Tips and Tricks of flatbedding

I'll stick with what I have been doing, thanks though!

 

What no spirit of adventure? lol

 

I'm tellin' ye!

Martin

 

I use tennis balls under my straps on loads than have different heights, small pieces, three skinny palettes wide to help create extra down force where needed with out damaging product. They flex well, 4in straps wrap well and keep tight even with a little stretching in the straps. Plus if one does slip out it wont bust a windshield like a block of wood would.

 

I just bought 100 tennis balls on eBay for $30.00. Hoping to use them as edge protectors. I carry 12 furniture blankets but sometimes its not enough. Figure I can cut a slit in the balls for I-beams and things.

 

I dont haul much steel so had not thought to use them there but the tennis balls worked great so for my use. Till I build my headach rake dont have the room for furniture blankets but I got a hold of fabric samples about 5in x 5in that I use on corners and cut stone edges that wont let a normal edge protector lay right fold and place just before going tight works like using scraps of 4in strap but wider.

 

FLIGHTLINE, I use Rock Climbing / Rappelling Rope on my tarps. They are rather expensive if bought new but you can probably go to REI or any sporting goods store to see if they have any leftovers (75 feet long) and buy it cheap. Walmart has an okay rope 3/8 inch diam. The rope will give like bungees and they stay pretty tite even when you let go of the end. I use Caribeeners and "S" clips to secure each end and when not in use I roll them up on an extension cord wrap and store them under the bunk/side door.

I like to keep my hard hat and safety vest between my seat and the closet, easily accessible and out of the way.

 

My company with over 500 flatbed trucks does all their own tarp repair and for some time i was fixing tarps while i was waiting for a trainer to come available.

We used heat guns and a roller to work the bubbles out only and it worked very well once you got the rhythm right, but it takes some practice to get your method right.