Tips and Tricks of flatbedding

Never been hit in the shins but I have upper cut myself in the jaw a few times from bungees either breaking or slipping from being wet. The first time I did it, my hand came at me so hard in the side of the face it took me a couple minutes to shake it off and realize where I was and what just happened. Since the last time I have been more careful when they are wet and ditch any that show any kind of cracking, rotting or cuts. Wanted to beat a guys arse one time for almost hitting me with the hook end of a strap even though I was wearing my hardhat. I hate being near people who throw hooks first and they tend to park directly next to you with no room to stay clear of them.

 

Shock cord is continuous. I've seen guys use them and they look to be more of a PITA than bungees and typically require small hooks all the way around the trailer to tie to.

 

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Ill try again

 

Got the step deck ready to go this weekend.

First pic was an idea from Cluck. He mentioned the area under the neck for a spare tire. I took a piece of expanded steel and put it in there. Looks like a good place to stow a tarp or something if needed.

Next three pics are of the chain slots and shelves for binders, straps, and carpet. We made a slot on the left side of the chain slots to put ratcheting binders in.

 

I didn't post the painted pics because they didn't show up as good. Added a piece of angle iron so chain binders don't interfere with the door latch.

 

Anyone can recommend light weight tarps , I am small frame 142 lbs and 69 lbs tarps are making a number on me . I stretch I bend my knees but I am afraid one day they will get me , I manage to survive but will love to get under 60 lbs tarp for my next purchase

 

please let me play with those 69lbs tarps mine are around 140 its ridiculous. Been thinking I need to buy my own so company's can dry rot lol

 

I don't recommend the "parachute" style lightweight tarps. The amount of padding, protecting, hammering, and stapling you have to do to keep them from ripping is ridiculous (they'll tear on the broad side of a 2X4 if you don't take an extra hour or two to pad them), and there doesn't seem to be any way of keeping them from pillowing out short of every strap on the truck with at least two tarp straps on every D-ring. To add insult to the injury of how easily they tear, they have to have patches stitched on by a shop, so you can't even fix them yourself during or between loads.

If you need your tarps to be lighter, get smaller tarps. I'd take a 7 piece vinyl over my 2 piece Cordura any day. Ideally, a small guy like you should be pulling a conestoga around, since even a slight breeze can get those tarps over a load.