Tips and Tricks of flatbedding

On a different note:

With flatbedding or step deck, might consider running you air lines and pigtail as a calif. set up which is out the back of the tractor and under the trailer.
This eliminates them being in the way getting chains out of headache rack. Also elimantes lines touching the cat walk.

There is another thread on this, just wanted to add to the tips of flatbedding.
Maybe one of the moderaters can add a link.

 

Tip: Your drive tires are slippery when it's raining. Don't use them as a step to get off of your trailer. Actually just don't use them as a step ever. Ouch.

 

best work gloves I have ever had. waterproof and insulated, impact resistant, good to -20º and keep you from banging your knuckles and fingers.



http://www.amazon.com/Glove-Impact-...qid=1427245589&sr=8-2&keywords=ringers+gloves


also I love my strap winder. what a time saver!



http://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Cargo-Control-7028-B-Painted/dp/B002Y4EYWU

 

trick when windy and you're running around trailer trying to get straps tied before they blow off. you can stick a loop through rub rail and run the tail through it quick to hold them til you can put them in the winches.

 

There is a certain product I haul that I like to chain from side to side. The problem is that there is often times something sitting next to it that I can't run a chain over. I had these made to use when I can't use a chain.

There is a guy that travels around to threshing shows and flea markets custom making straps and slings. I was at a show yesterday and had him sew these up for me. I'll take some pics and post them when I get a chance to use them.

 

View attachment 83115 View attachment 83116 A couple of guys had asked about strap winders. This is the one I use. With a few super secret modifications, it also doubles as a hole maker and a screw tightener/loostener. PM me for details on how to make these modifications..... On a serious note, it's just a pawn shop black and decker with an allen wrench. Works like a charm--just leave the drill on low setting lest you get wracked in the shins by your hooks.

 

Pics didn't work. Go advanced.

 

Dont need pics. It's a cordless drill. Throw a 3/8" Allen key in it and tighten the chuck. Cordless drill is a handy thing to have.

 

Use it on high
-stand to the right of the winch instead of in front of it. Use trigger with left hand and keep strap straight into winch with right hand.

*if you remove your straps from the winches when not using them this trick doesn't work*

 

I thought everyone in here took their straps out of the winches and rolled them up and stored them in their special secret hiding spot? Lol!

I always do that myself, however, the other day I unloaded in Hobbs and was going to reload an hour away, so, I thought it would be quicker to leave them in the winches. So I used my Dewalt cordless drill and Allen key to wind them up. I have done this before and it is indeed a time saver.

However, when I strapped the next load down, I not only had to throw the hook ends of the straps (which I hate doing), but I also found myself taking every single strap out of the winch in order to roll the slack correctly and tuck it behind the strap. Also, a couple of the pallets were slightly over the edge of the trailer, and I couldn't get the hooks between them and the rub rail. A hammer fixed that, but it took extra time.

In the end, I don't think I saved any time at all by leaving them in the winches.