Centering Metal Coils

When I'm tighting down the coils the load straps get a slight twist in them. I use Kinedyne 4" Chain anchor straps with a WLL of 5,400lbs. The coils are loaded on skisd with the eyes vertical. The distance between the anchor points on the trailer is 45" center to center. The coil skids are constructed of 3ea 3"x3" 60" long stringers, with 1" x4" planks and the center board is the longest. Width of the skis is 43". I eyeball centering the skid between the anchor points on the trailer using the center board as a reference. Sometimes I get it close sometime it's off. When the skid is off then the straps start to twist when I tighten them up. It's just a slight twist but it bugs me. I haven't had the pleasure of going through a DOT inspection yet but I'm assuming if you have twisted load straps it's a gig on the inspection. Should I remeasure the anchor points to find the center from the outside edge to outside edge or inside to inside edge? My load consists of 5 coils on skids each weigh a minimum of 12,000lbs most of the time they weigh a bit more.

I haven't had the pleasure of going through a DOT inspection yet but I'm assuming if you have twisted load straps it's a gig on the inspection.

Chris, you are obviously a guy who likes to make sure everything on his load is looking good! I like that. In reality there is nothing wrong with a slight twist in your strap. Are you placing two straps per coil with an '"x" shape across the top of the coil? I used to purposely put a half twist in my straps because that will keep them from vibrating in the wind. Many flatbedders will intentionally put a twist in their straps when there is going to be about four feet or more distance between contact points. It will help reduce stress on the strap and help it stay taught as you travel.

Old School wrote:

I haven't had the pleasure of going through a DOT inspection yet but I'm assuming if you have twisted load straps it's a gig on the inspection.

Chris, you are obviously a guy who likes to make sure everything on his load is looking good! I like that. In reality there is nothing wrong with a slight twist in your strap. Are you placing two straps per coil with an '"x" shape across the top of the coil? I used to purposely put a half twist in my straps because that will keep them from vibrating in the wind. Many flatbedders will intentionally put a twist in their straps when there is going to be about four feet or more distance between contact points. It will help reduce stress on the strap and help it stay taught as you travel.

Old School Yes Sir two straps for each coil! My mentor suggested that during the winter I should load all my Coils forward in the trailer to help improve the traction on the drives. The routing we take from Oswego to Middletown NY have a couple of steep hills and they get slick! Normally I load two coils forward on the trailer and have a space then load the remaining three towards the back of the trailer. When I get back to the yard tomorrow I'm going to switch back to my regular trailer and I'm going to mark the center point between the anchor points so I'm not just eyeballing it. Hopefully it will solve the twisting issue.

tomorrow I'm going to switch back to my regular trailer and I'm going to mark the center point between the anchor points so I'm not just eyeballing it.

That's a great idea Chris! I used to do that regularly for loads like coils or something that I needed to center just right between two anchor points. I would measure it out, and then I'd hang a bungee on the rub rail of my trailer right where the center point was . I'd use it as a guide to help me guide the overhead crane operator where I wanted it to sit.

You can also mark it by using sidewalk chalk.