Maybe it’s a sawmill with frame extension like this and maybe not, but either way, this is how to properly strap down your load.
The majority of people hauling things like this are using the minimum of load straps, and most will only have 2 side straps on this frame extension. Why is it that everyone nowadays only wants to do the minimums? Here’s why…people are lazy!! With all the changes of this world, especially since covid, it seems like our society has just got lazier than ever before.
Most “so called” professional drivers will say that this load is over strapped. I have 4 straps on the sides and 1 right now the middle. Overkill? No such thing as overkill when it comes to hauling stuff down the roads, and risking a strap or 2 breaking (which happens), especially on the rough roads we have now.
Pay close attention to the pictures below. See how I have frame straps and straps going over the frames have additional protective covering? This protects the main straps from rubbing and getting hurt or possible cut by metal edges. You will also see the additional tails I have on straps I use zip ties to keep them tight and right. Many will do their fancy roll and tuck the strap tails, which is fine, but have you seen people going down the road with strap tails flying around? Yeah, me too. Fancy isn’t always the best! 🤣
Let’s say I only have 2 side straps on this frame extension, and let’s say 1 breaks, or comes loose? Now you are left with only 1 strap holding this 1500# frame extension. How long will the 1 strap hold this 1500# large chunk of steel before it comes off and causes a wreck, and possibly kill someone? So, don’t be that lazy person that does the minimums? Instead, be the one that over does everything they do. You may wonder why I have zip ties on the hooks of main straps to the frame straps. Let’s say a main strap breaks or comes loose, then the frame strap with metal hook loops on them fly out into traffic and into someone’s windshield? It takes 5 seconds or less to put that zip tie on that strap to prevent something bad happening.
Do You Have A Checklist?
We should all have a checklist of things we check when hooking up to a trailer, or some type of load. Having the proper straps, chains, binders, air pressure gauge and torque wrench to check lug nuts on trailers we are pulling. These things usually get overlooked, and can cause huge issues, possibly out on the roads. Make it a habit to check your straps on a regular basis. If they have flaws, then replace them!
What About Your Hitch?
I see these small load weight hitches and these people have them so weighted down they are actually bowing downwards. You know the ones, it’s the hitches you can buy at Walmart for 30 bucks. Maybe that’s the same one you have? It’s fine until you overload it and it breaks on the highway and causes wrecks, or maybe worse. Do you even know what your hitch is rated at? Do you ever take the time to check it over and make sure it’s good, no stress cracks or bowing? In case you are wondering, my bumper hitch is rated for 20,000# overall and tongue weight rating is well over 2500#. So it’s safe to say, my bumper hitch is overkill, but I never have to worry about issues with it. Mine is pictured below here.
Do You Ever Check Your Mirrors?
Check your mirrors constantly. By using our mirrors on a regular basis. Never be the person that never looks back at the load they are pulling or hauling. Don’t be that person that has no idea when they lose something. And for goodness sakes, take the jacks off of your trailers that use detent pins. Come on, these rough road can and will sake those detent pins right out and now you have a missile flying out into traffic and possibly right through someone’s windshield.
It’s sad how many people hauling stuff or pulling something down the roads, driving well over the speed limits, their load isn’t strapped anywhere near what it should be, and often times you can actually see it moving around. Hauling stuff or pulling something up and down the public roads is a responsibility. So be responsible and strap your loads properly.
Check Lug Nuts, Air Pressures and Safety Chains
Check your lug nuts and air pressures. How many people “Hook and Go”? Hook and go is the ones that back up to something and hook up and go, they take off and never check anything on what they are pulling. Yeah, you know the ones! You’ve seen them over and over just as I have. Have they ever thought that maybe they should check the lug nuts to make sure they’re right? And what about the trailer tires air pressures? You see, some folks don’t realize that low air pressures in tires is an automatic tire failure, especially in hot weather.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be on the side of the highway with issues, like flats or blown out tires because I failed to check the tire pressures. Encase you haven’t noticed, the majority of idiots in the roads nowadays won’t slow down or get over for you or anyone else. These lack of respect people are distracted by their cell phones or other devices, and don’t give two cents about you on the side of the road.
Always do your best,
-Mike Pilcher
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