Flatbed Tarps

ive always been curious.......those flatbeds that have the straps built into the side on those little pinion things...dont those straps get stolen alot?

 

There not built into the trailer. They just rolled them that way. Usually the company maybe in the van business with a couple/few flatbed's tell the driver's when they use the flatbed's to leave the strap's rolled on the winches after there use, this way they don't have to purchase 100 strap's for 3 flatbed's, (for example)

 

we're oversized for utah and nevada only. since we haul a lot to nevada. and arizona. new mexico we have to buy oversize along with trip.

we hvae to buy for arizona. one day or 30 day. i was told to always get the 30 day. but them i'm told that a 30 day has to be the exact length overhang every time. arizona is either 6 feet or 5 feet. can't remember. my understanding is though. that arizona don't sell yearly.

idaho allows up to 8 ft 6 inches i think it was before permitting. new mexico allows 7 feet.

my overweight load went to montana. i don't know the rquirements on that one. cept it can't be more then 4 feet in the front. the rear was legal for idaho. montana required the ovsize and both states got the overweight permit.

then you have the matter of front overhang. some states won't allow over 4 feet PERIOD. while others will allow 5 feet or more.

i was told that if i slid my 5th wheel all the way back. there wouldn't be enough overhang in the back to worry about arizona. since they always load that stuff as close to the cab as possible. regadless of vegas, tucson, or phoenix. arizona is usually closed when we roll through at night.

why they all c an't have the same regs. is ridiculous.

 

Having the same regs would make it to easy. They couldn't catch you doing something wrong and fine you. That's why many drivers shy away from OD. It's probably easier to design, build, and launch a inter-planetary rocket then learn and remember all the state rules on OD. I bought one of those books from the truckstop but it still doesn't explain it clearly enough sometimes.

 

i dont think there's any companies. the truck buys the permits.

if you have the road atlas. it gives you phone numbers and web addresses to buy online.

 

Hahaha! Yes strap winders may be for lazy people but when my boss who was also a flatbedder first showed me his newest edition to my loadout, (strap winder) I thought It was the best invention in the world!!! On a hot summer day in phoenix when all you wanna do is get out rolling and you have 14 straps laying on the ground in 115 degree AZ weather and no AC in the truck, strap winders start to look pretty good to me. I can roll up every strap I have very quickly and the best part I like is (maybe im just sloppy...) but i can wind my straps nice and tight and iniform so they unwind beautify when thrown and they stay rolled tighter and save space in my box. To eaches own I guess. When I go back to flatbed I think Ill make sure I have one.