step deck load leveler

I dont know where they got those, but i do know some shippers wont even load on load levelers unless they are manufacturer built and rated.

 

Correct

 

It wouldn't be hard to fab/build one yourself or have a local welder make something for you. But yeah, I see lots of posts saying steps must have factory levelers.

 

There is also the issue of making the leveler secure. Unless the pipe stakes have chain slots on them to lock forward and aft movement, I would not trust them with any kind of weight on them.

A single leveler kit, (Buying just the individual pieces( 2 stake pockets and the ramp) from Superior Trailers will set you back about $850. But it will be sturdy enough to set a full load of pipe or just about anything else on it.

Hurst.

 

Everything for your flatbed truck or van Tri City Canvas in Granite City Illinios. They cost around 50 bucks for a set and they are a makeshift load leveler / 4x4 bulkhead. If you call them Steve will know what you are looking for.

 

Tri-City is a good place for gear. been getting stuff from them for years. May not always have the best price, but they will stand by the products they sell.

On the stakes, tell them you want chain hooks on both sides.

 

I use 3” channel 12” high welded back to back with a piece of 4” channel 22” high filled dropped into the stake pocket, with 4x4 dunnage and a peice of hardwood dunnage on the top. Tied down with a 2” strap across the works. Two extra tie downs on the top deck or a bulk head will keep them from moving. Been doing it like that for 20 years. Never been failed at the scale or been refused to load, never had a load shift. Cost me time and $50 from the used metal lot. Coolest part, I have plenty of dunnage onboard and the stakes store nicely in the toolbox, zero deck space lost. I did have a shipper refused to load pipe on me once when I first made them (nite shift loader). Waited until morning. They sent the safety manager down in the morning, he looked over over my set up, he then discussed it with the head shipper. They both walked over and shook my hand, apologized for the delay and the safety manager said “ingenuous”.