarps. some guys use bungee rope.
when the wind blows it takes your tarp with. so you use cords to keep the tarp in place and not blow off. i've gotten into the habit of strictly using cords. but rope can be done faster.

rugs for those loads that have metal s ticking out. but a hammer works too sometimes. anything to keep the tarps from a point object.

an actual trailer with curtains would be the better deal then you won't have to worry about tarps. but y ou can't haul oversized rebar or other types of loads.
quite frankly. i don't mind oversized rebar but it would be nice if all 48 states had the same rules concerning where you can overhang and how much.

you'll need a light bar if hauling oversized loads on the rear of trailer at night. which means you want a trailer with a light connection on the rear. and red flags.

some cities also require full dress. which means oversized banners on front and rear and 3 flags on each side of vehicle and trailer.

you don't need a smoke tarp for pipe. you make do with the tarps you already have.

some loads will push there weight to 48,000 plus. leaving you with 2000 for fuel. so, the less weight you have. the better.

a trailer with spread axle is your better bet. it can haul 40,000 pounds on the rear. 90 percent of my loads have been arse heavy. you still can't be over 80,000 pounds though without a overweight permit.

a side cart on each side of trailer to pack your stuff. i also have a mesh bracket on each side of trailer for my tarps.

you want v-boards and plastic edge protectors. most guys have 2 boards with connectin straps.

that's all the equipemt i have and my trailer i haul.

a ladder i could use though. like the above post said. some shippers won't bother throwing up your tarp for you. and some of them loads can be a ###### to tarp.

 

the bulkhead chain rack will add to your lightweight. it's a nice accessor but really not needed.

seperate box on each side of trailer. one box for chains and binders that you rarely use. so why mix everything in one box. keep yourself seperate and organized with things that get used from things that don'[t get used.
20 corner protectors should be sufficient.
i don't know what a light duty coil rack is. which means i don't have it.
75 bungee cords. 21 inches. is all you need.
6 bungee cords. 31 inches to keep your tarps rolled up. 2 on each tarp.
i dont have a strap winder. those are for lazy people. LOL.
12 chains. one grade. 30 feet. with hooks.
i already mentioned in above post about tarps.

the rest of your list is overkill. i'd wait to see what kind of loads you haul before adding to your list of tools.

 

Strap winders are for people that are fast .. not lazy. If time does not matter to you by all means wind your straps by hand.

In my opinion 15in bungees are worthless. Does your trailer have sliding winches? If so how many? As stated before you will need around 20 straps. Most loads can be done with 18 or less. Have an appropriate number of strap winches (sliding, portable, fixed, whatever) or ratchets to secure a load. I would get a couple of two inch straps with ratchets ... and at least one 4in strap ratchet.

I am a roper, not a bungeer when it comes to tarp securement. I use a few bungees to hold down/tighten up the tarp before I rope. And I use bungees on the front and back flaps.

 

What loads are you doing where you need 20 straps?

 

I usually use 12 straps or less on a given load, unless it is pipe or coils. You secure your way, I will secure mine ... I've never lost anything or had a severe load shift, well had not untill I made that comment, tomorrow is a new day ... ha

 

No need to get all defensiveness about it....

####!!!!!

 

You didn't mention a WINCHBAR !! How are you suppose to tie anything down without it ? And I would get bungie rope, you can leave it on the tarp so when you use it next time, you just pull the bungie rope to the hook's on the trailer and save's you lot's of time. You also will need STEEL proctector's as well as the soft one's. And portable winches(bout 4).

 

Come on...real 'Bedders are tough...they don't need no stinkin' winchbars....

Tighten those straps with your bare hands.....Lock those binders down by hand.....
OOOOOO-RAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!