Tips and Tricks of flatbedding

So, way back in this thread somewhere was a suggestion on stake pocket winches. (https://www.amazon.com/49716-10-Por...pID=31lnvl21QZL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch)

I bought some, and I'm not at an assigned trailer company. Go here, get this trailer, go there, get that trailer, etc. But a couple places always have crummy trailers and not enough straps. Sucks throwing chain cuz it isn't secured correctly but there are no more winches available in the correct place on the trailer

BUT now

####!!!!!!!!!!

These things are worth every penny.

Grab one out of the tractor, toss it in a pocket, throw the strap, tighten, done.

If they aren't in your grab bag of tricks, they should be, and I thank whomever brought them up originally.

 

I've seen those on other trucks and I have been looking to get my own. I have twenty winches on my own flatbed, but often the placement of securement isn't precise enough for my taste. Being able to use stake pockets would really benefit me.

 

worth every penny. I bought mine too (since work does supply most everything, but that isn't one of them)
so much easier than those winches with handles (that are such a giant pain to set up and you can't get them nearly as tight) or throwing chain.

I expect as other people see me using them they'll start to realize 'hey, those are brilliant"

 

I own 4 0f them they're great if you need a winch over your dules or over your trailer tires

 

I carry around 10 2” straps and hand ratchets and 10 4” hand ratchets. Some with flat hooks and some with chain ends.

I can’t think of a single thing a hand ratchet can’t do that a pocket winch can. Lots of things a pocket winch won’t do that a hand ratchet will.

Trailers with no pockets, choking a load, very wide loads that pull out the sliding winches out, hooking the the stretch section of a trombone trailer, ect.

I can get hand ratchets just as tight as a winch but I also use a 2’ winch bar 99% of the time. I can’t remember the last time I used my long winch bar.

 

I use my stake pocket winch when I throw a 20 foot strap and I needed a 21. Lot easier to use it or a portable than to wind up the strap and get a longer one.

 

hand ratchets are great

if you have 3 hands...........................

 

The trouble I'd get in if I had three hands.

 

What foot wear and rain gear?

 

Flip flops and a t-shirt