headache rack..68H-89W-20D

Aren't one of the things Vulvas are known for is being heavy on the front axle? I think a few inches back might help with the fifth wheel.

disclaimer: never owned, drove or rode a Volvo.

 

Silly question, but I really dont know. If youre driving a flatbed or stepdeck, do you have to have a headache rack? I have one lying around, but I havent bothered putting it on, as its got no space inside or hooks for binders or chains (I have a box for those things).

 

If ALL of your slide is ahead from the center of the tandems then move the fifth wheel assembly back so that when it is slid forward it sits in the middle of your tandems. It's not like you ever need to slide forward as I am sure you are heavy on the steer axle to begin with.

 

By Law, Headache racks are no longer required though without one, you are required an extra chain or strap in the front 4' over the standard requirements.
Most companys like Mercer and Landstar still require all trucks signed on to have them but it is no longer a law.

 

Another option would be to install a "head-board" on the trailer. You could even install that cabnet like a head-board and solve the Volvo's length issue w/o moving the 5th. wheel. Problem with that is that some shippers won't load a trailer with a head-board. Usually for long loads like pipe. Guess there's no perfect solution. Figure out what you really need/want. Hope this helps.

 

The problem with a headboard is that you can't easily get onto the trailer then. You'll be climbing up and down off the back numerous times. And you better make sure you pull off enough chains and binders the first time, because if you don't, you'll be climbing over the load to get them.

 

This is true however, if ya turned the cabnet around with the doors facing the front of the trailer, it wouldn't be any differant than if the cabnet was mounted on the truck. I've done this in the past with a steel headboard that I modified with chain racks, tarp racks, etc. (I'm also a welder so that along with my shop & welding eqpt. helped alot.) Anyway,,,there's more than one way to skin a cat and it doesn't always have to be how everyone else does it.
The biggest reason why I'm not using my headboard is because of the long loads that require 3-4' of overhang off the front of the trailer, & shippers that won't load it no matter what. Yes it's tougher to get on the trailer with the board there like you said, but like I said...there's no perfect solution.

 

I have even seen some guys mount the enclosed rack on the top deck of a stepdeck trailer. I guess really you can do whatever works best for ya. I find it easier to have an enclosed rack so that the road grime and salt stay off my equipment and it also keeps people from stealing my stuff. There has been a big rash of guys getting things stolen off their trucks in the last few weeks. A-holes !!!

 

For that kind of money you better buy it.

 

or tell me where it is