Flatbedders: Headache Racks REQUIRED?

5' 10" and 155 pounds here and I did allright as a skateboarder for 3 years. IMO when it comes to tarping a load or climbing a load of lumber I think us skinny folk have it easier than the husky or bigger fellers.

 

Hey rex,

I realize this is an old thread but I have been looking for some info (in the forum) on equiping a flatbed. I did some flatbed work about 15 years ago, but it was local stuff and the company I worked for did not really equip the trucks (you usually had to go around to the other trucks in the yard to find equipment). Anyhow, I want to get back into it (I have my own authority) but I need to know what I should equip the flatbed with, I saw your list above and was wondering if there should be more that I should get. I did minimal tarping so I would also need to know how many and what size to get.
Thanks.

 

We run flats, so I can help you a little. You need at least 14 4x30 straps, 8 chains (5/8"), binders, a couple of boxes of bungees, 50 ft rope. Tarps depends on what you will be hauling. If it's going to be lumber, a set of 8' drops will work, but know that lumber is CHEAP. Otherwise 4' or 6' will work. V-Boards will be helpful for hauling some things, and you might want to invest in some edge protectors. Regardless of whatever else you have read in this post, a headache rack should be used. I have pictures of the damage a 60 I-beam did on one of my trucks with a headache rack.

 

Thank you! I had an idea but needed to make sure. I plan on using a headache rack. Do you own a flat? I have beem looking at buyin an old used one. But it looks though they are steel composition whereas most of the new ones are alum. Does the weight make a difference in what you haul or is that usually related to MPG. Could I get by with a steel one?

Thanks Again.

 

Weight is definitely a consideration. We don't run flats anymore, but do run stepdecks and RGNs. Our steps are combos and our truck/trailers weigh about 31,000 with full tanks, so we can easily haul 48,000. Most flat loads will want you to be able to scale between 45 and 48. If you are in CA, and plan to run lumber in NoCA, you need to be aware of the overall length rule or you can get into some spendy situations. I hear the officers up there have uncles and cousins who are always ready to help a trucker out for a price.

Best of luck to you.

 

I thought you had to either have one on the tractor or the trailer. In regards to the snap binders. They are DOT legal but some shippers/recievers require the ratchet binders. Personally I prefer the ratchet binders. You can get your load tighter and they don't loosen up going down the road.

 

The flatbed I will be using does not have a Headache rack nor does my tractor. Is there a way to make a temporary bulkhead, until I can purchase a headache rack. I remember seeing a post (cant find it!!) about using 4x4's as a bulkhead and binding it down to the flatbed. How many and how high?? any other suggestions would be welcome.
thanks

 

Six 4x4's (or more, but they get more unstable the higher you stack them), two timbers wide, by three high. One long chain is all you need and a snap binder. You'll mount this little "wall" on the front of the flat, as far forward as you can get it and have it secured by the chain.

The chain goes over the top of the 4x4's, down the back of the stack on each side. I prefer running them down the back because you'll hook it on one rub rail peg, forward to another, then back up the front side of the stack and hook the chain. Not too tight, because you'll be using the snap binder to tighten it. Go back up to front because if the load shifts forward and hits the stack, it'll drive the stack and the chain forward, hooking it tighter into the chain hooks (assuming you pointed the hooks with the open side toward the rear).

Put the snap binder on the chains at the top of the stack, leave the slack of the chain INSIDE of the binder so it hangs down the back of the stack in the center. Snap it tight. VERY tight. If you can hit the stack with your cheater bar and move it, it's not tight enough.

Perfect? No. But it may at least slow down a load or a bunch of pallets coming at you. I did this regularly when I had enough room at the front of the flat.

 

AS to headboards they are NOT required. Regs. say if you chose not to have a headache rack you must use at least one more binder/strap etc. on the load. The headboard of 4x4's is a good practice, especially when hauling oiled steel bars. Snap over binders are legal, but you should,in canada required, wrap a bungee,use tie wire, or zip tie to keep the binder from accidently opening. I see one here is suggesting 5/8 chain, ok, but a little heavy for me. In all cases, binders, and chains need to be rated for the job. All hooks, ratchets and chain are marked. Look for G70 or forged. Stay away from anything stamped proof or high test. Chain is required to be stamped every foot or so. Look for it, stay away from imported chain when possible. I personally use 5/16 G70 transport chain and us made snap and ratchet binders. All the headache racks in the world won't protect you from crappy chains.

 

well..i must disagree...maybe in the state that you're from..but here in the north east..headboards nor headache racks are required..but there is laws on how the product must be secured...