Ratchet Straps and Tarps for a 40' trailer, what do I need?

Let's turn this back to tarps. What size and how many to start out with? Big Tex 40' trailer.

 

I carry 2 from Peaks made from Cordura (will be buying 18oz vinyl next time) that were custom made just big enough to cover my trailer. They are typical 8' drop lumber tarps with one end flap on each, but cut at 20' long instead of typical 24'-27' long to save on weight. They are a big pain in the bum to use all the time, especially on the smaller stuff, but there's almost nothing I can't cover if I had to.. Make sure to get 3 or 4 rows of d rings spaced at the bottom 2' 4' & 6' on up on the sides so you have lots of places to secure it. Never be "that guy" rolling down the road with your tarp flapping all over the place. Not only does it look unprofessional as hell, it will destroy the tarp & could damage the very freight it is supposed to protect. After you've made some money, buy a little machine tarp like 16'x16' with d rings running all directions to make covering the little stuff easier..

You'll also need felt, carpet, towels, moving blankets, cardboard, plastic tarp protectors, something like this to keep from poking holes in your expensive new tarps. Any sharp edge needs something over it to keep that tarp watertight..

Don't forget bungees, rubber rope, or trucker rope. Maybe a combination of all 3. I keep about 100 bungees. Most 21" some 12" some 31". Some are EPDM (better in warm weather) some are natural rubber.. (better in the cold)

 

I have had good luck with "ratchetstraps.com" for the straps. They have 10-15% off or free shipping deals all the time & that's when I load up. As others have said "mytee products" is a good place to buy bungee straps.

 

So would it be a good idea to go for an 8 foot drop? I honestly have no idea what I will be hauling, just trying to get everything together.

 

Personally, I think I've used all 8' of drop once or twice. They might be more useful on a full size truck than a hotshot.

But on the other hand, there's a good fellow who dispatches a lowboy style of hotshot, & his guys seem to use that 8' drop quite a bit.

I hate to tarp, so I often turn down tarp loads & will sit an extra few hours, or deadhead a few extra miles to avoid tarping, so I'm not the best guy to ask about this..

8 footers will give you more tarp load options, but 4 footers will be way lighter & easier to use IMO. Maybe buy one of each..?

 

So I just purchased a tarp from mytee finally. Got a 24×27 with 8 foot drop. A 14oz to try and cut down on the weight.

 

Hi everyone, reviving this thread hoping to get some help. Curious what types of hooks to get on my straps. I am new to hotshot and trying to get all my trailer gear together. I plan to haul general freight as well as autos and occasionally heavy equipment. I see there are flat hooks, double J wire, D rings and some with chains + grab hooks. Is there a type that works best or is it just personal preference? I’m leaning towards (8) 4x30 and (4) 3x30. My trailer is a BigTex 25GN 35+5.

Also wondering about the chains. Are G70 3/8x20 sufficient or should I get thicker and higher grade?

Thanks in advance for any help and insight.

 

Edit. Didn't realize I was answering an old comment.

 

I prefer flat hooks since they can go between most rub rails where the hooks won't typically. I did buy some hooks though so i could use on my personal vehicle, which rarely happens.

As for the chains, 3/8 is plenty because you gotta look at your trailers payload capacity. Each one is around 6600 WLL. The main thing you'll probably want to focus on is quantity, for multiple items that they want chained... like generators. I dont use chains all that often as I prefer to avoid those loads just out of preference. But the 4 I have, which I want to buy at least 2 more, has been plenty for any load I have taken that required chains.

 

Thanks for the reply @Miroh! My trailer has a payload of 16,800lbs. so I’ll definitely take that into consideration. Would you say 30’ strap length is sufficient or should I get some 40’ footers?